2009 Citroen C5 reviews

Citroen C5 2.0 Exclusive HDI Auto Tourer 2009

Having had 7 XMs over the years I bought this C5 Tourer from a Citroen dealer last December at just under a year old with 20k. It has been brilliant, with a wonderful ride and no problems except for the most surprising design fault ever in a Citroen...The engine is superbly damped, and this model has an acoustic windscreen and acoustic side windows, so it’s whisper quiet, much quieter than my last XM (and that was quiet), that is up to 30mph. Then wow, does the noise kick in! The noise from the tyres at speeds above 40mph is ASTONISHING. In fact I’d call it a roar. The car is the Exclusive model with 18" alloys and Michelin Primacy tyres. Is this a case of design chic over practicality? My XMs had 15" wheels, and while the 18" look good on the C5, the amount of side wall is not great, so presumably this is where the noise originates. The 19" alloy option must be deafening. The issue was referred to on the Daily Mirror site headlined "CITROEN’S SUSPENSION IS RUINED BY FANCY WHEELS". I don’t agree with this: the suspension is still superb, but it’s the noise that’s the problem. Has anyone else experienced this? It’s so extraordinary to come across this problem in what is otherwise a beautifully refined car. Of course I can drown it out with music, but there are times when one just wants to be quiet!! Any advice welcome.