The new Citroen C5 is a well built family car offering a supple ride. Citroen have realistic chances of competing with its major rivals with this modern, classy model.

The UK market will have six engines to choose from – two petrols and four diesels. Those who opt for the petrol will be presented with the choice between the 1.8- and 2.0-litre but the popular choice will no doubt be one of the diesels – ranging from the 1.6- to the 2.7-litre V6. The diesels offer excellent economy and the 2.0 HDi is the best of the bunch. The essence is very much on economy but the C5 will more than cater for most drivers’ needs.

The new C5 comes with the choice of two suspensions; the adjustable Hydractive 3+ hydropneumatic system has been used in Citroen’s larger vehicles for many years or the conventional steel springs. The ride is supple on both suspension but the steel springs are silkier. Road grip is very, very good and the Comfort mode offers a sublime drive.

Citroen has recently decided to market itself in a very Germanic way but for this to work it has to match the famous German brands in quality and reliability. The interior is engaging, the material used of a high quality, it all looks and feels first-class. One of the most noticeable and impressive features of the new C5 is the almost complete lack of road and wind-noise. The steel suspension will be popular with the fleet sector. The C5 is an extremely well-made, robust and quiet car.

There are a minimum of seven airbags, stability control, traction control (ESP) plus a lane departure warning system as standard across the C5 range. Rear side airbags are optional. EuroNCAP awarded the new C5 with five stars for adult occupation, four stars for child occupation and two stars for pedestrian protection.

The C5 saloon’s rear seats can be folded flat to offer more load capacity while headroom and legroom is ample for four adult passengers, five is a slight squeeze. The C5 is now a saloon rather than a hatchback and some flexibility has been lost.

Citroen hopes that the new C5 will have better residual values than the older model (they are aiming for a 10% increase). It is only slightly more expensive than the older model and running costs should be relatively inexpensive. The C5 should become a more attractive leasing option.
Submitted: 17/06/2008 15:07:08
2.0 diesel TS2 - The Mazda 6 is a competent performer that handles well. Quality interior and solid feel further add to give the newer model a more substantial feel. Auto-dimming rear view mirror fitted as standard is a real bonus. A strong contract hire and PCP contender.... read more
1.8 Petrol Edge - The Mondeo Edge is sophisticated and affordable. It has an array of creature comforts and technology. It delivers just about everything you would expect from a family car.... read more
2.0 Tdi - Overall this is a good car, extremely fast but at times the ride can be hard. The inside is huge and safety and security is excellent.... read more
2.0 CRD - The Dodge Avenger looks pretty good and is generous with space. The Avenger will divide opinions; some will love it........ read more
Bluemotion 1.9TDi - One of the biggest selling cars in the business sector is the VW Passat and now the maker has introduced its Bluemotion to the line-up. Offering big savings in fuel economy and reduced emissions over previous models on paper, how will our VW Passat saloon test car get on?... read more
- You get a lot of car for your money with the Skoda Superb. An enormous saloon that is best powered by the 2.8-litre V6 petrol and the 2.0-litre 140bhp TDI diesel engines. Skoda has produced a supreme bargain.... read more
Aixam-Mega | Alfa Romeo | Aston Martin | Audi | Bentley | BMW | Cadillac | Caterham | Chevrolet | Chrysler | Citroen | Daihatsu | Dodge | Elettrica | Ferrari | Fiat | Ford | Honda | Hummer | Hyundai | Infiniti | Isuzu | Jaguar | Jeep | Kia | Lamborghini | Land Rover | Lexus | Lotus | Maserati | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz | Micro-Vett | Mini | Mitsubishi | Nissan | Peugeot | Porsche | Proton | Renault | Reva | Roewe | Saab | Sakura | SEAT | Skoda | Smart | SsangYong | Subaru | Suzuki | Toyota | TVR | Vauxhall | Volkswagen | Volvo |