The latest five-seater from Citroen is proof that the PSA firm can deliver buckets of style at a tempting price. As the new greener VRT changes are almost upon us, Citroen is set to see its fortunes rise thanks in the main to its small capacity diesel engine range.
Twelve Citroen models fall in to the lowest tax band of 'A' (all C1s, diesel C2s, diesels C3s and most diesel C4s) while a further nine cars are in the 'B' tax band. Fleet buyers will be very keen on the latest Mondeo/Passat rival as C5 promises to be a safer bet than the outgoing model in terms of residual values.
C5 features a sculpted exterior that is in some ways homage to BMW design supreme Chris Bangle. The body features creases and curves that cross panel gaps. It is not just BMW styling that is visible but there is also a strong hint of Audi to be seen at the rear three quarters. With such a sophisticated body C5 owners won't feel the need to park around the corner anymore!
Inside the cabin is cosier than the outgoing car, which had one of the biggest passenger cabins in its class. The dash is more driver orientated and the quality of trim and materials is impressive and full of design merit.
Sadly 'Bluetooth' is only an option, as is an iPod connection jack, but the driving aid ESP is standard. Overall C5 is better-equipped euro for euro than most of the competition e.g. cruise control and a speed limiter come as standard as do AFS lights (that light up corners).
Being a Citroen you can get classic Citroen suspension in its latest guise called 'Hydractive III'. It comes with automatic ride height adjustment and is available on the 2 litre HDi and 2.2 HDi. If the magic carpet ride is too quirky for you the standard car comes with conventional steel springs. Either way the ride quality is super.
My test car is the best offering in the range in terms of making the most economic sense, the 1.6 HDi delivers excellent fuel consumption figures while starting at €30,095 now the price will drop to €28,160 on 1 July when it falls into the VRT Tax band 'C'. Riding on steel springs it proved very comfortable.
The engine range is made up of one 1.8 litre (127bhp) petrol unit and a host of diesels, namely a 110bhp 1.6 litre, 138bhp 2.0 litre, 2.2 litre (173bhp) and 2.7 litre V6 with 208bhp. Only the 1.8 petrol and 2.7 HDi will see their prices rise on 1 July, the rest will drop.
Ambience, Dynamic and Exclusive are the trim levels. Citroen predict the mid range 'Dynamic' C5 will be the big seller. As the energy crisis hits fuel costs Citroen also predicts that within two years the fiercely competitive 'D' sector will be made up of 75% diesel and 25% petrol powered cars.
Citroen with the C5 has a car that is both stylish and safe having scored top marks in Euro NCAP crash testing. C4 Picaso, C6 were the first Citroens in quite some time to show again how interesting French cars can be and the latest C5 continues in the same vein.
Michael Sheridan
