Car Test
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R0302 | |
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January 2003 |
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| First Drive | Citroen C8 | |
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 2.2HDi Exclusive | |
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Worthy though it was, Citroën’s Synergie grew old gracefully, never quite making the big time, big MPV-wise. But the company’s days of playing second fiddle to the likes of Galaxy, Espace and Previa in this market could be over with the arrival of the seven-seater C8.
The Picasso and Berlingo Multispace are already best sellers in the compact and budget MPV classes; can Citroën make it three in a row with a winner in the full-size MPV sector, too? A glance at the brochure confirms that the newcomer’s specification levels vary from generous to lavish according to model, with the top Exclusive awash with up-market equipment and electronic wizardry. However, they all share in the stylish, safety conscious interior, featuring an unusual sweeping facia design that incorporates three centrally positioned 'Polo mint' instrument dials. A compact information centre arcs above the reach-and-rake adjustable wheel, while the heater controls sit alongside the gear lever that emerges ergonomically from the raised centre console. Column stalks control the remaining functions. Familiarity overcomes initial confusion. It doesn’t improve front seating comfort, though. The chairs themselves are fine, but why must they tilt forward as they’re raised? Our ‘about average’ tester just couldn’t get comfortable at the wheel and there’s no left footrest to help, either. All-round vision is very good, however. The two-litre engines (petrol and diesel) have to work quite hard to propel this weighty load-lugger with any sort of panache, but the 2.2HDi turbo-diesel with lots of torque on tap is well up to the job. Its willing acceleration is combined with smooth revving and quiet cruising. Thanks also to the nifty gearchange, the result is an impressive drive train, with the promise of about 38mpg economy. A firmly controlled, comfortable ride and mid-weight, responsive steering add to the C8’s composed feeling on the road. Cornering roll isn’t excessive and the brakes feel good, too. Neat electric sliding rear side doors give access to the flat-floored interior, in which each individual rear seat can be slid along rails or folded, tumbled or removed in the usual way, to give a huge load area. No clever seat disappearing trick, Zafira-style, here, but getting them in and out is a commendably slick operation. They’re pretty heavy, though. Space is tight for adults in the rearmost pair of seats (or optional three-seater bench), but reasonable kneeroom for all is achievable by negotiation. Nevertheless, most people sit too low for decent thigh support. Foot space and headroom are ample in the mid row, however, and all passengers in SX and Exclusive models are provided with their own climate controllers and sunblinds. Luggage space varies according to how the seats are arranged, of course, but with a full house, travel light. |
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