Citroen C5 2.2 HDi 16V 173 Exclusive Saloon review

Overall rating

Citroen has upped its game with the new C5 saloon, aiming the car squarely at the German premium opposition. The previous models were hindered by a reputation for lesser build quality and reliability problems. Citroen hopes the new C5 will arrest those issues while building on the more positive reputation for style and comfort.

French manufacturer Citroen is one that has always been particularly proud of its Gallic heritage, but even it has had to concede that it pays to be German in the D-segment. It's among the many company's fighting to steal business and retail customers away from the big three by claiming to offer an equally premium product.

With the new C5, Citroen has produced a stylish and highly attractive model. A long and elegant wheelbase is accompanied by a low roofline with the trademark and highly distinctive Citroen front end and a clever concave rear window that negates the need for a rear wipre, helping maintain fluid lines. The C5 also sees improvements inside. A soft touch dash has replaced the soulless plastics used in previous models and high-end technologies such as an electronic parking brake, a digital dash and lane departure warning system have trickled down from the executive C6 resulting in a more luxurious D-segment model.

Citroen's Hydractive suspension remains, but there's now the additional option if a conventional steel spring set-up, too. The engine line-up is also varied, with a two petrol and four diesel range culminating in the 2.7-lite V6 diesel unit. In order to bring the model in line with the German competition, much effort has been put into the refining the ride quality and driving experience, with additional soundproofing added and sports settings for the Hydractive suspension and automatic gearboxes.

Trim levels vary from the base specification, but still reasonably well equipped, SX models aimed at the fleet market to the luxurious and executive Exclusive. Equipment levels at the top end are very high and combined with the C5's impressive on-road qualities and good looks certainly give the model more appeal as an executive choice.

Our verdict on the Citroen C5 2.2 HDi 16V 173 Exclusive Saloon

The new C5 is undoubtedly a vast improvement over the old and the higher specification models are certainly closer to the German forerunners in terms of quality and providing an executive feel. Its eye-catching styling offers a refreshing alternative for customers seeking something over and above the more understated German contenders and driving dynamics are excellent. Whether customers will be willing to pay extra for the equipment and toys that brings C5 in line with the premium competition will remain to be seen.

Costs

The C5 starts with a very reasonable asking price, but Citroen's desire for the model to be viewed as an equal to premium German models means the price can rise sharply depending on trim level, engine choice and specification. The 2.2-litre diesel unit offers respectable fuel economy and insurance costs, aided by a high level of safety equipment, should not be extreme.

Space and practicality

A near flat floor means there's plenty of room in the back for three adults but, while tall rear passengers will find legroom copious, the sloping roof might restrict headroom in the back. The boot is of a decent size and all models have folding rear seats and a ski hatch for extra practicality. For a family car, trinket storage bins are small and mostly dotted around the centre console. There's more space in the rear armrest, however, and sensor illuminated door bins are a nice touch.

Controls and display

The C5's digital instrument display is one of the model's highlights. The neatly designed display instantly impresses with its ability to convey information at a glance. Far from gimmicky, it's easy to read, very stylish and backed up by traditional speedometer, rev counter and fuel gauge. The upgraded infotainment system in the centre console is less impressive in terms of ergonomics, with some small and fiddly buttons. The static central hub of the steering wheel also hosts a high number of controls, but these are well positioned and easy to locate and use.

Comfort

As always. Citroen excels itself when it comes to comfort levels within the C5. The excellent ride quality makes the C5 comfortable for both driver and passengers, as does the high level of sound proofing from triple door seals and a reinforced roof lining that helps eliminate road and wind noise. Seats are well bolstered and extremely comfortable and there's even the option of a back massage function for the driver.

Car security

As you'd expect, the C5 has remote central locking and is fully alarmed with deadlocks. It also has the ability to lock itself if left alone for 30 seconds after being unlocked. The C5's laminated windows are able to deal with multiple blows, meaning they won't immediately shatter to allow burglars access.

Car safety

Seven airbags and ESP with traction control is standard kit on the C5, but there are many additional safety devices, too. Swivelling headlights offer a better view of the road ahead, a hill start system is present on most models including the Exclusive tested and so was Citroen's lane departure warning system that vibrates the driver's seat in the event that the vehicle starts to drift across lanes. Safety tests have shown the C5's structure to be particularly crash resistant.

Driver appeal

The C5's Hydractive suspension with auto self-levelling offers an extremely smooth and refined ride, with the sports option firming things up for a more spirited driving experience. The steel spring suspension also available on the lesser specification models offers equally enthusiastic handling while steering is responsive on all models. The 2.2 litre diesel engine, although not as smooth as the larger V6 diesel unit, offers very reasonable performance with smooth acceleration supported by swift and seamless gear changes from the automatic six-speed gearbox.

Family car appeal

The C5 is able to comfortably switch between a family car role and a business tool. Its spacious, accessible and practical design is parent and child friendly and the car is ideally suited to long motorway journeys, making summer holidays a breeze. Naturally, the saloon body is less practical than an estate or hatchback but it's perfectly capable of coping with everyday family luggage requirements.

First car appeal

The C5 is an unlikely choice as a first car, being more suited to business and family use. Although easy to drive and inexpensive to run, new drivers would probably want to consider something smaller.

Quality and image

Citroen makes no secret of the fact that the C5 is the French manufacturer's attempt to rank alongside the German companies in terms of build quality and materials. The higher specification models are certainly an improvement, although it would be a stretch to say they are the equal of premium manufacturers. The lesser specification models are a little plain inside but the C5's attractive and distinctive exterior styling means it has plenty of kerb appeal in all guises.

Accessibility

A long wheelbase means the C5 saloon has four large passenger doors for easy access. Generous legroom also helps make access to the back seats simple.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

The Exclusive version can be specified with high quality Philips NXT speakers, which not only look good with their hexagonal designs, also sound great. Opting for the NaviDrive system will add a 10GB hard drive to the CD, radio and MP3 capabilities of the sound system. The small buttons on the NaviDrive system can make it hard to navigate, but the wheel-mounted buttons are easier to use, as is the standard stereo system. The phone system requires a SIM card to be inserted into the card slot.

Colours and trim

As with most D-Segment saloons the C5 looks better in understated colours, despite its more eccentric styling. Inside, soft touch materials have been used in and around the dash, which certainly adds to the quality feel. Cloth and leather interiors make use of good quality materials and aluminium trim, particularly on the steering wheel, is a nice touch.

Parking

Visibility is generally good around the C5 and reversing not a problem if comfortable with where the boot ends. Reversing sensors are standard on the Exclusive trim level and it's also possible to opt for a system that measures the size of spaces to see if they're large enough for reverse parking.

Spare wheel

Full size steel spare under boot floor.

Range information

Petrol engine options - 1.8-litre (127bhp); 2.0-litre (143bhp). Diesel engine options - 1.6-litre (110bhp); 2.0-litre (138bhp); 2.2-litre (173bhp); 2.7-litre (208bhp); Transmission options: five-speed manual gearbox, six-speed manual gearbox, four-speed sequential auto-adaptive automatic, six-speed sequential auto-adaptive automatic. Trim levels: SX, VTR+, Exclusive.