Citroen, it seems is on a bit of a roll. Not only have they become one of the greenest manufacturers, but it seems they're also starting to grasp basic design too. The previous C5 was hardly a show stopper; its bland design coupled with a shoddy interior and poor build quality. So what took so long? ( Reuters )
Whatever the reason, it has been worth the wait. Citroen is making a lot of references to the Germans; having taken a fairly large leaf from the books of Audi and BMW when designing the car. Its advertising slogan even states "Unmistakably German" but "made in France" in small type. And to its credit, the C5 is striking. It has a much sleeker profile, but the real head turner is the front, where the C5 has been given a large attractive grille and sweeping headlamps, while the Citroen badge flows into the bonnet line, in keeping with the new Citroen corporate style. It is no longer difficult to picture this car in the same bracket as the likes of the BMW 3 series and Ford Mondeo, and other than the price - which is hugely competitive; ranging from $15,600 to $24,000 - the previous car is a distant memory.
Certainly when you first step into the new C5 it has the feeling of something much more expensive. The whole cabin has been superbly put together with soft touch plastics and a smart leather steering wheel, the centre of which doesn't move - housing all the function buttons - whilst the wheel itself rotates around it. Exclusive models get soft leather seats with massage function too - a first for any car in this segment. The rear is not quite as spacious as its rivals though; if you put anyone over six-foot in the driving seat, rear leg room is compromised and would become uncomfortable over a long journey. However, for small trips there is enough space for four adults and a child, and the boot space is substantial too.
The C5 makes an excellent motorway companion, and the well-built cabin doesn't let in much wind or road noise. The Hydractive suspension tackles bumps and lumps in a limousine-like fashion, while avoiding the wallowy feeling associated with traditional hydro-pneumatic systems. The steering could be a little heavier for more confidence into corners and although it handles well, it isn't as agile as a 3-series.
There is a range of engines to choose from, but we think the real peach is the 2.2-litre HDi, which provides a good balance of torque and economy (43.5mpg). The added bonus is that this model also comes with Citroen's Self-levelling Hydractive suspension as standard. There's little fault to be found with the standard steel spring suspension, which you'll get with the smaller engines, however you do get exceptional levels of refinement and comfort with this set up. If you're looking for something a bit meatier though, the 2.7-litre V6 is quick, but is coupled with an auto 'box only.
On the whole then, the C5 gets a firm thumbs up. It doesn't quite have the prestige of a BMW or the spaciousness of the Mondeo, but you can't grumble at that price tag.