WE LIKE
1. Stylish looks and interior
2. Price
3. Limousine-like ride
WE DON'T LIKE
1. Not as much rear leg room as expected
2. Handling is a little dull
3. n/a
Citroen, it seems, is on a bit of a roll. Not only have they become one of the greenest manufacturers, but they're also starting to design some really good-looking cars. The previous C5 was hardly a show stopper; its lump-of -plasticine design was coupled with a shoddy interior and poor build quality.
This generation is a quantum leap forward. 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. 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 current brand 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 remains competitive with its rivals - 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 while the wheel itself rotates around it. Exclusive models get soft leather seats with massage function too - a first for a 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 shorter trips there is plenty of space for four adults, and the boot is substantial.
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 2.0-litre HDi, which provides a good balance of torque and economy (50.4mpg). 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.
On the whole, 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. And thankfully that part isn't very German at all.
Average
User reviews (15)
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Mr B30 October 2009
Ive had 2 of these & they are superb. The quality is really high and the ride is good in springs or phneumatic. Its the quietest car this side of an S-Class Merc. 2.0HDi is the pick of the bunch and is soon to be uprated to 160Hp as standard. I also liked the Mondeo, but The C5 is just that bit different.
Report as inappropriateMr Dickinson03 February 2010
I've got a 1.6HDi on an 08 Plate, its just had to have a new engine as the cylinder head keeps cracking, this car is comfy and has lots of toys but the German feel stays there, reliability and engine quality are rubbish, avoid the 1.6. I'm going to get rid ASAP - ****Avoid this car****
Report as inappropriateHoward bache (HB)03 February 2010
I cant disagree with Mr Dickinson, MORE. Ive had my 08 reg C5 1.6hdi vtr+ since June 09....It is absolutely superb.I was concerned that the 1.6 maybe under powered...Not at all.The car is stunning to look at,people are always passing comments on what a good looking car it is.Its quiet and comfortable. only 4 star as the fuel consumption is not as good as I expected. Other than,a that tremendous car. My next one will be an Exclusive.(oh yes! im staying with Citroen) Dont avoid..enjoy!
Report as inappropriateMark Jurkiewicz28 March 2010
I have a 58 plate 2.0L tourer which replaced a 08 Mondeo 2.0 TDCI estate. By comparison the Mondeo was a tractor. The C5 is a generation and half ahead on refinement. It's the little things that I noticed, like the interior lighting; very bright, but not a hint of dazzle unlike the Mondeo, and the vanity lights on the mirrors are purpose made jobs not something raided from the parts bin. OK , so it is not as sharp in it's handling as some other cars, but it never seems to run out of grip, you just need faith, If it's refinement you're looking for, then this is your car. It is virtually silent on the move. Road, engine and wind noise are extremely low. I have never experienced anything like it in a family car. I'm really glad that Citroen included a digital speedometer to supplement the analogue instrument as it's far easer to determine your speed at a glance. Some say the dash layout is confusing but I honestly believe that motoring journalists feel they need to say this because it's a Citroen and they need to find some fault. Citroen do things differently thank goodness. Gadgets, or what I prefer to call driver aids are in abundance and all are useful. As for long distance comfort; four hours solid in the driving seat and I got out without a single ache. The seats are soft but supportive with plenty of adjustment. The dual zone climate control is just fine too. One side can be hot and the other ice cold unlike Mr Fords offering which only gives a few degrees of difference between the 2 zones. Fuel economy is on the money at the late 30's around down but on the motorway at a constant 70 is in the mid 50's Yes, I did say that. The car is not such a load lugger as the previous C5 estate or the Mondeo but it is a welcome change from the vast raft of "me too" cars that travel our roads.
Report as inappropriateR D Breckell27 May 2010
I own one of the "older" C5 (55 plate LX) and want to trade in for one of the "new" C5 (08 onwards). As I have a bad back I would like one fitted with the comfort setting on the hydractive suspension as you mentioned in your drive test. (The cobbled road test was very impressive). I have scoured the net endlessly to try and find out which models are fitted with this option to no avail. Talking to a main dealer sales-person has proved a waste of time unless I want "mood lighting" or "extra chrome fittings" etc. Can you help?
Report as inappropriateMILES CHETTLE02 July 2010
JUST PURCHASED A 2010 VTR+SAT 160 ,WHAT A CAR SMOOTH, QUIET, AND WHAT GREAT PERFORMANCE TEST DROVE A MONDEO TITANIUM X 2.2 FELT LIKE A TRACTOR AGAINST THE CITROEN ,I JUST LOVE THIS CITROEN.
Report as inappropriateIan17 August 2010
The old one from 2001-2006 was better and it had a better styling, this looks too boring, too German.
Report as inappropriateIan Guy02 September 2010
I have had a 58 plate 1.6 hdi tourer from new which is now approaching 70k. The good points first as i see them, very comfortable, good looking , perfomance is good for the little 1.6 it pulls well, resonable econ average 43 mpg, it has lots of kit to keep u happy, dual climate,directonal lights,auto lights,cruise control etc the sort of kit u would find on a highish spec BMW ! On to the bad and what can only be descibed as dangerous, from about 50k i have had a warning light flash stating " depolution system faulty" this comes without warning and u momentarily loose power ! Its been back to Citreon plug it in and say its been reset and it should be ok. Now to the really worrying, at 67k the fault lght comes on whilst driving and I loose all power, engine,brake servo,power steering luckily i was only doing 25mph in traffic and I managed to coast to side of the rd.The engine did restart again and I resume driving only to have it happen again 5 mins later at which point I call the AA. AA man plugs his fault finder in does a forced regen ! (whatever that is ! } and advise a main dealer visit. Citreon plug it in and the technician reports it needs a new relay, of which Citreon say there has been other reported problems with. {nice of them to let u know hey ! } As more cars reach this sort of mileage with the same fault they may recall. Oh and I find it wears the Michelin rubber very quick, think i am on my 4th set at the drive wheels.
Report as inappropriateGeoff Towers15 October 2010
I have recently bought a 2009 C5 Exclusive and traded in my old C5 (2005) which I had from new. I love this car, it's stylish and great to drive, but I have one major gripe which I have taken up with Citroen dealer. The 'Economy Mode'. This system cuts in (or is it out ! ) within 4 minutes of turning the engine off, and upon getting into the car it is alway in the economy mode. This means that when parked or waiting to pick someone up, I can't operate the radio, CD player or operate the windows without running the engine. I have taken this up with the dealer who tell me it's to save the battery, but what about saving the engine and fuel that have to be used just to listen to the radio. I have today asked for it to be disabled and if the battery goes flat while I listen to Take That on the radio, I'll call the RAC. Anyone else had this problem ?
Report as inappropriatejohn mc namee07 December 2010
this is my 2nd c5 had a 05 from new & like Ian had problems with particle filter @ 75,000 miles went to main garage quoted £800 + to have it replaced went to another they took it of & washed it out @ £80.00 did not solve problem went back found out a cable from fuel tank was broken problem solved. i have bought 1 year old exclusive 2litre 138bhp just paid £48.00 to have r/h headlamp bulb replaced & £130 to have rear inner brake pads fitted @ 21,000 miles great looking & driving car. these cars are worth every penny spent on them. yes goeff gets on your t=ts but keep driving .
Report as inappropriatezixy1315 December 2010
Cool car!!!
Report as inappropriatezixy1315 December 2010
car is very unusual and accessible than many in the class!
Report as inappropriateLes Sims17 November 2011
The post 2008 C5 is a great car ruined by the idiotic "Economy Mode" which shuts down all electrics unless the engine is running. You cannot therefore listen to the radio, open or close a window, use interior lights, check the temperature, or check the time unless you start the engine. No car that I have previously owned has had such a stupid system. Citroen cannot or will not make any adjustments. Don't buy this car. It will drive you round the bend!
Report as inappropriateJim28 November 2011
I had a citroen c4 grand picasso vtr+ and this too had the stupid economy mode in what a pain in the a**e idea was going to purchase a c5 not so sure now
Report as inappropriatemartin robson31 January 2012
Citreon C5 tourer 58 plate 2.0d. Lovely looking car and a very comfotable ride when its behaving. However, my experience has been that it is frustratingly unreliable. New clutch at 30,000. Ongoing gearbox issues - very difficult to get from 1st into 2nd gear. sometimes impossible to get into reverse. Drivers side window dropped out. numerous and repeated air con issues. rear and front brakes replaced at 26,000 - disks and pads. 8 visits to the main dealer in as many months. Unlucky or typically citreon?
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