We always admired the way Citroëns behaved on the road. We never ceased to be thrilled by the unique capacity of these cars with the « double chevron » to embrace the tarmac or pavement, and yet to float over it, with the graceful movements of a ballerina.

Potholes are taken with the wheels following every millimeter of the chosen track, yet the steering wheel in your hands remains undisturbed. The body of the car hardly moves. Glistening pavement does not cause you to lift your right foot, you rather steer swiftly through any bends even in a dark rainy night, guided as you are by the swiveling headlights.

The C5 continues the good tradition of « la maison », it also is a « déesse », a goddess on the road, never to be disturbed, taking everything in its stride on its majestic high speed trip.

But the unique ride of the C5 is not the end of her story. This time, the styling of the new C5 is bold and elegant, the quality of the chosen materials is impressive, the interior layout is superb and the overall finish inspires confidence. Add to this the enormous know how the PSA concern has acquired in building frugal yet smooth and powerful Diesel engines, and you can guess that the C5 2.0 HDi we tested is an exceptional medium class executive car, with wich we regretted to part with… 

Appealing, inside and out. 

The previous C5 never was very attractive, but the proportions and lines of the new model are a bold departure from the rather bland styling we used to see on Citroen’s later higher middle class saloon(s). The car has the typical waistline of the C6, the bigger wheels which stand out giving the car a taut, solid look. 

The large central speedometer is a constant delight to look at...  

The front and rear end of the car are well treated, evoking exactly the impression of intelligent elegance and style, combined with new found boldness. A styling icon which we like personally is the inward curved rear wind screen, which we came to like so much already on the CX. 

Also the Tourer version of the C5 is in our opinion very convincingly styled. 

The Airco has dual temperature controls and we also mention here the excellent audio installation...  

The same expertly shaped lines and curves are found in the interior. The chromed insets and details in the « exclusive » equipment version our test car create the admosphere of grandeur, opulence, yet solidity and « savoir faire » of a high-tech luxury car builder.

But there is more. The shape of the big round central dial in front of the driver and the big immobile centre of the steering wheel gives the futuristic touch one comes to expect when one slides behind the wheel of a Citroën.

Driving it…

The button in the central console lets you also set the hydractive suspension in "sports" mode...

But the automotive future only really starts unfolding when you start up the smooth Diesel engine, put the car into gear and drive away. Already from the first meters you are overwhelmed by the gracefulness of the body movements, the silk smooth ride. The hydropneumatic suspension is making itself immediately felt, and continues to do so throughout your trip. Comfort and impeccable road control are yours to enjoy, enhanced by the progressively unfolding power of the engine, and the smooth changing manual six speed box. A good seating position is soon found thanks to the electronically adjustable seats, and one is also pleasantly surprised by the good overall visibility, nothwithstanding the high waistline of the C5.

Driving in intence city traffic is effortless thanks to the smooth elasticity of the engine, its excellent torque characteristics and the unerring stability of the car, completely ignoring wet tramrails and potholes.

But on winding country roads and last but not least motorways the car really comes into its own. We drove the car still on snow swept « Autobahnen », and even under these circumstances cruising speeds of well into 150 kph are no effort at all, and puts no strain whatsoever on driver and occupants. The C5 can therefore be put in the premier league of fast to very fast long distance cruising machines. This car makes you want to drive the Europe’s motorways in the very high speed grand touring tradition, if only our lawmakers would allow it…

For the technically interested among us, let us explain that the core suspension system is a highly engineered front double wishbone and multi-link rear suspension. The Hydractive 3+ suspension, can also at a touch of the ‘sport mode’ button, the ultimate in driving excitement. The Hydractive 3+ also guarantees a constant ride height regardless of load or number of passengers – particularly useful for the Tourer.

The ingenuity does not end there. The suspension constantly monitors speed and road conditions, lowering the car at 120 kph to optimise stability and fuel economy.

Creature comfort…

As said, the choice of excellent materials and the opulent yet elegant design of dashboard, controls and seats make you feel good in this limousine. Add to this the impressive leg room for the rear passangers, the dual zone airconditioning and mood lighting in our tested « Executive » version, and you understand that the car is also a class benchmark in terms of creature comfort.

PSA Diesel expertise…  

Still a few words about the smooth 2.0 Hdi engine. It impressed with its vibrationless silence, the excellent torque of 320 Nm available at a mere 2000 rpm. Indeed, the unit needs hardly to be revved to obtain more than ample power. The C5 will accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in under 13 seconds, but it is the good acceleration in the gears which stands out. Of course, a top speed in the region of 200 kph leaves nothing to be desired.

This power ans smoothness is obtained with good economy, taking into account the more than 1,5 tonne kerb weight of the car. We obtained during our test an average consumption well under 8 litres per 100 km, with a good amount of Brussels city traffic thrown in. 

We would be interested to see how the C5 drives with the « standard » suspension, coupled with the even more frugal 1,6 HDI Diesel engine. It might prove to be almost as impressive as this thoroughbred grand tourer !

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We drove the six speed manual version with the 136 hp Diesel engine. A very convincing combination...

The four spoked steering wheel revolves around a fixed center where the essential controls are found...