Citroen C5 Review

Citroen C5

However, the comfort levels are enough to make you forget such shortcomings and there are some thoughtful touches such as the door-pocket illumination that activates when a hand is reached in. The instrument nacelle contains three dials with aircraft-style, annular needs, which run around the outside of a central information screen. It looks impressive and expensive, especially at night.

Both of the test car’s front seats had height adjustment and a backrest that tilts in two places for extra comfort. If that is not enough, the optional Leather Pack adds powered and heated leather seats with an integrated back massager for up to £1,550, depending on the trim level. It also comes as part of the £1,400, Vision Pack, along with Xenon, dual-functional and directional headlamps.

Generally, the cabin feels sophisticated, moving towards the more prestigious, C6 and the fact that they both use the same platform is an indication of the amount of leg- and shoulder-room available.

The C5 is aimed at both fleet and user-choosers - people who tend to spend a lot of time on the roads. As such, the driver benefits from a rake- and reach-adjustable steering column and with the supportive seats, comfort is assured, even on long journeys. The ride is super smooth and quiet thanks to Citroen’s soundproofing efforts, which include an acoustic windscreen, triple door seals and an improved roof lining, amongst other things.

Apart from adding to the relaxing drive, the reduced noise means that the traffic doesn’t compete with the audio system. There are two upgrades available, in place of the standard CD/radio; one is the NaviDrive Pack with RDS/MP3/CD player, satellite-navigation with colour screen, hands-free and a 30GB hard drive, all for £1,300. All of that plus a Philips Hi-Fi system is available on Exclusive models for an extra £1,500.

Which brings me to trim levels, of which there are three; SX, VTR+ and Exclusive. The range is extensive as, if you combine the trims with six engine choices, two of which have the option of an automatic transmission, and there are no less than 15 models.

The petrol-engined 1.8i SX starts the pricing structure at £15,595. Unfortunately, the SX doesn’t allow for any of the option packs so, the only extra is a choice of nine pearlescent or metallic body-colours at £360.

Powered and heated door mirrors are standard, as are air-conditioning with pollen filter, front and rear electric windows, with an anti-pinch feature and cruise control with speed limiter. This latter item is quite important because the C5 has the ability to alter your speed perception making it very easy to find yourself going faster than you should.

Citroen C5