Citroen C5 1.6 Exclusive THP (A) Review
07 Mar 2011|57,629 views
For starters, I believe the perky and upbeat sentiment of this review must be first justified before we give further mention to the new C5. The first generation C5 was well...hmm...there really is no easy way to put it. It was terrible.
The car seemed doomed from the get go when its designers decided that the blob of clay on the styling table was the way to go for the C5 and that really did the C5 in.
To say that the designers were unimaginative would be harsh so let's just say they were treading about a mile too deep on the safe side. The dead fish expression and the lack of any discernable feature lines on the car made it look about as interesting as spud on a table.
Much like the same lack of emotion one had for a Hyundai back in the day. It was an appliance that existed for the sole purpose of fulfilling a basic function: seats 5, moves from point A to point B in relative comfort. Unfortunately the situation on the inside didn't help the C5 either. The interior suffered from cheap plastics and poor build quality.
But...and that's quite a game changing 'but' by the way, in recent years the French have taken several pointers from their German counterparts to fight their way back into the executive sedan market that's been a Germanic bastion thus far.
The car seemed doomed from the get go when its designers decided that the blob of clay on the styling table was the way to go for the C5 and that really did the C5 in.
To say that the designers were unimaginative would be harsh so let's just say they were treading about a mile too deep on the safe side. The dead fish expression and the lack of any discernable feature lines on the car made it look about as interesting as spud on a table.
Much like the same lack of emotion one had for a Hyundai back in the day. It was an appliance that existed for the sole purpose of fulfilling a basic function: seats 5, moves from point A to point B in relative comfort. Unfortunately the situation on the inside didn't help the C5 either. The interior suffered from cheap plastics and poor build quality.
But...and that's quite a game changing 'but' by the way, in recent years the French have taken several pointers from their German counterparts to fight their way back into the executive sedan market that's been a Germanic bastion thus far.
 |
And the most recent proof of their efforts comes in the form of the latest 1.6-litre C5 you see pictured above.
Exterior
Yes! Things at Citroen have definitely taken on a positive ambience as you can see from the recent models out of Saint-Ouen.
Take for example the highly successful C4 Picasso, one never knew an MPV could be referred to as anything other than a serving of 'boredom' on wheels.
But Citroen took that as a design challenge to create a quirky, elegant MPV that combines practicality and style all in an aesthetically pleasing package.
 |
The C5 is another beneficiary of Citroen's new design flair and is a far cry from its first generation sibling. To continue any reference of the striking C5 to its first generation would border on disrespectful to its designer.
On first encounter, the C5 is quite a lot of car to behold at nearly 4800mm. The designer has done well to camouflage this bulk with the clever use of short overhangs in the front and rear.
The hand that gave lines to this second generation C5 took much inspiration from the likes of Audi and BMW. Giving the C5 graceful elegant feature lines that bring attention to its long graceful body contours while at the same time giving it a sharp masculine expression.
It seems the best angle in which to take in the C5 is in the front where the attractive grille and sweeping headlamps have given the C5 a sleek, shark-like expression. The Citroen insignia has also been cleverly incorporated into the bonnet to keep things simple yet beautifully elegant.
The lines that flow from the sweeping headlamps continue smoothly along the flanks to blend beautifully into the abrupt rear end. Here in the rear, the lines are kept sharp and angular as sort of a quiet homage to the first generation C5.
A design feature that we found interesting was the slightly concave windshield that the C5 shares with its much larger flagship C6 sibling. The C5 gets a quartet of 18 inch Atlantique alloys to compliment its chic executive exterior.
On first encounter, the C5 is quite a lot of car to behold at nearly 4800mm. The designer has done well to camouflage this bulk with the clever use of short overhangs in the front and rear.
The hand that gave lines to this second generation C5 took much inspiration from the likes of Audi and BMW. Giving the C5 graceful elegant feature lines that bring attention to its long graceful body contours while at the same time giving it a sharp masculine expression.
It seems the best angle in which to take in the C5 is in the front where the attractive grille and sweeping headlamps have given the C5 a sleek, shark-like expression. The Citroen insignia has also been cleverly incorporated into the bonnet to keep things simple yet beautifully elegant.
The lines that flow from the sweeping headlamps continue smoothly along the flanks to blend beautifully into the abrupt rear end. Here in the rear, the lines are kept sharp and angular as sort of a quiet homage to the first generation C5.
A design feature that we found interesting was the slightly concave windshield that the C5 shares with its much larger flagship C6 sibling. The C5 gets a quartet of 18 inch Atlantique alloys to compliment its chic executive exterior.
Interior
On the inside, the C5 has made giant leaps in its build quality and interior refinement over the last generation. That said, the dashboard does lack a sense of imagination due to the use of a sombre gray on the lower half portion which seems to dampen the overall mood of the interior.
The seats in the C5 are a hybrid of leather and fabric which gives it a unique aesthetic quality. The driver's seat feels comfortable and supportive in the right places which made driving the C5 for the entire day forgettable. In recent memory, Citroen has taken to using the unique steering wheel which keeps its centre stationary while the rest of the wheel turns.
During our test drive, I was hardpressed not to spend too much time pondering on how the centre remains stationary while the rest of the wheel turns. Ahead of the oddball steering wheel sits the simple yet informative and clearly defined instrument panel.
The centre console is a combination of itemss sourced from the Peugeot-Citroen parts bin which gives the interior a familiar touch. Though the general build quality of the interior has been lifted, the plastic surround used on the centre console does have a tendency to fade over time as in past models.
The rear bench is reasonably spacious with plenty of legroom even with a tall driver in the front seat. Though most impressive is the rather large boot capacity. If more space is needed, the 60/40 split folding seats will avail even more space with the seats folding completely flat.
On the inside, the C5 has made giant leaps in its build quality and interior refinement over the last generation. That said, the dashboard does lack a sense of imagination due to the use of a sombre gray on the lower half portion which seems to dampen the overall mood of the interior.
The seats in the C5 are a hybrid of leather and fabric which gives it a unique aesthetic quality. The driver's seat feels comfortable and supportive in the right places which made driving the C5 for the entire day forgettable. In recent memory, Citroen has taken to using the unique steering wheel which keeps its centre stationary while the rest of the wheel turns.
During our test drive, I was hardpressed not to spend too much time pondering on how the centre remains stationary while the rest of the wheel turns. Ahead of the oddball steering wheel sits the simple yet informative and clearly defined instrument panel.
The centre console is a combination of itemss sourced from the Peugeot-Citroen parts bin which gives the interior a familiar touch. Though the general build quality of the interior has been lifted, the plastic surround used on the centre console does have a tendency to fade over time as in past models.
The rear bench is reasonably spacious with plenty of legroom even with a tall driver in the front seat. Though most impressive is the rather large boot capacity. If more space is needed, the 60/40 split folding seats will avail even more space with the seats folding completely flat.
 |
The Drive
Hidden under the handsome bonnet is the wonderful 1.6-litre Prince powerplant that was borne from the Peugeot-Citroen alliance together with help from the Bavarians (BMW). This fantastic powerplant has seen reliable use in a plethora of Peugeot and Citroen models. No surprise then that the little Prince is found powering the C5 as well.
The C5 gets 156bhp and 240Nm of torque from its 1.6-litre twin scroll unit and completes the century sprint in a smidge under 10 seconds.
On the roads, it's clear that the C5 was built to eat up long distances with complete ease. This isn't a car to be hurried as the engine can get quite agricultural when pushed. Driven gently, the C5 displays excellent refinement in its ride comfort.
The incredible hydropneumatic suspension or Hydractive III always manages to smooth out even the worse bumps on the roads.
Hidden under the handsome bonnet is the wonderful 1.6-litre Prince powerplant that was borne from the Peugeot-Citroen alliance together with help from the Bavarians (BMW). This fantastic powerplant has seen reliable use in a plethora of Peugeot and Citroen models. No surprise then that the little Prince is found powering the C5 as well.
The C5 gets 156bhp and 240Nm of torque from its 1.6-litre twin scroll unit and completes the century sprint in a smidge under 10 seconds.
On the roads, it's clear that the C5 was built to eat up long distances with complete ease. This isn't a car to be hurried as the engine can get quite agricultural when pushed. Driven gently, the C5 displays excellent refinement in its ride comfort.
The incredible hydropneumatic suspension or Hydractive III always manages to smooth out even the worse bumps on the roads.
Together with the impressive sound insulation that keeps out road and wind noise to great effect, the car exudes an almost limousine quality.
On twisty roads, a button just below the gearshift allows you to firm up the suspension for a spot of lock to lock action. Though the ride does firm up noticeably, the C5 still doesn't match the dynamic qualities of a 3-series with its heft felt distinctly in a tight turn. Steering too could've been a little heavier to inspire greater confidence when taking on the twisty bits.
Conclusion
The new C5 presents itself to be a rather tempting proposition over its German counterparts with its comparable build quality and attractive design. Coupled with its affordability and the lower road tax of its 1.6-litre engine, you can expect to see more Citroens on the roads soon.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
On twisty roads, a button just below the gearshift allows you to firm up the suspension for a spot of lock to lock action. Though the ride does firm up noticeably, the C5 still doesn't match the dynamic qualities of a 3-series with its heft felt distinctly in a tight turn. Steering too could've been a little heavier to inspire greater confidence when taking on the twisty bits.
Conclusion
The new C5 presents itself to be a rather tempting proposition over its German counterparts with its comparable build quality and attractive design. Coupled with its affordability and the lower road tax of its 1.6-litre engine, you can expect to see more Citroens on the roads soon.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
For starters, I believe the perky and upbeat sentiment of this review must be first justified before we give further mention to the new C5. The first generation C5 was well...hmm...there really is no easy way to put it. It was terrible.
The car seemed doomed from the get go when its designers decided that the blob of clay on the styling table was the way to go for the C5 and that really did the C5 in.
To say that the designers were unimaginative would be harsh so let's just say they were treading about a mile too deep on the safe side. The dead fish expression and the lack of any discernable feature lines on the car made it look about as interesting as spud on a table.
Much like the same lack of emotion one had for a Hyundai back in the day. It was an appliance that existed for the sole purpose of fulfilling a basic function: seats 5, moves from point A to point B in relative comfort. Unfortunately the situation on the inside didn't help the C5 either. The interior suffered from cheap plastics and poor build quality.
But...and that's quite a game changing 'but' by the way, in recent years the French have taken several pointers from their German counterparts to fight their way back into the executive sedan market that's been a Germanic bastion thus far.
The car seemed doomed from the get go when its designers decided that the blob of clay on the styling table was the way to go for the C5 and that really did the C5 in.
To say that the designers were unimaginative would be harsh so let's just say they were treading about a mile too deep on the safe side. The dead fish expression and the lack of any discernable feature lines on the car made it look about as interesting as spud on a table.
Much like the same lack of emotion one had for a Hyundai back in the day. It was an appliance that existed for the sole purpose of fulfilling a basic function: seats 5, moves from point A to point B in relative comfort. Unfortunately the situation on the inside didn't help the C5 either. The interior suffered from cheap plastics and poor build quality.
But...and that's quite a game changing 'but' by the way, in recent years the French have taken several pointers from their German counterparts to fight their way back into the executive sedan market that's been a Germanic bastion thus far.
|
And the most recent proof of their efforts comes in the form of the latest 1.6-litre C5 you see pictured above.
Exterior
Yes! Things at Citroen have definitely taken on a positive ambience as you can see from the recent models out of Saint-Ouen.
Take for example the highly successful C4 Picasso, one never knew an MPV could be referred to as anything other than a serving of 'boredom' on wheels.
But Citroen took that as a design challenge to create a quirky, elegant MPV that combines practicality and style all in an aesthetically pleasing package.
|
The C5 is another beneficiary of Citroen's new design flair and is a far cry from its first generation sibling. To continue any reference of the striking C5 to its first generation would border on disrespectful to its designer.
On first encounter, the C5 is quite a lot of car to behold at nearly 4800mm. The designer has done well to camouflage this bulk with the clever use of short overhangs in the front and rear.
The hand that gave lines to this second generation C5 took much inspiration from the likes of Audi and BMW. Giving the C5 graceful elegant feature lines that bring attention to its long graceful body contours while at the same time giving it a sharp masculine expression.
It seems the best angle in which to take in the C5 is in the front where the attractive grille and sweeping headlamps have given the C5 a sleek, shark-like expression. The Citroen insignia has also been cleverly incorporated into the bonnet to keep things simple yet beautifully elegant.
The lines that flow from the sweeping headlamps continue smoothly along the flanks to blend beautifully into the abrupt rear end. Here in the rear, the lines are kept sharp and angular as sort of a quiet homage to the first generation C5.
A design feature that we found interesting was the slightly concave windshield that the C5 shares with its much larger flagship C6 sibling. The C5 gets a quartet of 18 inch Atlantique alloys to compliment its chic executive exterior.
On first encounter, the C5 is quite a lot of car to behold at nearly 4800mm. The designer has done well to camouflage this bulk with the clever use of short overhangs in the front and rear.
The hand that gave lines to this second generation C5 took much inspiration from the likes of Audi and BMW. Giving the C5 graceful elegant feature lines that bring attention to its long graceful body contours while at the same time giving it a sharp masculine expression.
It seems the best angle in which to take in the C5 is in the front where the attractive grille and sweeping headlamps have given the C5 a sleek, shark-like expression. The Citroen insignia has also been cleverly incorporated into the bonnet to keep things simple yet beautifully elegant.
The lines that flow from the sweeping headlamps continue smoothly along the flanks to blend beautifully into the abrupt rear end. Here in the rear, the lines are kept sharp and angular as sort of a quiet homage to the first generation C5.
A design feature that we found interesting was the slightly concave windshield that the C5 shares with its much larger flagship C6 sibling. The C5 gets a quartet of 18 inch Atlantique alloys to compliment its chic executive exterior.
Interior
On the inside, the C5 has made giant leaps in its build quality and interior refinement over the last generation. That said, the dashboard does lack a sense of imagination due to the use of a sombre gray on the lower half portion which seems to dampen the overall mood of the interior.
The seats in the C5 are a hybrid of leather and fabric which gives it a unique aesthetic quality. The driver's seat feels comfortable and supportive in the right places which made driving the C5 for the entire day forgettable. In recent memory, Citroen has taken to using the unique steering wheel which keeps its centre stationary while the rest of the wheel turns.
During our test drive, I was hardpressed not to spend too much time pondering on how the centre remains stationary while the rest of the wheel turns. Ahead of the oddball steering wheel sits the simple yet informative and clearly defined instrument panel.
The centre console is a combination of itemss sourced from the Peugeot-Citroen parts bin which gives the interior a familiar touch. Though the general build quality of the interior has been lifted, the plastic surround used on the centre console does have a tendency to fade over time as in past models.
The rear bench is reasonably spacious with plenty of legroom even with a tall driver in the front seat. Though most impressive is the rather large boot capacity. If more space is needed, the 60/40 split folding seats will avail even more space with the seats folding completely flat.
On the inside, the C5 has made giant leaps in its build quality and interior refinement over the last generation. That said, the dashboard does lack a sense of imagination due to the use of a sombre gray on the lower half portion which seems to dampen the overall mood of the interior.
The seats in the C5 are a hybrid of leather and fabric which gives it a unique aesthetic quality. The driver's seat feels comfortable and supportive in the right places which made driving the C5 for the entire day forgettable. In recent memory, Citroen has taken to using the unique steering wheel which keeps its centre stationary while the rest of the wheel turns.
During our test drive, I was hardpressed not to spend too much time pondering on how the centre remains stationary while the rest of the wheel turns. Ahead of the oddball steering wheel sits the simple yet informative and clearly defined instrument panel.
The centre console is a combination of itemss sourced from the Peugeot-Citroen parts bin which gives the interior a familiar touch. Though the general build quality of the interior has been lifted, the plastic surround used on the centre console does have a tendency to fade over time as in past models.
The rear bench is reasonably spacious with plenty of legroom even with a tall driver in the front seat. Though most impressive is the rather large boot capacity. If more space is needed, the 60/40 split folding seats will avail even more space with the seats folding completely flat.
|
The Drive
Hidden under the handsome bonnet is the wonderful 1.6-litre Prince powerplant that was borne from the Peugeot-Citroen alliance together with help from the Bavarians (BMW). This fantastic powerplant has seen reliable use in a plethora of Peugeot and Citroen models. No surprise then that the little Prince is found powering the C5 as well.
The C5 gets 156bhp and 240Nm of torque from its 1.6-litre twin scroll unit and completes the century sprint in a smidge under 10 seconds.
On the roads, it's clear that the C5 was built to eat up long distances with complete ease. This isn't a car to be hurried as the engine can get quite agricultural when pushed. Driven gently, the C5 displays excellent refinement in its ride comfort.
The incredible hydropneumatic suspension or Hydractive III always manages to smooth out even the worse bumps on the roads.
Hidden under the handsome bonnet is the wonderful 1.6-litre Prince powerplant that was borne from the Peugeot-Citroen alliance together with help from the Bavarians (BMW). This fantastic powerplant has seen reliable use in a plethora of Peugeot and Citroen models. No surprise then that the little Prince is found powering the C5 as well.
The C5 gets 156bhp and 240Nm of torque from its 1.6-litre twin scroll unit and completes the century sprint in a smidge under 10 seconds.
On the roads, it's clear that the C5 was built to eat up long distances with complete ease. This isn't a car to be hurried as the engine can get quite agricultural when pushed. Driven gently, the C5 displays excellent refinement in its ride comfort.
The incredible hydropneumatic suspension or Hydractive III always manages to smooth out even the worse bumps on the roads.
Together with the impressive sound insulation that keeps out road and wind noise to great effect, the car exudes an almost limousine quality.
On twisty roads, a button just below the gearshift allows you to firm up the suspension for a spot of lock to lock action. Though the ride does firm up noticeably, the C5 still doesn't match the dynamic qualities of a 3-series with its heft felt distinctly in a tight turn. Steering too could've been a little heavier to inspire greater confidence when taking on the twisty bits.
Conclusion
The new C5 presents itself to be a rather tempting proposition over its German counterparts with its comparable build quality and attractive design. Coupled with its affordability and the lower road tax of its 1.6-litre engine, you can expect to see more Citroens on the roads soon.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
On twisty roads, a button just below the gearshift allows you to firm up the suspension for a spot of lock to lock action. Though the ride does firm up noticeably, the C5 still doesn't match the dynamic qualities of a 3-series with its heft felt distinctly in a tight turn. Steering too could've been a little heavier to inspire greater confidence when taking on the twisty bits.
Conclusion
The new C5 presents itself to be a rather tempting proposition over its German counterparts with its comparable build quality and attractive design. Coupled with its affordability and the lower road tax of its 1.6-litre engine, you can expect to see more Citroens on the roads soon.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Car Information
Citroen C5 1.6 Exclusive THP (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.7km/L
Horsepower
116kW (156 bhp)
Torque
240 Nm
Acceleration
9.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Citroen C5
Thank You For Your Subscription.
