Citroen C5 (2001-2008) Review

On the road

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The C5 is a big, wide car and initially feels it, but once you've acclimatised, it no longer feels cumbersome thanks to its precise, responsive, if rather light, steering. Big windows and a high seating position give a good view, helped by the optional parking sensors; front sensors are now available as well. The brakes, accelerator and clutch operate with an accurate, consistent action which makes the C5 easy to drive smoothly, though the clutch action can be abrupt in the diesels. Despite its high technology and feature-count, the Citroen doesn't bamboozle its driver with banks of buttons: the controls are simply and clearly laid out. The C5's suspension and steering make it a fluid and responsive machine that's a real pleasure to drive, with excellent grip and handling balance. The Hydractive 3 suspension, lowered slightly over that of the earlier C5s, sharpens responses and firms the ride if you're driving with vigour, having analysed the car's dynamics over the previous minute or so. Alternatively you can engage the suspension's Sport setting, but there's little need.

The range-topping 3.0 V6 is smooth and powerful, but later versions only came with the six-speed Tiptronic-style auto gearbox, which isn't particularly quick to respond in fully-auto mode. The new 2.0i 16v petrol engine (which replaces the former HPi) is a good all-rounder, with strong in-gear acceleration and mid-range pull; the 1.8i is adequate but workaday. The diesels are the more appealing options, though, with the new 2.0 HDI (138bhp) the pick of the bunch with its six-speed manual gearbox; the 2.2 HDI is auto-only and makes a good motorway cruiser. The economical 1.6 HDi is a little underpowered in such a big, heavy car.