Citroen C5 Exclusive; Review

 

In terms of automobile design the French manufacturer Citroen are obvious standouts. Take their DS of the 70s, it was not only space age in terms of looks, but its engineering elements were way advanced for the era.

That car was long admired by owners and industry commentators alike, and you can't help but wonder if it was the model that Citroen, as a company, took inspiration from when they designed the C5.

The C5 isn't new but it has just had a recent upgrade, and with its distinctive double-chevron symbol set amidst wide chrome strips across the front, it looks remarkably different to the version it replaces. The entire car is long and sleek, rounded across the top much like the old DS, the shape almost radical and advanced, a design philosophy Citroen adhere to, almost as if their future depends on it.

The C5 is a full size five-seater sedan and it sits in the premium price range starting out at $42,990 in four-cylinder, 2-litre form. There are various models in the range, petrol and diesel powered; the range-topper, a V6-engined model, lists at $59,990. It was this car that was made available for a week's evaluation, and at the end of my time with it I had warmed to its eccentricities and idiosyncrasies, saying that in the politest possible way.

Given its upmarket price tag, the V6 Exclusive sits well towards the luxury market and it makes no pretenses. It is fitted with full leather trim and a host of specification that caters for its target market, in terms of safety and convenience.

Topping that list is dual zone climate control, fully electric operating systems, cruise control and speed limiter, central locking with remote (alarm and immobiliser), high powered six-CD audio, variable intermittent wipers (rain sensitive), tilt and reach-adjustable steering column, automatic lights (also directional), and trip computer which forms part of a multi-function display that includes audio, time, climate and temperature data.

For safety the big C5 gets a host of electronic safety systems such as traction and stability control networks, all linked to the ABS, while inside there are five full overshoulder seat belts and no fewer than seven air bags.

Comfort levels are high, there is a large amount of space in which to spread out, the seats are soft yet supportive, up front they are electrically adjustable and have built in warmers, great for Canterbury winters.

The C5 travels serenely, it is quiet, the occupants well cocooned in a prestige environment, the ride is soft (as you would expect from Citroen), thanks to hydraulic, height-adjustable suspension which they call Hydractive.

Hydractive switches the suspension settings from comfort to sports modes according to the road surface, vehicle speed and driving style. The driver can override the system by activating the firmer sports mode manually. The switch is situated mid-console just forward of the handbrake lever, it sits in the middle of a ride-height adjuster where ground clearance can be increased by 13mm if the vehicle is travelling over rough surfaces. As part of the ride-height feature the system automatically lowers the car according to its highway speed. Reducing the centre of gravity means that stability through corners is greatly increased.

The result of all of this clever technology is smooth travel, the ride is sublime with little noticeable shock, especially in comfort mode. The firmer setting does pick up the odd road bump at low speed, but handling in sport mode is far more decisive.

Characterised by its strong early turn-in, steering feel is light, but it does load up as the intensity of the corner is increased. Understeer only threatens at speeds in excess of the C5's form and function, and is moderated by ESP, as such, it corners with neutrality.

Providing the grip are French-made Michelin Pilot tyres (215/55 x 16in) and they have sticky characteristics affording the driver good feedback in terms of what they are doing on the road surface. At 1589kg there is a lot of car to get around a corner, but such is the C5's poise and balance it doesn't mind a spirited run. I took it up to Lake Lyndon, the test car found Porter's Pass an easy challenge, the corners dispensed both up and downhill with ease, grip never questioned.

The steep climb near the top of the pass was also a good test for engine strength, the 3-litre V6, rated at 152kW and 285Nm relished the request for speed and efficiency. Built in the modern way with twin-overhead camshafts per bank and four-valves over each cylinder, the lusty V6 produces its power at usable ends of the rev band. Peak power is listed at 6000rpm while maximum torque is available not too high up at 3750rpm. It is a free revving engine happy to work the top end hard but also working well the torque converter, hauling in the close ratios of its six-speed automatic gearbox.

The PSA group which build both Peugeot and Citroen have come in for a lot of flak with the gearbox and engine management systems. Often the gear change protocols have been fussy and unco-ordinated. Thankfully, a lot of that has been addressed, the new C5 has intelligent gear changing habits which are reasonably smooth and well modulated. Decisive downshifts are still noticeable, and locking into a lower gear on descent can either be achieved on its own thinking pattern or else manual gear selection is available through a separate sequential gate. Power and snow modes are also operable by push buttons.

With respectable power outputs the C5 V6 has a good turn of speed, Citroen claim a 0-100kmh time of 9.8sec, while a 80kmh-120kmh dash can be achieved in 5.3sec, all adding up to frisky performance. Citroen also list a 230kmh top speed for the V6 model.

On the subject of figures, the C5 is also a reasonably fuel thrifty car. My high country test average of 10.5-litres usage per 100km (27mpg) wasn't spectacular but I did work the engine hard at times, instantaneous readouts on level ground and with the air conditioning turned off of 8.9l/100km at 100kmh in sixth (engine speed 2200rpm) was better and equates to 32mpg.

Citroen have a strong presence here in New Zealand, they market well their eccentricity and are presented with good product from the French factories. Nostalgia must surely lure some of the DS faithful into a C5.

Specifications:

Price: Citroen C5 Exclusive, $59,990.

Dimensions: Length, 4745mm; width, 1780mm; height, 1476mm.

Configuration: V6 transverse, front-wheel-drive, 2946cc, 152kW/6000rpm, 285Nm/3750rpm, six-speed automatic; 1589kg.

Performance: 0-100kmh, 9.8sec; maximum speed, 230kmh.