Citroen has been a fringe brand on the Australian market for many years. Its new C5 V6 is a big, luxurious sedan which deserves greater attention.
Value for money
Pricing
The Citroen C5 3.0 V6 sedan costs $56,990. A 2.0 litre four-cylinder base model is $41,990, while a 2.0 litre turbo diesel version is $44,500. The C5 2.0 litre petrol engine is also available in a wagon variant, priced at $43,500.
A four-speed automatic is standard in the V6 and a $2000 option in the 2.0 litre petrol sedan and wagon. The 2.0 litre turbo diesel is manual only.
Warranty
Three years/60,000 km; below the 100,000 km industry average.
Standard features
The C5 V6 is luxuriously equipped for the price. The C5's multiplex electrics permits the installation of many smart, useful extras usually found in six-figure luxury cars: rain-sensing variable-speed wipers, automatic lights on in poor visibility conditions, an audible parking distance warning, remote opening and closing side windows, tyre pressure monitoring and temperature sensitive automatic airconditioning.
Six airbags, a six-stack CD player, cruise control, alloy wheels, front and side window sunvisors - a brilliant idea - and a rear sunblind are also standard.
Retained value
The previous Xantia V6 is worth 65 per cent after three years, which is average.
Design and Function
Ergonomics
A height/reach-adjustable wheel and power-adjustable driver's seat are fitted. The elegant, flowing dash needs a bit of research - the French like to use some different symbols to everybody else on switches and controls - but once you learn the drill the basic air and CD/radio functions present no problems.
It's a different story with the four wands - you first have to work out which does what, then display great digital dexterity to locate and operate several switches.
Innovation
Multiplex wiring is at the forefront of automobile computer/electrical engineering. The C5's hydro-pneumatic suspension is unique.
Safety
The C5 has six airbags (front, side and curtain) and ABS brakes with electronic force distribution, traction control and automatic full power when sensors detect high pedal pressure. Features like rain-sensing wipers and tyre pressure monitoring also contribute to a safe drive.
The C5 scored four stars out of five in European NCAP crash tests.
Security
The V6 has an immobiliser and remote central locking. The doors can also be deadlocked, and if accidentally unlocked will automatically lock again in 30 seconds. A perimeter and volume sensing alarm is also fitted. The boot locks automatically when the car starts to move.
Comfort
The power-adjustable driver's armchair is an exceptionally relaxing place to enjoy a long drive, but could use more bolstering on the backrest. Head and leg room is sufficient for any driver.
The C5's rear seat is deep, similarly plush and contoured for two.
Space and practicality
The back seat has plenty of head room and leg room for tall occupants. It is on the tight side for three adults. Three lap/sash belts and head restraints are provided.
The C5's long, wide boot is accessed via a roof-hinged, hatch type tailgate. The floor can be extended to 1.5 metres with the 60/40 split-fold back seat - in this position there is still plenty of front seat travel available.
Child restraint anchors are on the back of the seat, so load carrying is uncompromised; a load cover, net and four tie down points are also fitted. A full size (16-inch) alloy spare is under the floor.
Build and finish quality
The interior is luxuriously trimmed and very nicely finished, while the body is very solid. The C5 is not quite up with the Germans, but it's close and the test car had no faults to speak of.
On the Road
Fuel Efficiency
The C6 V6 used 9.4 litres/100 km on the open road - average for an automatic of this size and weight - as is 14 litres/100 km around town.
Performance
The 157 kW V6 drives the C5 quite hard, but it is a little short on midrange torque.
Its 279 Nm occurs at only 2000 rpm, so the Citroen gets off the line smartly and cruises nonchalantly along at 100 km/h. However between 2000 and 3000 rpm responsiveness is less enthusiastic, so 0-100 km/h acceleration is nothing special.
The ZF automatic is a major weakness. Its adaptive programming is confused, to the point where shifts can be unpredictable and inappropriately timed.
This can be overcome to a certain extent with the sequential shifting feature, but even shifts you make yourself are less smooth and timely than they should be.
Ride
Ride comfort is best in class. Only a large Benz sedan such as the E Class is more supple and smooth, particularly on our poor country roads.
Handling and steering
Citroen's unique hydro-pneumatic suspension has four manually adjustable ride-height settings, the taller two only available at low speeds.
The suspension defaults to normal in most situations; at 110 km/h, both ends are dropped a touch (the front to a greater extent) for more efficient aerodynamics and enhanced stability, while on rough surfaces the car is automatically raised.
The C5 is relatively soft and supple, so its dynamics are far from sporty. However it is impressive for a large, heavy front drive sedan, especially at highway speeds on rough roads.
Its compliant, finely controlled suspension and sticky Michelin tyres deliver great roadholding and it is reasonably well balanced, particularly given its front biased weight distribution.
The road speed sensitive power steering is relatively indirect, overassisted and lacking in feel at 100 km/h.
Braking
The brakes are progressive and powerful, however the pedal is too high relative to the accelerator.
Smoothness and quietness
Outstanding, apart from the automatic's less than silken shifts. Engine and road noise are very effectively isolated from the cabin.
Summary
The Citroen C5 3.0 V6 is as refined, well-equipped and luxurious as some $100,000-plus sedans. It is a brilliant long distance tourer at a bargain price.
The writer of this report does not necessarily represent the views of the NRMA and this report is provided for you as an alternative to our own NRMA car reviews.
