Citroen C5 2001 Onwards

The Age

Saturday July 5, 2008

Bruce Newton

THE C5 is Citroen's mid-size passenger car, launched in Australia as a replacement for the Xantia in July 2001.

It was initially available as a five-door hatchback with a choice of 2.0-litre

four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines, or a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel HDi.

Both 2.0-litres came in the same specification, while the V6 was offered as a more luxurious "Exclusive" pack.

All models included ABS, traction control, six airbags, air-conditioning, power windows, remote locking, a trip computer and six-speaker stereo. The V6 upped the speakers to eight and added a six-stacker CD, alloy wheels, cruise control and powered front seats.

A 2.0 16V Estate (wagon) followed in August 2001 at $43,490. However, it wasn't until September 2003 that the HDi wagon showed up, priced from $47,490.

In March 2005, a facelift introduced a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine for the hatch and wagon.

Power and torque both improved significantly, but pricing also climbed.

Improved petrol engines arrived in June 2005. The 2.0 hatch and wagon were priced at $39,490, while the $55,990 V6 gained a six-speed auto.

In June 2006 the C5 HDi swapped to a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that again improved power and torque.

A six-speed auto was the sole transmission.

In March 2007, a 2.2-litre twin-turbo 125 kW/370 Nm HDi engine was added to the hatchback line-up at $53,990.

The C5 is now approaching generational change, the new model due in the third quarter. -- BRUCE NEWTON

OUR PICK

The diesels have been the popular C5 pick in Australia. The wagon adds masses of stowage space making it a great family choice.

© 2008 The Age

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