I was one of those drawn in by the adverts that claimed the C5 was up there with it's German counterparts from the likes of BMW and Audi and I have to say, it is pretty much true.
I've had Citroens before and one of the things I've always moaned about is the build quality but I must confess, it seems times have changed because Citroen has got it sussed with the C5 and it really is capable of standing up to the Germans, its very robust and deals with a fair bit of abuse without giving in. Favourite thing about the interior? Got to be the seats you get with the VTR+ trim, they're really comfortable and uber-adjustable. I think space is generally quite good all round, just be aware that style was higher on the list of priorities than rear headroom, but it isn't that bad. Loads of kit and reasonable to run, 40mpg most of the time.
I tested most of the German clan before I decided on this and I must confess, the ride is as good as all of them, it really is. Admittedly, it isn't a 'performance-orientated' car, its much more suited to 'wafting' around but its incredibly refined, I'd say it matches many Germans even further up the classes.
There is no escaping that the C5 is French, the badge says so. But, when I had the choice (and the money) to buy a 3-Series or an A4, I came straight to the C5, what does that tell you?
The hydroactive suspension on the Citroen C5 is amazing, just soaks up everything. The ride is fantastic for me, lovely and smooth. Why more cars don't do this I just don't understand, it's so much better than any other car I get into and immediately start joggling and jumping about in.
Plenty of room inside, it's very shrewdly put together, you can tell where they've made sure an inch wasn't wasted in the corners and all around. Front and back as well, everyone is treated to bags of space. Likewise boot is huuuuuge, easily enough for a long holiday with our boy.
The C5 is very easy to park. Simples. Dimensions are very straightforward to judge. I think you can have parking sensors put in (well I'm sure you can get something like that fitted one way or another) but I don't see much point on the Citroen C5, easy peasy anyway.
My Citroen C5 has had its share of problems mind. There have been a good few electrical things go wrong, just little warning lights and things coming on but not actually corresponding to a problem. You learn to ignore them in the end! There's been a bit of wheel shakiness too, which I think was fixed during a service, might have been a balancing thing. The only other thing is a bit of leakage here and there in heavy rain, which might sound bad but it's not really, doesn't bother me. There aren't big pools of water about the car, just the occasional spot.
It's coming on for ten years old now so I'd say it's doing pretty well for its age. There are some tiny bits of rust showing up round the arches now. Overall ageing well though.
Citroen C5 engine is the same V6 turbodiesel used by Jaguar and Land Rover, that tells you how reliable this car can be...
It's steering is very light which is good for a smooth ride. (Family car afterall).
This new C5 claims to be better without the predescendent's electric issues.
I like the safety and security of the car, with 7 air bags and the shatter-proof side windows.
Overall a very good car until now (touch wood)!