Review

Buyers seeking an executive estate ought have the C5 Tourer
on their consideration list. 


The brand has made major steps forward with its last few launches, and the C5 Tourer has topped them all.

In top-spec Exclusive trim it has style, elegance, comfort and, on appearance, has finally achieved the quality this segment demands. And appearance is the key here.

Only time will tell whether this C5 has reliability issues. 

The C5’s marketing message of Germanic-like quality will reach an enlightened few.

And providing the dealer service is good enough, once those few pass on their plaudits it should make its mark.

C5 comfort zone

The C5 Tourer impresses just as its rival Renault Laguna disappoints. 

It makes the driver feel special, thanks to a host of standard technology, easy-to-use equipment and elegant use of chrome.
 
There is also plenty of headroom and legroom. Of all C5’s strengths, comfort is the one where it excels most. 

The car wafts along relaxingly on its electronically-controlled Hydractive 3+ suspension.

Its 2.2-litre HDI turbodiesel has plenty of low-down pulling ability yet remains extremely quiet and refined at motorway speeds. I

t’s a car that drivers could spend hours in without feeling fatigued.

Optional extras come at a price

However, the comfort comes at the expense of directness, even when put into sport mode.
 
And optional extras – such as leather trim (£750), panoramic glass roof (£520), metallic paint (£425) and navigation (£1,320) – can send its price into orbit – for a Citroën.

Strengths

  • Quality
  • Effortless drive 
     

Weaknesses

  • Brand stigma

Factsheet

Price
Citroen
Engine
C5 Tourer (2008)
Performance
2.2 HDi Exclusive (AM)
Transmission
2.2
Efficiency
173
RV 3yr/30k
134
Start mileage
10.4
Current mileage
42.8
Key rivals
175
0000000000000000000
22,695