Citroen C5 Estate - Elegance with a claw
Citroen C5 is still one of the most interesting cars in its class. We have managed to combine classic elegance with interesting details, and a wide choice of versions allows you to choose a car that suits your needs and budget possibilities. This time we got an improved version of the Selection with optional navigation and a nice dynamic engine.
After experimenting with the beefy styling of the previous generation, the C5 is classically handsome and almost traditional. Almost, because unusual details, such as asymmetrically shaped headlights or carefully drawn ribs on the hood and sides, create a very modern style for this model. The body, with its tapering lines towards the rear, has a dynamic style that is completely different from the massive image of the previous generation. The car has a length of 482,9 cm, a width of 186 cm and a height of 148,3 cm with a wheelbase of 281,5 cm.
The interior is spacious. The style is quite elegant, but here, as in the case of the exterior, interesting details create a modern character. The layout of the dashboard is the most characteristic. It seems that it is asymmetrical, especially in terms of air intakes, but this is an illusion. It does not have a center console, but in its place is a screen, and in the case of the tested version, satellite navigation. Next to it is an emergency button, and then you can see two air intake grilles. The driver also has two air intakes, but integrated into the dashboard. The board is lined with soft material. The same was used on the top of the door. Beautifully look decorative lines passing through the door handles and upholstery.
The car has a steering wheel with a fixed part. This is a great module with many controls. They provide a lot of opportunities, but also require a little training - at this level of complexity, you don’t have to think about intuitive control. The controls are located on the console, on the steering wheel and on the levers next to it.
The audio and air conditioning panel is placed below the dashboard, creating a massive yet visually light unit. There is a small shelf underneath. The tunnel was basically completely given over to the gearbox. The large joystick mount houses the suspension switch and the electric parking brake. There is only room for a tiny glove compartment and there is an armrest. It also has a large compartment, but in general, there is not enough space for small things (keys, phone or Bluetooth headset) for me - here it is, beauty that has absorbed the functionality. I miss cup holders or bottle holders. In this regard, the small pockets in the doors do not work either. Stowage space in front of the passenger is quite large, although it is shifted slightly forward. As a result, the passenger has more knee room.
The front seats are massive and comfortable. They have a wide range of adjustments and developed side cushions. The only thing missing was the adjustment of the lumbar support of the spine. The rear seat is triple, but designed for two people. In general, quite comfortable and spacious. However, what is placed behind it is much more interesting - the trunk, which has a capacity of 505 liters. Its advantage is not only in shape and size, but also in equipment. The walls have niches covered with nets and folding hooks for bags. However, there is also a rechargeable lamp that illuminates the interior, but when removed from the outlet, it can be used as a flashlight. We also have an electrical outlet and a button to lower the suspension during loading.
Adjustable suspension is one of the most interesting elements of Citroen. The main possibility is to change the character of the car - it can be soft and comfortable or a little more rigid, more sporty. I definitely choose the second setting, marked as sporty - it holds the car in corners quite accurately, but you should not count on the rigidity of the go-kart. The car is not very stiff, it floats a little all the time, but it doesn’t hit hard, so it’s a pleasure to drive. I found the comfortable setting to be too soft, floating. In urban driving conditions, i.e. at slower speeds and larger holes, it has its advantages.
Under the hood I had a 1,6 THP engine, i.e. petrol turbo. It produces 155 hp. and maximum torque of 240 Nm. It works quietly and pleasantly, but efficiently and reliably. It accelerates quickly and elegantly, allowing for a dynamic ride in all conditions, and I managed to keep it not too far off the factory fuel consumption figures. Citroen reports an average consumption of 7,2 l / 100 km - under my foot the car consumed 0,5 liters more.
I liked the elegance and economy of this version of the Citroen C5 station wagon, as well as the design and many of the functional elements of the equipment. It is a pity that the latter does not apply to the driver's seat - the tunnel between the seats or the center console.
