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31/10/2005
By EWAN KENNEDY
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A medium-large French machine, the Citroen C5 replaced the slightly-smaller Xantia in Australia in June 2001. A much more imaginative car in styling and general feel than the Xantia, the C5 delighted Citroen enthusiasts with its return to the roots of the marque famed for doing things differently.
 Even more interesting was that the C5 caught the imagination of some average Australian buyers as well. Particularly people who wanted to pull away from the increasingly common German machines in this class on our roads.
Some may find the styling of the Citroen C5 is an acquired taste, not an unusual thing in any Citroen, but more and more buyers are coming to appreciate the big swooping lines, not to forget the volume of interior space they permit.
The C5 is extremely pleasant to drive and ride in. That’s thanks to the hydraulic suspension system, now in the latest ‘Hydractive 3’ format, that Citroen has used for many years. It gives a magic carpet ride on most roads and even severe Aussie corrugations seldom find it wanting.
Citroen C5 even recognises when it’s on rough roads and can raise its body to help clear obstacles. It’s not just there just for rough road driving, the ride-height system also helps get the big Citroen over awkward gutter crossings and the like.
Mind you, this big Cit isn’t as far ahead of steel-suspended competitors as the French company once was. That’s because there have been major advances in conventional suspensions and tyres in the last decade or so.
It’s not just in the suspension, the Citroen C5 also features some of the latest advances in voice controlled satellite navigation, phone and radio/CD player. On a slightly more mundane, but no less useful front are door mirrors that automatically fold inwards when the car is locked and air conditioning that automatically adjusts cabin temperature to compensate for the effects of direct sunshine or the chill of the night.
Body types on offer are sedan and station wagon and there's quite a variety of models within each shape. Within the Citroen's cabin there's stretch-out space for four adults, with room for another in the centre-rear position, though it’s best if the three in the rear are children rather than large adults.
Citroen C5 comes with a host of engine choices: four-cylinder petrol, four-cylinder turbo-diesel and V6 petrol. The four-cylinder turbo-diesel has proven to be the surprise package, selling in quite large numbers even before the price of fuel went crazy a few months ago. The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel can reduce fuel consumption by around one third in comparison to the V6 petrol, though you do pay a fair bit more to buy the engine in the first place – so do your homework before rushing into a diesel.
If you’ve never driven a Citroen before take it for a good long test drive to become accustomed to its different feel and sound. Indeed, make a point of telling the seller you’re not interested in buying the car until you have done so. If they are true Citroen people they will understand fully.
These aren't cars for the do-it-yourself guys. Though some items are relatively conventional in design, there are many others that really should be left to the trained Citroen mechanic. These guys aren't as scare as they once were and most major population centres have a Citroen dealership these days.
Insurance premiums vary quite widely, probably because some companies simply haven’t caught up with what you could call the ‘new Citroen’ for the 21st century. Shop around for the best deal, but don’t just look at the price of the premiums, also check the fine print in the contracts.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Ideally go for a used C5 that comes with a full service record from a professional Citroen mechanic.
Any engine should start promptly and idle smoothly virtually from the moment it lights up. The four-cylinder petrol engine isn’t the smoothest unit on the market but if it seems too bad be suspicious of it.
The typical diesel engine ‘sound’ should be all but unnoticed from inside the car in the oil burners, though it’s quite obvious from the outside, especially with the engine at idle.
Look for sagged suspension, usually only noticed after the C5 has been sitting for a long period.
Make sure there are no loose parts in the interior and that rattle and/or squeak on rough Australian roads.
Check all electrical items work correctly, after sitting down with the owner’s handbook and working out where all the switches are.
Though these are still relatively new cars it’s still wise to have a full inspection from someone who understands the complexities of this marque.
HOW MUCH?
Budget on paying from $19,000 to $22,000 for a 2001 Citroen C5 2.0-litre sedan; $20,000 to $28,000 for a Citroen C5 2.0-litre wagon; $24,000 to $34,000 for a 2003 C5 HDi 2.0-litre diesel sedan; $28,000 to $40,000 for a 2005 C5 2.0-litre sedan or a 2004 C5 HDi Limited ED 2.0-litre diesel wagon; and $35,000 to $46,000 for a 2005 C5 SX HDi 2.2-litre diesel wagon.
CAR BUYING TIP
Cars that are out of the ordinary tend to be bought by enthusiasts. Setting a price and finding the right buyer can be frustratingly slow at times. So be patient… |
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