Citroen C5 1.6 HDi VTR Estate - Diesel Road Tests

Equipped with 16-valve head, the engine produces 110bhp with peak torque of 177lbft of torque %u2013 identical figures to the ubiquitous VW TDI 110 engine a few years ago. Floor the go pedal and the engine will find an additional eight per cent of torque, giving a useful 191lbft for rapid overtaking.

Besides the new diesels, the C5 equipment is comprehensively revised. Citroen has pulled out all the stops where safety is concerned. All models gain ESP electronic stability programme as standard. The system even applies the brakes lightly in damp conditions to dry the brake pads.

Then there are no less than seven airbags %u2013 front, side and curtain airbags and a new steering column airbag to protect drivers%u2019 knees and shins in an impact. There%u2019s also a new warning light to show if rear seat passengers are not belted up.

C5 becomes the first car to be offered with a lane departure warning system, which will automatically warn the driver if he or she inadvertently drifts out of lane. Straying drivers literally drive by the seat of their pants, as they are alerted to their drifting by a vibrating seat.

Front and rear parking sensors also join the options list, with different bleep tones to differentiate both ends of the car in a tight space.

Trim levels are re-worked and now stack up as LX, the £17,696 VTR tested here, or Exclusive. LX comes with seven airbags, ESP, air conditioning, an alarm and radio/CD player. VTR trim includes body coloured bumpers, front fog lamps, dual zone air conditioning, automatic wipers and headlamps, cruise control and speed limiter and alloys. Exclusive models get the works, including a six CD auto changer, electric front seats, steering headlamps.

Stowage is a Citroen strength and the C5%u2019s storage spaces are unchanged, which means there are plenty of them, including the recess next to the handbrake, which transforms into twin cup holders by raising the spring loaded moulding in the centre of the tray.

The Citroen%u2019s ace is its self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension system, now much simplified over the Xantia version. Electric pumps do the job of the mechanically powered system in the Xantia and the system barely needs attention during regular servicing.

On the road, this translates into a car that will automatically lower its ride height at motorway speeds to reduce drag and improve fuel consumption, or raise the ride height over bumpy surfaces to improve ground clearance. The legendary magic carpet ride is there too, providing the C5 with one of the most comfortable rides you%u2019ll find in any car.