The ultimate in French design Flair?
The latest C5 is the latest in a long line of large family Citroen's that started back in the 70's GS/A, followed by the BX in the 80's and the Xantia in the 90's. The first-generation C5 was launched in 1999, and it was comfortable and featured a spacious estate version, but there was very little else to recommend it. Launched in the UK on April 2nd, with prices ranging from £15,595, Citroen claim that the C6 is designed to demonstrate the "Ultimate in French design Flair". It's not difficult to spot the current Citroen design cues, though the C5 has more in common with the modern C6 than just it's looks and it shares the same platform.
The best-looking car in its class?
Is the C5 the best-looking car in this sector? Well, Citroen think so. You have to admit it certainly has more presence than the dull original. From the front, the C6 looks really futuristic with its sculpted nose. Worthy of particular mention are the distinctive clear lens, wraparound headlight units and that bold double-chevron front grille - it's well integrated into the rest of the C6's styling and is a design cue shared with other modern members of the current Citroen range, such as the C4, C4 Picasso and C-Crosser.
Shapely haunches
At the rear of the C5 hatch there's the concave rear screen similar to the C6 and the neat two-part boomerang light clusters which help define its shapely haunches. In my view, it's not quite as pretty as its big brother the C6; but it's one of the best-looking cars that Citroen produces and the French company should be applauded for being so adventurous. A neat looking Tourer estate will join the range this summer.
The inside story
The C5 is equally nice to travel in. Triple door seals, an acoustic windscreen and a re-inforced roof lining all contribute to the refined drive. There's a quality look to the textured, soft-touch plastics; the seats are comfortable and supportive and the dashboard is attractive and easy to use. I particulalrly liked the instruments, a mix of digital and anologue, and they are easy to read, look high-quality and suit the funky, modern feel of the rest of the car. The C5 has generous headroom in the front and back, with easily adjustable, comfortable seats. There's a good sized boot too. Sadly, it's not all good news, as the stereo and air-conditioning controls are quite button-heavy and confusing. The glovebox is fairly deep, but it's an odd size and Citroen seems to have made up for this by placing odd litte cubbies around the dashboard, but many are too small and of little use.
