Review
/5
- Pros:
- Big, square boot with wide hatch
- Soft touch cabin surfaces are excellent
- Very comfortable indeed
- Cons:
- No petrol option at all
- Residual values not a good as some rivals'
- Limited loading capacity
reviewed by Carbuyer
“The C5 Tourer is undoubtedly one of the most comfortable family estates on the market – but it's stylish and luxurious too.”
At a glance
- The greenest
- e-HDi 110 Airdream EGS6 VTR+ NAV 5dr
£23,295 - The cheapest
- HDi 110 VTR 5dr
£20,995 - The fastest
- V6 HDi 240 6-speed Auto Exclusive 5dr
£30,415 - Top of the range
- V6 HDi 240 6-speed Auto Exclusive 5dr
£30,415
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With its generous boot and spacious cabin, Citroen's C5 Tourer makes a decent estate car – but its real strength lies in its ability to carry families, and all their luggage, long distances in total comfort. Unlike the Saloon, there's no petrol engine option, but that's no real loss because the three-strong range of diesel engines is more suited to the rigours of carrying heavy stuff. Of those options, the 3.0-litre diesel engine is a very strong performer, with 240bhp offering rapid acceleration. However, the 2.0-litre engine with 160bhp is best, with a blend of good acceleration and 50mpg economy. Its real appeal lies in the comfort and refinement it offers.
Drive
The C5 is a great motorway cruiser
It's not the most agile car on the road, but it's still enjoyable to drive. Offering accurate steering and a good driving position, motorway miles simply fly by. However, the gear lever has a slightly rubbery feel, and some of the buttons around the stereo are small and fiddly. The 2.0-litre diesel in particular makes progress relaxed - a handy shove of acceleration is always on tap, meaning there's no need for constant gear changing.
Comfort
Top specification cars get smooth air-suspension
Whichever engine or trim you choose, the C5 Tourer is undoubtedly one of the most comfortable family estates on the market. However, Citroen reserves two comfort-enhancing features for top-level Exclusive models: upgraded air-suspension and laminated glass. The first of those gives the car a comfortable ‘floating’ quality, and the glass treatment better shuts out road, wind and engine noise. The C5 Tourer is very relaxing, with good seats and a cabin big enough for four adults. There's plenty of space for all their bags too. Only the very harshest road surfaces unsettle the C5, on which the car can sometimes feel it is bouncing on its suspension a little too much.
Reliability
A number of owners have suffered electrical and mechanical niggles
Despite being launched with an ad campaign that hinted the C5 was built to German standards (like a BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz, in other words). Citroen is not quite at that level yet. The C5's perceived quality is excellent, but a number of owners have suffered electrical and mechanical niggles with the C5. The car has also been subject to numerous recalls – with three issued in 2009. Traction control and electronic stability control is available as standard on all versions.
Practicality
The hatchback is massive, offering easy access to the rear
The C5 Tourer is slightly smaller than the Ford Mondeo Estate though bigger than the Peugeot 407 SE. The Citroen has a 505-litre boot, opening out to 1,462 litres with the rear seats folded down. The hatchback is massive though, easing access, and there's a split-folding rear bench seat.
Value for money
Avoid the most powerful diesel engine, it's very expensive
As with the saloon, the C5 Tourer depreciates faster than some rivals, so it's very important to pick the correct specification and engine. We’d recommend a 2.0-litre HDi VTR+ and avoid the most powerful diesel engine, as it's expensive to buy and run.
Running costs
The 1.6-litre diesel is also a sensible choice
The 3.0-litre diesel engine is a very strong performer, with 240bhp offering rapid acceleration. However, it's only available with an automatic gearbox and can’t even muster 40mpg. Therefore, the 1.6- and 2.0-litre diesels, with 50mpg, are better. They emit less CO2 as well, so their annual VED tax is cheaper.
*Our monthly finance prices are updated on a regular basis, but due to the dynamic nature of the market are not guaranteed accurate. You can always confirm the monthly finance price with FinanceAcar.
