C5 is just so refined

Dec 22 2008 Peter Hayward

I CONTINUE to be hugely impressed by the Citroen C5, which is one of the quietest and most refined large cars on the market.

The Ford Mondeo has better steering and is itself a fabulous piece of machinery but the C5 is just that bit better in many areas.

So good is the refinement that there are cars costing £50,000 whose makers should be sitting up and taking notice.

I drove the 2.2 HDi Exclusive estate at the top of the range, which has excellent performance and will also do over 40 miles to each and every gallon.

It rides like a magic carpet over every pothole and poor surface imaginable and yet still manages to sweep around the corners with very little roll and huge grip.

At motorway speeds the only noise is very slight - from the passing air. There is none from the tyres, suspension, engine or anything else.

This level of hush is very, very rare and has taken the C5 into Jaguar and Mercedes territory without a shadow of a doubt.

Interior

As a range-topper, it comes with almost every conceivable add-on as standard including parking sensors, laminated side windows, an electric tailgate and part leather.

It has automatic lights and wipers, see you home headlights, electric seats and a huge boot big enough for just about any family.

FAST FACTS

Citroen C5 2.2 HDi Exclusive

Price : £21,238

Mechanical : 173bhp, 2,179cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox

Max speed : 136mph

0-62mph : 10 secs

Combined mpg : 43.5

Insurance group : 13

CO2 emissions : 172g/km

BiK rating : 24%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust

Marks : 10/10

Main rival : Ford Mondeo, Audi A6