Dublin People - Passion meets logic in the new Citroen C5

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Passion meets logic in the new Citroen C5

Thursday, 21 August 2008

I haven't test driven many Citroen cars in recent years, but when I do they have been motors to remember. The C6 stands out as sheer luxury; the C4 Picasso is remembered for all that glass at the front and Citroen's first SUV, the C-Crosser which was launched at the end of last year, is also a massive motor.
Last week I was testing the new C5 and straight away let me say that this car oozes class. Externally it looks really cool thanks to those beautiful front headlamps and inside it's so roomy and comfortable. The rear end is also very attractive.
When you sit in the first thing that strikes you is the impressive array of slave controls on the steering wheel. They are not really on the wheel, but incorporated into a separate section that doesn't move with the wheel.
Right in front of you get a digital speedometer, so no excuses for getting any penalty points.
Then you notice how comfortable the driver and front seat passenger seats are. They literally hug your posterior. Unfortunately you cannot see out over the bonnet and have to use your judgment when parking, but like most things in life you get used to it.
All good ads create a bit of controversy. And Citroen's ad for the C5 where they say that the C5 is 'Unmistakably German, Made in France,' had the bloggers on overdrive. I haven't seen the ad on Irish television, but you can of course check it out on You Tube. We are all supposed to be Europeans now, yet there is no better way to start a row than compare traits from different countries.
I liked the line from the brochure which simply stated 'Passion meets Logic.'
I drove a diesel model and it was very quiet. There is plenty of room for five adults and the boot is huge. It would I feel be ideal for taxi drivers or even for chauffeuring work.
The car was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating, making the C5 one of the safest cars on the road. You get up to nine front, side and curtain airbags plus a specially created torso-shaped bag for extra safety. In the Dynamique model I drove you also get a host of extras including 17 inch alloy wheels, fog lights, auto wipers, etc.
The C5 faces a huge challenge to make inroads in the Irish market, where the Ford Mondeo and VW Passat are the main players in this segment. However, it really is a beautiful looking car and would I think, look well in any driveway.
Prices start at e27,850 for the 1.8 petrol, while the price of the 1.6 diesel version I drove has dropped to e29,850 from July. Citroen say they are the lowest C02 emissions manufacturer, yet the C5 is rated at the C Road Tax Band which is e290 per annum. Still I suppose it's not bad for such a large motor.
Overall a most enjoyable drive. In the words of the old song 'C'est si bon.'

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