Citroen C5 (2008 – 2016) Review
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Citroen C5 (2008 – 2016) Verdict
Very comfortable, fantastic all-speed refinement, lots of interior space, well equipped from mid-range upwards.
Terminally uninteresting, dynamically soggy, patchy interior quality, confusing dashboard, no hatchback option.
Find out more about the Citroen C5 (2008 – 2016)
Before Citroen stumbled upon a new way of making its cars interesting in the form of bubbly plastic side panels, the C5 was typical of its approach. Comfy, spacious, and slightly baffling. This second generation model, launched in 2007, is at least more interesting than original C5, which appeared to have been styled by stretching out a Citroen Xantia with a giant rolling pin.
Indeed, this C5’s exterior look is a strong point, with its sharp-yet-slightly-bulbous styling sitting nicely on the fine line between challenging and handsome.
In the cabin it’s not so successful however, with a dashboard typical of Citroen’s often confusing approach to layout. There are buttons, dials, switches and displays of various shapes, sizes and colours all over the place. Even the steering wheel is a novelty itself, with a fixed central boss and a rim design that bizarrely seems to encourage ‘eight and four o’clock’ hand placement.
In market that often trades outright comfort for a sense of ‘sportiness’, the C5 unashamedly does nothing of the sort. It’s as softly sprung and quiet as many a luxury car. If you weren’t staring at two static chevrons on the steering wheel, you’d swear you were in something a lot more expensive and infinitely more German.
That means that while it’s not the most engaging car to drive – positively lacklustre at any sort of pace, in fact – it’s probably the most comfortable car in its price bracket to tackle a long motorway run with.
Towards the end of its life the C5 became well equipped across the range, with all models getting air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows all round, electric mirrors and Isofix for child seats.
It wasn’t always the case though, with Citroen progressively adding more specification in mid-level cars in a bid to make the ageing C5 more attractive. The base spec SX car comes wth plastic wheel trims, which in this class is shameful. VTR and VTR+ add alloy wheels, sports seats, front fog lights and fancier interior trim, while the Exclusive specification throws everything at it, including navigation, part-leather upholstery, parking sensors and electric seats.
Reviews for Citroen C5 (2008 – 2016)'s top 3 rivals
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Citroen C5 (2008 – 2016) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 e-HDi 115 Airdream EGS to 3.0 HDi V6 Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 22–62 mpg
Those expecting Citroen’s mid-level saloon to break new ground in the way the Citroen saloons of old did will be disappointed by the C5 – it’s in most ways a very ordinary medium-priced, medium-sized saloon car.
However, one way it does stick to the old Citroen style is by virtue of its unabashed bias towards comfort. The C5 is probably the most relaxing saloon this side of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, because it combines the ride quality of a luxury car with first-rate ergonomics – comfortable chair, lots of driving position adjustment, plenty of space between the pedals, that sort of thing.
Citroen has also clearly worked hard on other things that enhance the sense of comfort, namely keeping noise to a minimum. There’s very little road or wind noise in a C5, until you reach much higher speeds, and even the diesel din is kept to a minimum most of the time.
Engine choice is very important here though, because some of them simply aren’t up to par when it comes to the old overtaking manoeuvres – namely the 1.6-litre 110PS diesel and the lower powered petrol engines.
If you’re only looking for fuel economy then the 60mpg-odd 1.6-litre diesel, which has been refined throughout the C5’s eight-year production run, looks good on paper, but really you’re best off looking upwards to the mid-level 2.0-litre unit.
Despite promising economy in the late forties on paper, a good deal less than the 1.6-litre, the reality is that you’ll work the smaller engine much harder, so economy in the two ends up actually quite close. According to Real MPG you can expect anywhere from 46-56mpg from a 1.6 diesel, and up to 45mpg from the 2.0-litre.
Avoid any of the petrols if efficiency is your main priority, because although they offer a more refined experience by nature than the diesels, you’re looking at 30mpg and nowhere near the low end punch of an equivalent diesel. Lose-lose.
As usual, the very best driving experience comes at the top of the range, with Exclusive versions getting laminated windows and air suspension as standard, to give bum and ears an even more cosseting experience. Stick a V6 diesel under the bonnet and, by virtue of its extra pace and standard torque convertor automatic – smooth and old school – this C5 will feel positively mollycoddling.
However, it’s a purchase that makes little sense, because it pushes the price of the C5 into premium car territory – a territory that doesn’t suffer the sort of catastrophic depreciation that a bells-and-whistles C5 will. Neither the 2.7-litre nor later 3.0-litre V6 models are especially fast, and even though the adaptive suspension has a ‘sport’ mode, the button might as well say ‘toaster’ or ‘solipsism’ for all the relevance it has to the C5 driving experience overall.
For those reasons the very middle is the sweet spot of the C5 range - 2.0-litre diesel, VTR+ trim, manual gearbox. We’d probably avoid the EGS auto too, which is actually an automated manual that, while efficient, shifts gears with all the composure of a learner with a hangover.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 16V THP | 42 mpg | 8.6 s | 153 g/km |
| 1.6 e-HDi 110 Airdream EGS | 61 mpg | 12.8 s | 117 g/km |
| 1.6 e-HDi 115 Airdream EGS | 61 mpg | 12.6–12.8 s | 117 g/km |
| 1.6 e-HDi 115 ETG6 | 66 mpg | 12.8 s | 111 g/km |
| 1.6 e-HDi EGS | - | 12.8 s | 117 g/km |
| 1.6 e-HDi EGS Tourer | 61 mpg | 12.8 s | 117 g/km |
| 1.6 HDi | 50–61 mpg | 11.6–13.4 s | 120–140 g/km |
| 1.6 HDi 115 | 61 mpg | 11.6–11.9 s | 120 g/km |
| 1.6 HDi 115 ETG6 | 66 mpg | 12.6 s | 111 g/km |
| 1.6 HDi Tourer | 50–57 mpg | 11.9–14.0 s | 129–140 g/km |
| 1.8 16V | 36 mpg | 12.2 s | 188 g/km |
| 1.8 16V Tourer | 35 mpg | 12.8 s | 192 g/km |
| 2.0 16V | 34 mpg | 10.7 s | 198 g/km |
| 2.0 Blue HDi 150 | 64–67 mpg | 9.1–9.4 s | 106–110 g/km |
| 2.0 Blue HDi 180 Automatic | 64 mpg | 8.7–8.8 s | 114 g/km |
| 2.0 HDi | 47–58 mpg | 9.1–11.6 s | 129–153 g/km |
| 2.0 HDi 160 | 55–58 mpg | 9.1–9.3 s | 129–133 g/km |
| 2.0 HDi 160 Automatic | 46 mpg | 10.0–10.2 s | 163 g/km |
| 2.0 HDi 200 Automatic | 46–48 mpg | 8.3–8.6 s | 155–159 g/km |
| 2.0 HDi Automatic | 46 mpg | 10.0 s | 163 g/km |
| 2.0 HDi Automatic Tourer | 46 mpg | 10.2 s | 163 g/km |
| 2.0 HDi Tourer | 46–55 mpg | 9.3–12.1 s | 133–155 g/km |
| 2.2 HDi | 48 mpg | 8.3 s | 155 g/km |
| 2.2 HDi Tourer | 43 mpg | 10.4 s | 175 g/km |
| 3.0 HDi V6 Automatic | 39 mpg | 7.9 s | 189 g/km |
| 3.0 HDi V6 Tourer | 46 mpg | 8.6 s | 159 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Citroen C5 (2008 – 2016)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
88%
Real MPG
22–62 mpg
MPGs submitted
441
Citroen C5 (2008 – 2016) interior
- Boot space is 439–1462 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4779–4829 mm |
| Width | 1853–2096 mm |
| Height | 1451–1495 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2815 mm |
If the C5’s main strength is its ride quality and its secondary one its exterior styling, Citroen clearly didn't leave itself a lot of time or budget to do the interior. It’s all a bit of a mess.
The basics are okay, in the sense that the C5 offers lots of space front and rear, plus a good driving position – including some of the comfiest chairs you’ll find in any car. However, the overall packaging is quite poor. There’s no hatchback option for a start, which is strange considering the majority of Vauxhall Insignia and Ford Mondeo modela sold are hatchbacks, so although the rear seats split 60/40, practicality is fundamentally hampered by the tailgate.
It’s also lacking in cubbyhole space, with very shallow door pockets, a small storage space beneath the centre armrest and - worst of all - the classic French glove box – roughly the space of a jam jar because Citroen has left the fuse box in there. It means your C5 will be cluttered up in no time.
The boot isn’t very big either, at 439 litres way down on most saloons you care to name, including the Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 508 and the Ford Mondeo. Worse still it’s a funny shape, because the massive boot hinges cut into the sides.
Which leaves us with the real Achilles heel of the C5 experience: the dashboard. A conglomerate of shapes, screens and surfaces, it looks like a dozen separate designers were given their own small section to create and each tried to outdo the others.
There are 20 buttons on the steering wheel alone, the graphics on the small navigation screen have aged badly and the combined stereo and air con unit, with its many buttons and LCD display, wouldn’t look out of place on 1994’s best-selling boom box. The speedometer dials aren’t terribly clear either.
So all-in-all a bit of a jumbled disappointment – night and day compared to the classy simplicity of, say, the Volkswagen Passat’s cabin, and certainly not in keeping with the relaxed tone of the driving experience.
Citroen C5 (2008 – 2016) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4779–4829 mm |
| Width | 1853–2096 mm |
| Height | 1451–1495 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2815 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1471–1895 kg |
| Boot Space | 439–1462 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 12500–20000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Steel spare wheel / Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £17,195–£30,440 |
| Insurance Groups | 20–35 |
| Road Tax Bands | B–J |
| Official MPG | 33.2–72.4 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 5 |
| Child | 4 |
| Pedestrian | 2 |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until November 2018
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 BlueHDi 150 6speed Exclusive Techno Pack 5dr | £27,145 | 64.2 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 2.0 BlueHDi 150 6speed VTR+ Techno Pack 5dr | £25,515 | 64.2 mpg | 9.1 s |
| 2.0 BlueHDi 180 Exclusive Techno Pack Auto 5dr | £29,560 | 64.2 mpg | 8.8 s |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 BlueHDi 150 6speed Exclusive Techno Pack 4dr | £26,020 | 67.3 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 2.0 BlueHDi 150 6speed VTR+ Techno Pack 4dr | £24,395 | 67.3 mpg | 9.4 s |
| 2.0 BlueHDi 180 Exclusive Techno Pack Auto 4dr | £28,435 | 64.2 mpg | 8.7 s |
On sale until April 2015
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusive Techno Pack 2.0 HDi 16v 160 5dr | £26,780 | 55.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| Exclusive Techno Pack 2.0 HDi 16v 160 Auto 5dr | £28,280 | 45.6 mpg | 10.2 s |
| VTR Techno Pack 1.6 HDi 16v 115 5dr | £22,770 | 61.4 mpg | 11.9 s |
| VTR+ Techno Pack 1.6 e-HDi 115 ETG6 5dr Auto | £24,470 | 65.7 mpg | 12.8 s |
| VTR+ Techno Pack 2.0 HDi 16v 160 5dr | £25,180 | 55.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusive Techno Pack 2.0 HDi 160 160 16v 4dr | £25,670 | 57.6 mpg | 9.1 s |
| Exclusive Techno Pack 2.0 HDi 16v 160 Auto 4dr | £27,180 | 45.6 mpg | 10.0 s |
| VTR Techno Pack 1.6 HDi 115 16v 4dr | £21,670 | 61.4 mpg | 11.6 s |
| VTR+ Techno Pack 1.6 e-HDi 115 ETG6 4dr Auto | £23,370 | 65.7 mpg | 12.6 s |
| VTR+ Techno Pack 2.0 HDi 16v 160 4dr | £24,070 | 57.6 mpg | 9.1 s |
On sale until August 2014
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusive 2.0 HDi 16v 160 5dr | £26,040 | 55.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| Exclusive 2.0 HDi 16v 160 Auto 5dr | £27,540 | 45.6 mpg | 10.2 s |
| Exclusive Techno Pack 2.0 HDi 16v 200 Auto 4dr | £30,440 | 46.3 mpg | 8.6 s |
| VTR 1.6 e-HDi 115 Airdream EGS 4dr Auto | £22,530 | - | 12.8 s |
| VTR 1.6 HDi 16v 115 5dr | £21,830 | 61.4 mpg | 11.9 s |
| VTR+ 1.6 e-HDi 115 Airdream EGS 5dr Auto | £23,730 | - | 12.8 s |
| VTR+ 1.6 HDi 16v 115 5dr | £23,030 | 61.4 mpg | 11.9 s |
| VTR+ 2.0 HDi 16v 160 5dr | £24,440 | 55.4 mpg | 9.3 s |
| VTR+ 2.0 HDi 16v 160 Auto 5dr | £25,940 | 45.6 mpg | 10.2 s |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusive 2.0 HDi 160 160 16v 4dr | £24,930 | 57.6 mpg | 9.1 s |
| Exclusive 2.0 HDi 16v 160 Auto 4dr | £26,440 | 45.6 mpg | 10.0 s |
| Exclusive Techno Pack 2.0 HDi 16v 200 Auto 4dr | £29,340 | 47.9 mpg | 8.3 s |
| VTR 1.6 e-HDi 115 Airdream EGS 4dr Auto | £21,430 | - | - |
| VTR 1.6 HDi 115 16v 4dr | £20,730 | 61.4 mpg | 11.6 s |
| VTR+ 1.6 e-HDi 115 Airdream EGS 4dr Auto | £22,630 | - | 12.6 s |
| VTR+ 1.6 HDi 16v 115 4dr | £21,930 | 61.4 mpg | 11.6 s |
| VTR+ 2.0 HDi 16v 160 4dr | £23,330 | 57.6 mpg | 9.1 s |
| VTR+ 2.0 HDi 16v 160 Auto 4dr | £24,840 | 45.6 mpg | 10.0 s |
On sale until May 2014
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusive 2.0 HDi 16v 200 Auto 4dr | £30,440 | - | - |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusive 2.0 HDi 16v 200 Auto 4dr | £29,340 | - | - |
On sale until November 2013
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusive 2.2 HDi V6 5dr Auto | £30,160 | 46.3 mpg | 8.6 s |
| VTR 1.6 e-HDi Airdream EGS 4dr Auto | £22,255 | 61.4 mpg | 12.8 s |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Exclusive 2.2 HDi V6 4dr Auto | £29,060 | 47.9 mpg | 8.3 s |
| VTR 1.6 e-HDi Airdream EGS 4dr Auto | £21,155 | 61.4 mpg | 12.6 s |
On sale until June 2012
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 e-HDi EGS VTR+ 5dr Auto | £23,295 | 61.4 mpg | 12.8 s |
| 1.6 HDi 16v VTR 5dr | £20,995 | 56.5 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 1.6 HDi 16v VTR+ 5dr | £22,595 | 56.5 mpg | 11.9 s |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 16v THP VTR+ 4dr | £21,505 | 42.2 mpg | 8.6 s |
| 1.6 e-HDi Airdream EGS VTR+ 4dr Auto | £22,195 | 61.4 mpg | 12.6 s |
| 1.6 HDi 16v VTR 4dr | £19,895 | 56.5 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 1.6 HDi 16v VTR+ 4dr | £21,495 | 56.5 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 3.0 HDi V6 Exclusive 4dr Auto | £29,315 | 39.2 mpg | 7.9 s |
On sale until July 2009
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 HDi 16v SX | £19,295 | 49.6 mpg | 14.0 s |
| 1.8i 16v SX | £18,295 | 34.9 mpg | 12.8 s |
| 2.0 HDi 16v SX | £20,195 | 46.3 mpg | 12.1 s |
| 2.0i 16v Exclusive Automatic | £22,695 | - | - |
| 2.0i 16v VTR+ Automatic | £21,895 | - | - |
| 2.2 HDi 16v Exclusive | £23,995 | 42.8 mpg | 10.4 s |
| 2.2 HDi 16v VTR+ | £23,195 | 42.8 mpg | 10.4 s |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.6 HDi 16v SX | £18,195 | 50.4 mpg | 13.4 s |
| 1.8i 16v SX | £17,195 | 35.8 mpg | 12.2 s |
| 1.8i 16v VTR+ | £18,795 | 35.8 mpg | 12.2 s |
| 2.0 HDi 16v SX | £19,095 | 47.1 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 2.0i 16v Exclusive Automatic | £21,595 | - | - |
| 2.0i 16v VTR+ | £19,295 | 33.6 mpg | 10.7 s |
| 2.0i 16v VTR+ Auto | £19,295 | - | - |
| 2.2 HDi 16v Exclusive Auto | £22,895 | - | - |
| 2.2 HDi 16v VTR+ Auto | £22,095 | - | - |
On sale until May 2009
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.7 HDi V6 Exclusive Auto | £26,395 | - | - |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.7 HDi V6 Exclusive Auto | £25,395 | - | - |
Model History
- October 2007: Citroen C5 previewed in concept form
- August 2008: Second generation Citroen C5 launched in the UK
- June 2009: Citroen released first details of the 3.0 HDi V6
- July 2009: The VTR+ model, now appropriately re-named VTR+ NAV
- November 2009: Citroen range C5 updated
- October 2010: Upgraded for 2011 Model year
- January 0001: (g/km)
- January 0001: Fuel Economy (mpg)
- January 0001: Emissions (g/km)
- January 0001: Fuel Economy (mpg)
- July 2012: Citroen updates the C5
October 2007
Citroen C5 previewed in concept form
Second generation C5 first shown as Airlounge concept and Airplay cabrio concept at Frankfurt Show September 2007. Very good looking.
August 2008
Second generation Citroen C5 launched in the UK
4,780mm long x 1,860mm wide x 1,450mm high. Tourer (4,875mm long). Petrol engines include 127bhp 1.8i 16V and 143bhp 2.0i 16V units,while there are four HDi diesel engines – HDi 110, HDi 138, HDi 173 and HDi V6 208 units – each fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter System that virtually eliminates particle emissions. Manual or automatic transmissions.
Second-generation fixed-centred controls steering wheel (as C4), with membrane-covered controls, providing easy access to key functions such as the cruise control, radio or telephone. Can also be specified with Citroën’s new-generation NaviDrive system, featuring a 7-inch central display screen and voice activation of the built-in GSM telephone, audio system and satellite navigation.
Metallic suspension features double wishbone layout at the front and multilink set-up at the rear. Citroën’s acclaimed Hydractive 3 Plus self-levelling suspension features springing and damping that adjusts instantaneously to offer a cosseting ride, whatever the road conditions. A soft mode provides optimum comfort while a firmer mode delivers greater body control. A “Sport” mode can also be selected for an even more dynamic ride.
Certain versions can be specified with a driver’s seat back massage function. The front seats are fully adjustable, with either manual or electric controls, while rear passengers benefit from generous amounts of legroom - the absence of a central tunnel ensures a flat floor throughout the rear.
Cruise control and a speed limiter are fitted as standard, while Hydractive 3 Plus versions are equipped with an automatic electric parking-brake and hill-start assist. For ease of parking, the C5 is also available with front and rear parking sensors, as well as a parking gap assistance system that determines the size of any available space and informs the driver.
Citroën safety technology, including up to nine airbags, providing the occupants with reassuring levels of protection in the event of an accident. The stiffened body and cabin structure incorporates upper and lower absorbers at the front end to soak up the energy released in the event of impact. Collapsible pedal assembly.
Static AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting System) function incorporates an additional light source that improves visibility and safety on corners and at junctions. A dynamic AFS option is available on models equipped with Xenon dual-function directional headlamps, further improving visibility to 105˚ at low speeds.
Isofix anchor points on up to three seats, four one-touch electric windows with an anti-pinch function and an electric child-safety lock for the rear doors and windows, all fitted as standard.
All C5 models have a full size spare wheel. Handsome 'Tourer' station wagon on sale in UK from 17-6-2008. Load space 505-litres with split folding rear seats that can be laid completely flat to create a capacity of nearly 1500 litres. Large tailgate, which allows bulky items to be loaded or unloaded with ease. And rear suspension can be lowered for loading or hitching a caravan at the touch of a button in the laod area. prices from £16,695 for 1.8.
June 2009
Citroen released first details of the 3.0 HDi V6
240hp engine to be introduced to the C5 and C6 ranges in summer 2009. The new engine improves fuel economy by 13-17% and reduces CO2 by 12-15%, compared to the current 2.7HDi V6 208hp unit.
Fuel saving features include a piloted alternator that recovers energy during deceleration and braking. The engine also fully complies with future Euro V standards. Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, the powerful and efficient unit means drivers can now benefit from up to 38mpg on the combined cycle.
It comes with a Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS) for an ultra-clean exhaust, but CO2 emissions are also reduced to 195g/km.
July 2009
The VTR+ model, now appropriately re-named VTR+ NAV
Features Citroën’s fully integrated MyWay navigation system with its easy to read 7-inch colour screen, European mapping, voice guidance, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and live traffic information with route recalculation. The traffic information service - from Trafficmaster PLC - is provided free-of-charge and without subscription. MyWay also provides the driver with auxiliary connectors in the glove box to allow portable media players to be plugged into the car’s audio system.
List prices from £18,795 on the road.
November 2009
Citroen range C5 updated
With new, greener engines including a new BMW co-developed chain cam 1.6i 16V THP 155hp petrol engine which replaced the 2.0i 16V 143hp. Euro V engine with 6-speed manual gearbox and available in VTR+ NAV Saloon.
A new 2.0HDi 16V 160hp diesel replaced 2.0HDi 16V 140hp and 2.2HDi 16V 173hp engines. Euro V rated with choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic and is available on both Saloon and Tourer models, in VTR+ NAV and Exclusive trim. SX trim level is renamed VTR (specification remains unchanged). The integration of a new Bluetooth system with USB box as standard equipment on Exclusive models.
New 1.6i 16V THP 155hp petrol delivers 240Nm of torque at 1400rpm and an 8% increase in power, combined with an 18.5% increase in combined-cycle fuel economy and a 16% reduction in CO2 emissions - down from 198g/km to 167g/km.
The new 2.0HDi 16V 160hp diesel provides 340Nm of torque at 2000rpm and - in comparison to the out-going 140hp manual C5 Saloon - a 14% increase in power, a 3% increase in fuel economy (combined cycle) and reduced CO2 emissions - down from 153g/km to 147g/km. For the automatic versions, CO2 emissions are 179g/km on both Saloon and Tourer - reduced from 189g/km and 191g/km respectively. In both cases VED is reduced by £40, from £215 to £175.
- 1.6HDi 16V 110hp VTR 140g/km £18,195.00
- 1.6i 16V THP 155hp VTR+ NAV 167g/km £19,795.00
- 1.6HDi 16V 110hp VTR+ NAV 140g/km £19,795.00
- 2.0HDi 16V 160hp VTR+ NAV 147g/km £21,195.00
- 2.0HDi 16V 160hp Auto VTR+ NAV 179g/km £22,695.00
- 2.0HDi 16V 160hp Exclusive 147g/km £22,095.00
- 2.0HDi 16V 160hp Auto Exclusive 179g/km £23,595.00
- 3.0HDi V6 240hp Auto Exclusive 195g/km £27,295.00
TOURER
- 1.6HDi 16V 110hp VTR 140g/km £19,295.00
- 1.6HDi 16V 110hp VTR+ NAV 140g/km £20,895.00
- 2.0HDi 16V 160hp VTR+ NAV 149g/km £22,295.00
- 2.0HDi 16V 160hp Auto VTR+ NAV 179g/km £23,795.00
- 2.0HDi 16V 160hp Exclusive 149g/km £23,195.00
- 2.0HDi 16V 160hp Auto Exclusive 179g/km £24,695.00
- 3.0HDi V6 240hp Auto Exclusive 195g/km £28,395.00
October 2010
Upgraded for 2011 Model year
Changes include a distinctive new LED light signature, darker tinted rear light clusters, re-homologated engines and the introduction of the Company’s innovative new eTouch Emergency & Assistance System.
The model upgrades apply to both Saloon and Tourer versions and are available from November 2010.
Standard specification across both the C5 Saloon and Tourer ranges, specially designed LEDs have been neatly integrated into the headlights to give the model a distinctive new visual signature. The rear light clusters also benefit from a new ‘Dark Crystal’ treatment with clear glass in the central section. The headlamps retain all their existing functionality and the models safety-enhancing cornering lights remain standard specification across the range.
The Citroën C5 range now benefits from a full Euro 5 compliant engine line-up with the introduction of the 1.6HDi 110hp Euro 5 to replace the Euro 4 version. The 1.6i THP 155hp petrol engine - available in Saloon form with VTR+ NAV trim - and the 3.0HDi V6 240hp Auto Exclusive (Saloon and Tourer) have been re-homologated and now offer improved fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.
Combined cycle fuel economy increases from 39.8mpg to 42.2mpg and 38.2mpg to 39.2mpg respectively. CO2 emissions are also down 14g/km and 6g/km respectively, resulting in reduced BIK tax rates for both models (down 3 bands for the THP 155 and down 2 bands for the HDi V6). The first year VED for the THP 155 model changes from band H to band G.
Standard specification on all C5 Exclusive models, customers now benefit from the introduction of Citroën’s new eTouch Emergency & Assistance System. This innovative service automatically or manually makesemergency calls and allows manual assistance calls - using a built-in SIM card - for a rapid response in the event of an accident or if the car is immobilised. Citroën’s eTouch system also allows drivers to consult information online at their ‘MyCITROËN’ personal space, which allows them to monitor their vehicle’s maintenance requirements and to receive advice on improving fuel economy. These services are free and available 24-7.
| C5 SALOON |
CO 2 Emissions January 0001(g/km) |
Combined Cycle January 0001Fuel Economy (mpg) |
‘On The Road' R.R.P |
| 1.6HDi 110hp VTR | 129 | 56.5 | £19,195.00 |
| 1.6i THP 155hp VTR+ NAV | 153 | 42.2 | £20,795.00 |
| 1.6HDi 110hp VTR+ NAV | 129 | 56.5 | £20,795.00 |
| 2.0HDi 160hp VTR+ NAV | 139 | 53.3 | £22,195.00 |
| 2.0HDi 160hp Auto VTR+ NAV | 179 | 41.5 | £23,695.00 |
| 2.0HDi 160hp Exclusive | 139 | 53.3 | £23,295.00 |
| 2.0HDi 160hp Auto Exclusive | 179 | 41.5 | £24,795.00 |
| 3.0HDi V6 240hp Auto Exclusive | 189 | 39.2 | £28,495.00 |
| C5 TOURER |
CO 2 January 0001Emissions (g/km) |
Combined Cycle January 0001Fuel Economy (mpg) |
‘On The Road' R.R.P |
| 1.6HDi 110hp VTR | 129 | 56.5 | £20,295.00 |
| 1.6HDi 110hp VTR+ NAV | 129 | 56.5 | £21,895.00 |
| 2.0HDi 160hp VTR+ NAV | 139 | 53.3 | £23,295.00 |
| 2.0HDi 160hp Auto VTR+ NAV | 179 | 40.9 | £24,795.00 |
| 2.0HDi 160hp Exclusive | 139 | 53.3 | £24,395.00 |
| 2.0HDi 160hp Auto Exclusive | 179 | 40.9 | £25,895.00 |
| 3.0HDi V6 240hp Auto Exclusive | 189 | 39.2 | £29,595.00 |
July 2012
Citroen updates the C5
The Citroën C5 now features the brand’s new chevrons and also gains the option of 17-inch ‘Egée’ alloy wheels on Exclusive models and a new pearlescent body colour - ‘Guaranja Brown’. Citroën C5 Exclusive models are available with a new part-leather upholstery and new interior design components.
It can be specified with a new eMyWay satellite navigation system combined with a Connecting Box - jack socket, USB port and Bluetooth - as part of a new Techno Pack option. On the C5 Tourer, the eMyWay system can be hooked up to a reversing camera to make parking manoeuvres even safer.
The new Techno Packs are introduced across the entire C5 range. Priced at £700, they offer similar equipment across all three trim levels:
| VTR Techno Pack | VTR+ Techno Pack | Exclusive Techno Pack |
| 16“ ‘Iroise’ alloy wheels | 17” ‘Ionian’ alloy wheels | 18“ ‘Atlantic’ alloy wheels |
| Rear parking sensors | Rear parking sensors | Front parking sensors (Rear parking sensors standard on Exclusive) |
| eMyWay (includes Connecting Box) | eMyWay (Connecting Box standard on VTR+) | eMyWay (Connecting Box standard on Exclusive) |
| Chrome window sills | Chrome window sills | Reversing camera on Tourer models |
| Front fog lights |
| C5 SALOON | CO 2 (g/km) | MRR OTR PRICE | |
| HDi 115 manual VTR | 129 | £19,895 | |
| e-HDi 115 Airdream EGS6 VTR | 117 | £20,595 | |
| HDi 115 manual VTR+ | 129 | £21,095 | |
| e-HDi 115 Airdream EGS6 VTR+ | 117 | £21,795 | |
| HDi 160 6-speed manual VTR+ | 129 | £22,495 | |
| HDi 160 6-speed automatic VTR+ | 163 | £23,995 | |
| HDi 160 6-speed manual Exclusive | 129 | £24,095 | |
| HDi 160 6-speed automatic Exclusive | 163 | £25,595 | |
| HDi 200 6-speed automatic Exclusive | 155 | £28,495 |
| C5 TOURER | CO 2 (g/km) | MRR OTR PRICE | |
| HDi 115 manual VTR | 129 | £20,995 | |
| e-HDi 115 Airdream EGS6 VTR | 117 | £21,695 | |
| HDi 115 manual VTR+ | 129 | £22,195 | |
| e-HDi 115 Airdream EGS6 VTR+ | 117 | £22,895 | |
| HDi 160 6-speed manual VTR+ | 133 | £23,595 | |
| HDi 160 6-speed automatic VTR+ | 163 | £25,095 | |
| HDi 160 6-speed manual Exclusive | 133 | £25,195 | |
| HDi 160 6-speed automatic Exclusive | 163 | £26,695 | |
| HDi 200 6-speed automatic Exclusive | 159 | £29,595 |
What to watch out for
Problem with corrosion of Tyre Pressure Monitoring Valves where TPMS is fitted.
08-11-2013:Sticking wipers on 5 year old could only be 'cured' by replacing wiper motors at a cost of £600.
15-04-2014:Power steering rack failures seem to be increasingly common. Spring a leak around the pinion input. Citroen dealers want£1,150 + labour to repalce the rack.
29-01-2015:Upper door seal failed on 2013 Citroen C5 at A pillar. dealer claimed "fair wear and tear". It isn't fair wear and tear. It's lousy quality.
16-06-2015:Citroen’s famous 'Hydractiv' suspension is being discontinued by PSA Peugeot Citroen and will self-level its last car when the current C5 sedan concludes its production run.
The discontinuation of the system that dates back to 1955 and combines a hydraulic pump with several nitrogen-filled pneumatic spheres to deliver an unmatched ride quality, is part of CEO Carlos Tavares’ ongoing cost-cutting actions throughout the company.
10-08-2016:Report of windscreen trim flying off 2011 Citroen C5 at speed. This was subject to an official VOSA safety recall in 2009, but the recall does not apply to C5s build since the date of the recall.
18-05-2017:Report of Magnetti Marelli satnav failing completely on a Citroen C5. It had run perfectly for 8 years and accepted CD updates, but now will not work at all, so car has also lost rear park assist, radio, CD player, phone, outside temp gauge, etc.
19-05-2017:Single front wheel TPMS sensor problem reported on 2011 Citroen C5 in New Zealand.
31-08-2017:Report of wiring fault with 2013 Citroen C5 estate. The engine management & parking brake fault lights come on intermittently, and on three occasions in the last six months the parking brake has stuck on for a minute or so. Car was purchased as a Citroen approved used car in october 2016 at 21k miles and was not then showing the faults. Two Citroen dealers have since failed to remedy the fault, initially replacing the accelerator pedal. The dealer who sold me the car also did this, showing that the fault was there before I bought the car. The second dealer to try to repair the car now says the car needs the main and both secondary wiring looms replacing and has estimated a cost of £3.5k, can't get a part number for the secondary looms, or find the tag that tells them what it is. They say they are also lacking a wiring diagram. They admit they have never dealt with a complex wiring problem before.
21-01-2018:Report of EGS6 of 2012 CITROEN C5 1.6e-HDi 16v (110bhp) Airdream EGS6 2011MY VTR+ NAV Estate 5d 1560cc refusing to change gear automatically (would change gear by driver selecting the gears). After being parked up subsequent to a 20 mile run, automatic chanbges returned. Likely to be a failing activator or moisture ingress to the activator.
