2008 Citroen C5 sedan and wagon
10 Dec, 2007
50 Comments 
Citroen has announced its new C5 will debut at the Brussels International Motor Show, the first major European motor show of the year, on the 15th January 2008.
Usually, carmakers would wait until the Geneva show in March, however we’re told this demonstrates, “Citroen’s keenness to get the new car into the market.” Citroen has informed Car Advice that Australia will receive the car in the third quarter of next year.
“The existing Citroen C5 has been an enormously important vehicle for Citroen in and around the world,” said Miles Williams, General Manager for Citroen in Australia. “With the new C5 technology, safety and environmental compatibility are further enhanced and, as previewed by the C5 Airscape, the new body is quite simply a magnificent blend of dynamism and elegance.”
The C5 will be available as a sedan and wagon, and while Australian specs have not been confirmed yet, three petrol, and four diesel engines will be launched, complemented by an array of gearbox configurations.
Citroen used to be the benchmark for a quality ride, however some recent product haven’t lived up to expectations. What will be interesting, will be the way the newly developed Hydractive 3 Plus suspension copes with our poor Australian roads. We’re keen to see whether the C5 will live up to its reputation for French flair.
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December 10th, 2007 at 10:34 am
This is a sensational looking car – the interior is fabulous as well. It’s almost enough to make one think about buying French.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 10:47 am
French electronics?? Is the windscreen leaking yet?
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 11:20 am
james Says:
December 10th, 2007 at 10:47 am
“French electronics?? Is the windscreen leaking yet?”
Fortunately times have changed James. Since the PSA partnership, the French cars have improved their quality dramatically.
Forget the Ford Mundane-Oh, Gimme the C5 or the new Renault Laguna any day.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 11:31 am
Mundane-Oh… Funny you mention the PSA partnership and bag the Mondeo in the same post, considering the Mondeo uses a 2.0l diesel shared the PSA group.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 11:33 am
Hey Foggy, what are you gonna do with the C5 when you’ve finished with it ??????? the other 5 people in oz who wanted one will already have theirs
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 11:42 am
Its a work of art, absolutely beautiful.
Good enough to buy one just to look at it.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
A good car but a oddball.
Biggest problem is its the same coin as a C200 Benz or Base 3 BMW, we know which the public buys…
They have spoken!
Cheers,
F-0
**VOTE-NOW!**
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
I like the look of it from that picture. A little Jag XF’ish in the profile. I hope it’s a good car and sells well. I’ve never been a Citroen fan but I like some variety in the marketplace.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Classic stuff Boggy ;-), but remember the French mantra “Vive la Différence!”
Axe man, I’m not bagging the Mundane-oh’s drivetrain, which I’m sure are top notch :-D, just it’s conservatism and blandness.
Are you kidding frugal one ….same coin as the Benz or Bimmer?!?! The top spec C5 with all the fruit will be about the same price as a badge-only BMW/Benz. Need I mention the ability of the Germans to fleece you a further 50% of the purchase price on a handful of options.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
I’d go for that C5 over the BMW or Merc even if it doesn’t have the same build quality as the Germans. Why? Presicely because it ISN’T a BMW or Merc. Every man and his dog drives something German these days and they’ve become icons for the bland and conservative. Me, I’d take something different and unique any day. Bring on the Citroens! :)
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
I’d consider the C5 as it is a stunning looking vehicle but a Laguna over a mondeo!? no way, the new laguna is nowhere near as good looking as the C5 or the mondeo imo.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
I’m with Scott B. This is a stunning looker from the French builder. reminds me of a modern take on the fast Maserati powered V6 citroen SM Coupe. At least the fastback shape. Citroen’s also keep running for years and years and would be less to service than a Merc or BM on the whole.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Adam you are right. The new Laguna is completely devoid of any aesthetic appeal – the old one was much more stylish. In the French market (and that’s where these brands sell most of their volume), the C5 is going to obliterate the Laguna. Carlos the Great has a big problem on his hands.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
any of you guys own a citroen now? im guessing not if you say you would own one! the fit and finish is poor, they always break down and resale is worse than any other euro car, even worse than saab!
I worked in a citroen dealer, it was multi franchise, but the citroen guys used to see 90% of there cars sold back on a truck!
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
The shape at the rear looks similar to the current C6 (probaly borrowed it for the new design).
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Yes Tony, one of my cars is a Citroen C4 Picasso, and I wouldn’t have any hesitation in buying another one. No reliability issues to date (I’ve had it for 6 months).
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
good to hear. Sorry im prob a bit judgemental, but when i was working with them i saw nothing but dramas, i left that dealership about the picasso time.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
Foggy, did you option the rear air suspension?
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
I really wanted to get the pneumatic rear suspension Karl, but I couldn’t wait the 6 month lead time for a custom order. AFAIK, there is still no one in Australia that has it on a Picasso, which is a shame, because it would be fantatastic on our poor roads.
The hydroactive suspension will be optional on the new C5. It’ll be interesting to see what percentage of buyers take it up. I think it will be a very high percentage as the famous “magic carpet ride” is one of the big attractions for most of the “traditional” Citroen buyers.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
That was the reason I asked. I was at the Picasso launch and on Sydney roads the coil suspension was way too soft and crashy. I was wondering if the pneumatic made a difference.
Oh well, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Does anybody think it looks similar to its much larger brother the C6, from the rear angle?
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Foggy, you reckon the Mondeo’s bland? I reckon it has style, maybe just not as much as this. Citroen have gone all out, once again.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Mondeo is a fabulous looking car so is this!
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Nice looking car. Too bad Mr & Mrs ImDeadInsideAndHaveNoSoul would rather buy a Camry.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Am I mistaken or will this cost quite a bit more than the Mondeo and Camry???
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Same great design school as Peugeot.
They dont fit the”ImDeadInsideAndHaveNoSoul”love that.
Pneumatic suspension mmmmm…I tend towards
Vote:simplicity.Early AWD SUBARU have issues due to perishing of the bags.If you keep the car be prepared to outlay some dollars.
December 10th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Tonyn Says:
December 10th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
any of you guys own a citroen now? im guessing not if you say you would own one! the fit and finish is poor, they always break down and resale is worse than any other euro car, even worse than saab!
I worked in a citroen dealer, it was multi franchise, but the citroen guys used to see 90% of there cars sold back on a truck!
AMEN!!
Let the wood-ducks make a statement in buying a orphan, let them burn with a 70% burn after 3 years..
They will come crawling back to Benz/BMW after a nice expensive lesson!!
Cheers
F-0
**VOTE-NOW!**
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Didnt the previous laguan model have like 27 recalls, seriously, citroen and renault can make em look pretty, but they are lemons, they fall to pieces, and the electronics are woeful. You guys probably start buying alfa’s next.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
james Says:
December 10th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Didnt the previous laguan model have like 27 recalls, seriously, citroen and renault can make em look pretty, but they are lemons, they fall to pieces, and the electronics are woeful. You guys probably start buying alfa’s next.
Arrr the irony, Citroen means lemon!:-)
My neighbour has a Alfa, been 100% perfect, good for him, he would not even know what a spare tyre is let alone how to change it!!
Cheers
F-0
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Look at you guys CARRY ON!!
Can’t say I Know what a laguan is. Citron, pertinently, is lemon. Not Citroen, but I reckon the wily Frugal One knows that. Oh yes, he KNOWS that. He’s just being mysterious.
Their hydro-pneumatics have interconnected cast-iron spheres on each wheel whose internal volume allows varying ratios of compressible air and non-compressible fluid, so there are no baggy floppy things to wear out as per early Subarus.
Goodness, it’s late, but check out my technical savvy!
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
hahahaha……..thanks I needed a laugh after today….Golfschwein .Maybe its the red your drinking tonight! I feel I should have partaken in some myself tonight!!!!!!!!!!
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 11:12 pm
Glad to comply! There’s been no red consumed here tonight. Been working…sigh.
Vote:December 10th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
So I have since learn’t! Looks like were both on the wagon tonight! Talk tomorrow!
Vote:December 11th, 2007 at 1:46 am
You guys make me laugh. Why going on about the Mondeo this is about Citroen dummies
The Euro opinion is the C5 looks great, All French cars sell well here in the UK.
We had a Laguna Initial (Top Spec) last model, it was the worst cars i’ve driven in years. Renault couldn’t fix it, bits fell of it…complete rubbish.
But I would consider the next C5 as its different and well stylish..but need to be better built than citroens of old.
Vote:December 11th, 2007 at 5:57 am
Hey Foggy, so you bought a Picasso, good to hear that coz im considering buying one soon.
So did ya get the standard one or the top of the line?
From an owners point of view, what are the pros and cons of this vehicle? Ive never owned a Citroen before and always wonder how does it fare in terms of reliability and practicality. Thanks.
to all Citoen/Picasso owners, feel free to chip in some advise… ;)
Vote:December 11th, 2007 at 9:36 am
Stiffmeister, without wanting to sound too biased, I really do think that the Grand “Pikachu” is a magnificent piece of design, both visually and ergonomically.
The particular vehicle that I bought included the Premium Pack 1 and the oversize sunroof. Luckily the sunroof doesn’t open, but is more like a large window with a motorised blind, so the potential water leak factor is diminished.
Just quickly, here is a summary of my thoughts and reasoning for buying this vehicle for anyone who might be interested.
Positives:
* Good looking car for a MPV, and you don’t have to live with the stigma of driving a 4WDtank/SUV to get the required space
* Great boot space when seats 6 & 7 are not being used.
* Flexibility of seating configuration is second to none in this class. Seats all fold flat… well the 2nd row are very close to flat, but not quite.
* The leather seats in the optional Premium Pack are very comfortable and supportive. Note that the standard velour front seats are actually a different seat altogether, and not very supportive.
* The 2.0 HDi engine is a bit slow off the mark, but when you’re past 1500rpm, it’s torque heaven
* Fuel Economy to date has been ok, but not as good as expected (about 8 L/100km).
* Safety credentials are excellent, suffice to say that I hope I never have to find out for myself.
* Build quality and panel fit are very good.
* The Quad-Zone Climate control aircon is very effective, and the individual controls are a nice feature.
* The seatbelt warning indicators actually tell you which seat doesn’t have their seatbelt clicked in, rather than just a general warning.
* The standard 17″ wheels and tyres (on the HDi) are very attractive and improve the handling, compared to the 16″ wheels on the petrol model.
* I’m still not sure about the electric park brake, but it least it saves space. It automatically engages when you turn off the engine, and disengages when you hit the accelerator to take off.
* Plenty of storage compartments
* The visiospace windscreen is magnificent if you’re tall like me, offering the novel ability to see traffic lights!
* Suspension is a little on the soft side, but then it is a Citroen!
* Has both cruise control and a speed limiter
* The stereo system outputs sound of an acceptable quality.
Negatives:
* No EGS gearbox, just a regular 6 speed auto. This also adds an extra 1.3L/100km to the fuel economy that the Brits get with their EGS box.
* The standard velour seats are not supportive, and both Mrs Foggy & myself found them uncomfortable after about an hour’s driving… hence why we went for the optional Premium Pack.
* I’m not a fan of the rather feminine gear shift lever on the steering column.
* The rear aircon vents are for cooling only, you must close them and use only the front vents if you’re trying to heat the car.
* The main aircon controls are not accessible to the front seat passenger. I find this a little frustrating as I’m used to my wife helping out in changing the settings to demist the windscreen when it’s raining.
* Mudflaps are an accessory, they should be standard!
* The turning circle could be better (11.85m), which makes it a little difficult to manoeuvre into a parking spot in Chatswood Chase. After driving a Honda Jazz (9.4m) for the last few years, you become spoiled in this regard!
* Bluetooth & iPod integration are expensive (and time delaying) factory options. They are both relatively low cost, and should be standard in a car of this nature today. I had the dealer install some aftermarket connectors for me.
* 4 to 6 month wait if you want to order one from the factory with all your preferred options.
* The rear tailgate opens a little too high. You need to be careful in low car parks or garages
* Poor bootspace when seats 6 & 7 are in use
* It’s a little bit expensive against it’s competitors.
We also looked at the following cars before selecting the C4 Pikachu:
1. Mitsubishi Outlander VRX V6 – Sporty handling and performance, great equipment list, good looking, cheap plasticky interior, gas guzzler, not as much cargo space.
Vote:2. C5 HDi Wagon – Does everything well, but just didn’t have the same x-factor as the Pikachu.
3. Mitsubishi Grandis – The cargo area was very useable, not really flat. Handles and drives very well, looks good, interior a bit bland, but just didn’t have the x-factor.
4. Honda Odyssey – Looks like a stretch limo (not my style), good value and plenty of kit, poor location of child restraints, not enough ground clearance for our driveway.
5. Subaru Liberty/Outback wagons – No good for tall drivers or passengers. Minimal cargo space…. too common, no flair, just another North Shore mum’s chariot.
6. Mazda 6 Wagon – Great value for money, but doesn’t offer much more cargo space than the hatchback.
7. Mazda CX-7 – Again good value, but lacks cargo space, and has poor visibility thanks to the large C pillars.
8. Mazda MPV (2nd hand) – Very flexible and practical, but also very thirsty and rather barren when it comes to safety features. Also a bit bland.
9. Ford Territory – No thanks
December 11th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Dude that was usefull info :)
Vote:the premium pack is very enticing…
but the 4 to 6 months wait is frustrating…
nevertheless it still will serve its purpose…
i do alot of ‘burbs drivin so the economy is better than
other mpv’s
i like the fact that the aircon is at the driver side
coz i hate passengers fiddling around the temp esp when its not necessary.
ipod integration is a must (im an mp3 freak)
all i need to do is to get my ass rollin to the dealers
and check it out myself…
Thanks again fo the info Bro..
now i have to twist my wifes arm to get one…lol
(figuratively speakin ofcourse)
December 11th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
ol foggy, give it time, it will leak.
You got the HDI heres a heads up for you;
1. Clutch, release bearings will start to fail around 50k, then the actuators at a 100k goodbye clutch assembly and a couple of k in repairs.
2. Avoid wet roads as water can get into the gearbox which will cause it to seize. You got the auto, right?
3. fuel leaks from rail to injector unions.
4. Door seals will split.
5. Trim will fall off.
6. Electric windows, radio, central locking, door mirrors, electrical probs…
7. 13 recalls on the last one, good luck to you, 6 months is early days btw, start to worry about 18 months from now, o yer, when the warranty is gone, you are on ya own :(
Vote:December 11th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Im asking you guys, would you rather own a camry or a mondeo?
Vote:December 11th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
^I’d have a Mondeo.
Vote:December 11th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Foggy, I’ve just read James’ gaze into his crystal ball.
Shoulda bought a Tarago maaaate. I’m tellin ya…
Vote:December 11th, 2007 at 3:41 pm
Speaking of which (kind of), summer time is here, and the streets are lined with ever-increasing numbers of Camrys with their bonnets up.
Oh yes, it’s Head Gasket Time!
Vote:December 11th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
golfschwein, I had a camry a few years ago, the Ultima, member that model, the head gasket, you guessed it…lol
Vote:December 11th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
LOL James… I cringe whenever I hear about the dreaded Laguna Syndrome!
Last year my wife was allocated a new Camry for her work. I came home and barely gave it a second glance as it sat in the garage…. it has to be the most uninspiring vehicle for a car enthusiast. :D
Vote:December 11th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Wont disagee with you on the camry foggy :)
Vote:December 12th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Personally being the person that wrote the question, id rather own a camry.
Vote:December 30th, 2007 at 10:34 am
You lot are all pathetic. No wonder the resale value is bad when you lot go on about a petty piece of trim coming off one or two cars out of the thousands that are built and the clutch going at 50k and $$$$ being spent to fix it.
It’s a car and wear does happen. You are making a mass generalization about these wonderful cars. Electronics these days are normally a problem, yes, but on ANY car.
Citroen engines are great and it all comes back to how it’s treated.
You tell me a car that doesn’t have it’s problems. It’s also down to how you treat it! Treat it like crap and don’t look after it and you get what you deserve.
I come from a Citroen Dealership and I can tell you that the things that I saw were nothing but normal compared to other cars.
The new C5 is a fantastic car from the pictures and the finish will be just as great.
All new C5’s in Australia will have Hydractive 3 Plus as standard and it will come in three trim levels with a variety of engines; primarily Diesels.
The C5 has had much work in noise suppression in the cabin.
Get a life gentlemen instead of putting something down that you have no idea about.
Vote:July 19th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I am onto my second Citroen C5 Wagon.
Vote:The previous one was 2001 2.0i Auto, which i traded in last year at 136,000 km for the 2005 2.2HDi Auto.
The PSA drivetrains have been superbly reliable.
The electronics – no major faults, a lot of unimportant false alarms.
The hydropneumatic suspension never missed a beat – not even a trace of any problems. This suspension (you can increase the ground clearance to approx. 210mm) gives me the ability to reach my freshwater fishing spots without the penalty of high fuel consumption and poor roadholding.
No brand is free of some creaks and rattles – neither is Citroen.
All in all- Citroen offewrs better quality than my previous Falcons, Commodores and Magnas and much, much more appeal and functionality…
I will probably get the new C5 Diesel Wagon again when the time comes in 2-3 years.
January 4th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Being the proud owner of a Citroen DS-21 Pallas in the good old days and still the best car I have ever owned (believe me, I’ve owned some fancy and expensive cars in my time), I went to check out the 2008 Citroen Tourer Exclusive.
I’ve got to say that for those who want to compare it to BMW and Mercedes, those German cars are not even in the race. Technologically. Citroen has done with this car what they did with the DS series – the C5 is 30 years ahead of anything else on the road. The innovations, the equipment level and the clever touches leave those German cars in the dust. And it looks better too.
The only thing I don’t like about Citroens is their depreciation and that is because the average schmuck out there doesn’t know how good these cars are. So usually being a new car buyer, this time I will not buy a new C5 and watch $25,000 go down the toilet as I drive out the showroom door, but I will wait a year or two and buy one for about $35,000 that has low miles and I will wallow in the luxury and technical innovation that only Citroen can produce. Just those beautiful seats with so many adjustments are worth the trouble.
You’d have to spend $250,000 on a Mercedes S500 or BMW &40 to come close to what the Citroen C5 Exclusive has on board.
Vote:May 29th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Fell in love with the C6 but had to wait for the more affordable C5. Had it for six trouble-free months now. Perfect except for the AM radio, but more of that later. You get a lot for the money.
Vote:Headlights that turn into corners
Hydropnuematic suspension which is only otherwise available on the Mayback. It\’s a limo ride with European handling.
Supreme 2.01 litre diesel returning 7.1l/100km
Sumptuous soft leather which would be an upgrade on BMW\’s cow hide.
It\’s sized more like a BMW 5 series or an E Class – bigger
and more comfortable than my last C Class.
Yes I know about the resale and will probably pay for my enthusiasm – but there are so many look-alike germans on the road, I\’d prefer a car that\’s interesting.