Citroen C5X review

Pros: Classy cabin, spacious interior, comfort.

 

Cons: Expensive PHEV, transmission could be smoother around town. 

 

The arrival of the new Citroen C5 X marks the return of Citroen to the large family car segment. Combining the practicality of an estate car with the rugged looks of a crossover, the new C5 X could be a great alternative to an SUV.

 

 

The new C5 X has a sophisticated presence worthy of a flagship car for the Citroen brand. If you’re bored of the SUV look, the C5 X might be the one for you. It has the elongated silhouette of a large estate car and measures 4.8 metres in length, making it longer than Citroen's C5 Aircross mid-size SUV. There is some real flair to the design - from the charismatic V-shaped LED light signature at the front, to the high window line that ends in a little kick towards the rear of the car and a stylish boot spoiler.

 

The C5 X also sits higher off the ground than your average estate car, which gives it a bit more presence. All but the very entry model get diamond-cut, 19-inch alloy wheels, which sit nicely among the C5 X’s rugged, crossover-inspired design.

 

 

Citroen has clearly invested in giving the C5 X a more luxurious feeling cabin than some of their more compact models like the C4 and C3 Aircross. There are lots of soft touch materials and stylish decorative trims in the doors and dashboard. All versions get Citroen’s 'Advanced Comfort' seats, with lumbar support for the driver coming as standard. There’s a full digital instrument panel for the driver and a 10-inch touchscreen as standard. Flair models get an impressive 12-inch version that’s easy to navigate and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Citroen has also brought back some physical dials and switches to control the climate control and ventilation, which are easier to use while driving than touchscreen controls.

 

The C5 X feels big and roomy inside. The long wheelbase means there’s lots of legroom in the rear, while the rear bench is wide enough to sit three from time to time. The petrol models offer the most boot space at 545 litres, similar to a Peugeot 508 SW and only about 50 litres less than a Skoda Superb Combi. If you go for the plug-in hybrid, the volume goes down to about 485 litres. There’s a useful low flat loading sill and the rear seats can be let down from switches in the boot.

 

 

The new C5 X is available in Ireland with the choice of a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with 130hp, a 1.6-litre turbo petrol with 180hp or a range-topping, plug-in hybrid with 225hp. Whatever version you go for, they all come with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine is the most affordable C5 X you can buy and provides adequate performance across a variety of roads, with fuel consumption of about 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres during our time with the car. The 8-speed automatic gearbox can be a little jerky at low speeds but turning off the stop-start system makes it a much more pleasant experience in this environment. The C5 X plug-in hybrid is the most expensive of the range but does offer drivers the ability to charge the battery and drive it electric for up to about 55 kilometres.

 

The C5 X feels a step up from Citroen’s more compact models with acoustic glazing in the windscreen providing a pleasant buffer to road and wind noise at higher speeds. It comes as standard with the brand’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ suspension with progressive hydraulic cushions, which translates to a smooth and soft ride over the tarmac. It’s certainly one of the most comfortable family cars you can buy in this price range. It feels more hunkered down in the corners than a C5 Aircross for example. So while not being an out and out driver’s car, there’s still very little to complain about in how the Citroen goes about its business on the road. 

 

 

The Citroen C5 X is available in Ireland in four trim levels – Feel, Feel Pack, Flair and Flair Pack. The C5 X Feel 1.2 petrol kicks off the range at €36,990. For a limited time while stocks last, the C5 X Flair with a black contrast roof is available from €41,940. The C5 X 1.6 petrol is available from €48,280, while the C5 X plug-in hybrid is available from €50,090.

 

 

The new C5 X feels like a return to form for the Citroen brand, with a stylish design and well-appointed cabin. The quirky crossover looks won’t be for everyone, but if you’re looking for a spacious family car that’s comfortable and well-equipped, then this new Citroen C5 X is definitely worth a look.