LAOIS MOTORING: Comfort to the fore in all-new Citroen C5 X

Large cars have not always been very successful for Citroen, their forte seemed to be in producing compact, often quirky smaller cars. The all new C5 X is actually quite a large car sharing its platform with Peugeot, their version though slightly shorter is called the 408.

The new Citroen C5 X is available in four trim levels, namely Feel, Feel Pack, Flair and Flair Pack and in petrol and plug in hybrid versions with prices for the entry level model starting at €36,990.00.

So how does it look?

The car looks well and is quite imposing as its a fairly big car. The front end style is very “Citroen” and looks distinctive, The rear has a lot going on with a sleek fastback look and a neat roof spoiler but no rear wiper which seems a strange omission. Overall then its certainly has presence.

What is it like inside?

The new C5 X is really roomy inside and the cabin looks and feels well finished. There is lots of leather in the Flair model on test and the fit and feel of all materials used makes this a very nice cabin indeed. Citroen always known for putting comfort at the top of their list of virtues have ensured this new car certainly delivers in that area.

The level of standard equipment on the Flair model tested is very good with a 12 inch central touch screen with Citroen Play, keyless entry and start, electric windows, auto lights and wipers, a decent audio system, advanced Head Up Display, Apple Car Play, Wireless Charging and a host of safety kit including rear cross traffic alert.

However why oh why do manufacturers insist on putting Lane Change Assist as defaulted on? It is so annoying as the steering gets pulled around in your hands when you cross a line on a rural road. To change it you have to do a number of pushes on the touchscreen which is both distracting and infuriating.

The digital dash is disappointing with little in the way of design or style while it does give necessary driver info others do this with much more panache. Other than those gripes this new C5 X is a very nice car in which to travel. Its got lots of room both front and rear and the boot is huge.

What’s under the bonnet?

Power plants include a 1.2 litre petrol Puretech 130 bhp paired with an 8-speed auto gearbox ( as tested here) and a 1.6 litre Puretech petrol  180 bhp with 8-speed auto. The PHEV features a 1.6 litre petrol and an 80kW electric motor with a claimed range of 55km on battery power. 

The 1.2 litre petrol turbo is surprisingly good at pulling around this large car. With some 130bhp on tap and well chosen gear ratios it cruises at motorway speeds with ease. Over some 600km it burned an average of 7.1 litres of petrol per 100km, road tax is €210.00 for the year.

What is it like to drive?

The new C5 X is set up for comfort rather than driver engagement. It rides the roads very well but the soft suspension set up while comfortable does dull the handling somewhat with noticeable push on understeer on damp surfaces and a somewhat inert feeling to the steering. The C5 X is equipped as standard with Citroen’s Advanced Comfort suspension and you really do feel the benefit of this on less than perfect road surfaces. 

My Verdict

The C5 X Flair cossets driver and passengers in real comfort. Its roomy well equipped and feels good around you. For those who put comfort above driver involvement you might just love the new C5 X. The Flair model tested costs €48,890.

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