LAOIS MOTORING: Citroen C5 X Plug-In-Hybrid reviewed

I am not a fan of PHEV’s. For me they are just not practical enough, with very short range on battery power alone. Usually 50 or so km and all the hassle of having to plug in at home or for 30 mins or so at a fast charger to attain that short range. 

I know for a fact many motorists who have bought PHEV’s don’t plug in regularly enough and end up driving around in a car thats carrying a heavy battery and an electric motor that they are not using. Heavy equals more emissions and greater fuel consumption.

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. My test car this week is the 1.6 petrol PHEV Flair.

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.

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.

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?

The PHEV features a 1.6 litre petrol and an 80kW battery powered electric motor with a combined 225 bhp and a claimed range of 55km on battery power. 

Realistically I achieved closer to 40km on battery power alone. Fuel consumption was 7.8 litres per 100km which is not overly impressive. That’s the penalty of carrying around the weight of the battery and motor. On the upside road tax is €140.00 for the year.

What is it like to drive?

The new C5 X PHEV 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 PHEV 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

A PHEV works only for those who do really short trips and religiously plug in at every opportunity. If you don’t or can’t do that then frankly they are not a solution. Stay with your petrol or diesel or go full EV.

The Citroen C5 X PHEV is a very good car and if a PHEV is suitable for your needs then this is a nice one. It costs €52,50 as tested.

LAOIS MOTORING: New Nissan Ariya is top of its class!