Citroen C5

The Citroen C5 is the latest French attempt at conquering the middle-market saloon arena, and is a surprising hit – it apes the Germans’ sense of quality but keeps a certain French flair.

• Comfort

  The Hydractive III is a joy on rough roads. Slightly firmer in ‘comfort' mode (you can adjust it at the touch of a button), the C5 manages to feel more natural than the waftacious C6 and really does ride better than anything else in class. Mate that to a powerful but quiet 2.7HDi and it's a sublime cruiser. The seats are extraordinarily comfy, and there's a massaging option.

  

• Performance

  Two diesel engines are the only choice of power for Australia. The 150kW V6 oil-burner from the C6 is top of the tree and a 2.0-litre, 100kW four pot at the lower end. Most will opt for the default 2.0HDi, but the pick of the bunch is the 2.7Hdi - 0-100km/h in 9.6, 220km/h and 8.5L/100km, with in-gear acceleration that puts a smile on your face.

  

• Cool

  Not cool exactly, but not a default-choice VW Passat. Proves you're not dead, at least.

  

• Quality

  This is where Citroen have made significant ground on the German marques; the tactile stuff is really very nice, the soundproofing in infinitely better and the quality of the materials has jumped. Well done all round.

  

• Handling

  Two types of suspension are available on the C5 - the full-on Hydractive III hydro pneumatic system nicked off big brother C6 and normal steel springs that are supposed to give ‘more direct contact with the road'. The steels are fine and handle nicely enough, but the more expensive Hydractive loses little in terms of handling and outright grip, but is twice as comfortable.

  

• Practicality

  A big boot and plenty of room for five, this is a decent large saloon - the parking-space measuring widget sounds like a gimmick, but works well and is surprisingly useful. It stops you trying to get into too tight a spot.

  

• Running costs

  Shouldn't be too hard to run a C5, and expect it to undercut the equivalent German marques when it comes on stream fully. Hydractive is more expensive but worth it, but don't expect residuals to be very good - this may be a premium car, but it's from a sub-premium marque.