Citroen C5

Our verdict

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 2.2HDi and it's a sublime cruiser. The seats are extraordinarily comfy, and there's a massaging option.

Performance

Six engines for the UK, two petrols and four diesels. The 208bhp V6 oil-burner from the C6 is top of the tree and a 1.8-litre, 127bhp petrol four is at the lower end, with the rest in-between. Most will opt for the default 2.0HDi, but the pick of the bunch is the 2.2Hdi - 0-62mph in 8.5, 137mph and 43.5mpg, 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.