Citroen C5 Tourer

This isn’t quite the awesome load lugger that we were expecting and hoping for from Citroen. The saloon is certainly the C5 to go for, because the estate isn’t quite as big as you’d want, or as comfortable.

• Comfort

  French cars are normally all about the comfort, but the C5 Tourer doesn’t quite cut it. The Hydractive suspension (otional on most models) doesn’t absorb as many bumps as you’d expect, nor do the ordinary springs. 

  

• Performance

  Three engines on offer - 1.6, 2.0 litre and 3.0 litre V6 diesels. The poverty-spec oil-burning 1.6 wheezes to 62mph in 11.9 seconds, by which time you'll become bored. It offers 56.5mpg, but upgrade to the 2.0 HDI (manual) and you'll get 160bhp and 53.3mpg, and a 0-62mph time of 9.3 seconds. V6 packs 240bhp, which is pleasant.

  

• Cool

  Citroen is in a rather mixed position here. Some of its cars are cool (we’re thinking C6), but then others just aren’t. The C5 is in the middle ground, but the fashionable new Tourer moniker doesn’t help. 

  

• Quality

  Citroen was in danger at one point of turning into a latter-day Skoda, but the French have managed to rescue it. Just. Interior plastics are top notch now and it all feels solid, but the Top Gear survey results are always a bit poor. 

  

• Handling

  The biggest weakness the C5 has is the steering. It’s not what you’d call direct. But don’t think of this as a sports car and you won’t be entirely disappointed. Yes it’s soft, but at least it doesn’t fire you into the nearest hedge. 

  

• Practicality

  The Mondeo is the class champ – the current C5 Tourer is actually smaller than the last model. And the rear seats don’t fold all that easily, so as far as estates go, the C5 ain’t great. 

  

• Running costs

  These shouldn’t be too bad, as the C5 Tourer gets all the long service intervals and three year warranty that you’d normally expect. Depreciation won’t be pretty on Citroens though.