Citroen C5 Feels Different Is Different

Citroen C5 Feels Different Is Different

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It would have been easy to give the C5, the first model to use PSA's all-new Platform 3, conventional coils. Peugeot's Platform 3 models, the successors to the 406 and 607, will use steel springs. But after almost 50 years' experience, Citroen still believes in the inherent superiority of a fluid-sprung system. All the best Citroens use it and it's at the heart of the C5's appeal.

Hydractive 3 is a further development of the electro-hydraulic suspension first seen in the XM and later the Xantia. More computing power and modern electronics mean it's moved on a treat, and truly has the ability to amaze. Hydractive 3 reads the road and has the ability to automatically adapt its settings, depending upon speed, driving style and surface. The driver gets to choose between normal and sport, although the system automatically switches to sport whenever the driving becomes vigorous.

Sounds complicated, but it works - and better than any previous Citroen. The rougher the road, the more superior the C5 is at soaking up bumps and the greater the difference between conventional springs and Hydractive 3. Attack a corner and, just when you expect the body to start rolling, it doesn't. You turn in, grip the wheel for support and, without thinking about it, expect to compensate for the car's roll.

Except it stays flat. The soft, loping ride remains, but body control becomes firm, somehow the hydraulic trickery working without impairing comfort.

As lateral forces build up, you just keep turning the wheel to counter the increasing under steer and the C5 goes around. The limiting factor is the lack of lateral support in the otherwise comfortable seats. Comfort is clearly the C5's first priority - it doesn't set out to deliver agile handling.

Where the Citroen wins is in the quality and refinement of its 2.2 HDi turbo-diesel. Citroen has yet to decide if it should offer the diesel in Aisa, but it's vastly superior to the new 2.0 HPi petrol.

PSA's alloy, stratified-charge HPi, seen here for the first time, isn't as impressive in terms of refinement or performance. But, because it's a staggering 160kg lighter than the 1485kg HDi, it under steers less. The petrol engine isn't as willing or responsive, and it's actually noisier.

It's not a pretty car, nor is it obviously a Citroen, apart from the anonymous grille that could come from any of the current model range.

But the C5 is a very sophisticated car, lacking for nothing in equipment. It has all the latest electronic devices including voice control for the navigation, telephone and sound system, and a brilliantly legible trip computer. One unique feature: lock the car from outside and the exterior mirrors fold in to prevent possible damage.

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