Citroën has unveiled the redesigned production C5 – previewed last month by a Frankfurt show cabriolet concept – with new features such as a second-generation fixed-centred controls steering wheel, a seat back massage function and a choice of suspension set-ups, and plans to build and sell it in China.
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“It’s the first time in the history of Citroen that we will launch the same model in China while also launching it in Europe,” managing director Gilles Michel told Reuters in France.
Citroen launch information said the new car is larger than the model it replaces – 4.78m long (the wagon is 5cm longer), 1.86m wide and 1.45m tall.
The instrument panel has annular needles which run around each of the dials, allowing an electronic display unit to be integrated in the centre of each dial. A screen on the overhead console displays an illustration on start-up, symbolising the car, its five seats and the seatbelt warnings.
The new C5 introduces a second-generation fixed-centred controls steering wheel, with membrane-covered controls, providing easy access to key functions such as the cruise control, radio or telephone. The model can also be specified with PSA’s new-generation NaviDrive system, featuring a seven-inch central display screen and voice activation of the built-in GSM telephone, audio system and satellite navigation.
Two suspension set-ups, based on the running gear of the C6 executive saloon, will be offered. The metallic suspension with double wishbone layout at the front and multilink set-up at the rear majors on comfort while the Hydractive 3 Plus self-levelling suspension features springing and damping that adjusts instantaneously to suit road conditions. A soft mode provides optimum comfort while a firmer mode delivers greater body control. A sport mode can also be selected.
Some versions can be specified with a driver’s seat back massage function.
Cruise control and a speed limiter are fitted as standard, while Hydractive 3 Plus versions are equipped with an automatic electric parking brake and hill-start assist. The C5 is also available with front and rear parking sensors, as well as a parking gap assistance system that determines the size of any available space and informs the driver.
The new C5 is the first Citroen to be equipped with a collapsible pedal assembly – in the event of an impact the brake and clutch pedals retract into the floor of the footwell to limit injury to the driver’s legs and feet. A retractable steering column is also fitted.
A lane departure warning system (LDWS) is available on some versions and up to nine airbags, including a kneebag can be fitted.
Static AFS (adaptive front lighting system) function incorporates an additional light source that improves visibility and safety on corners and at junctions. A dynamic AFS option is available on models equipped with Xenon dual-function directional headlamps, further improving visibility to 105° at low speeds.
Available petrol engines include 127bhp 1.8i 16V and 143bhp 2.0i 16V units and there there are four HDi diesels –110, 138, 173 and V6 208 units – all fitted with a diesel particulate filter system. Manual or automatic gearboxes are available.
