Citroen C5 unveiled

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

18 October 2007 12:01

Citroen C5: the new one

Very nice indeed. When we first got the pictures of this, the new Citroen C5, most in the CAR office were very impressed. And we’re still impressed. The previous-generation C5 was so forgettable that even we had trouble remembering what it looked like. Perhaps we'd tried to blot its bloated shape from our minds; it might have been a cashback bargain in the UK and it wafted with the best, but it never, ever looked anything less than dull. This car shouldn’t suffer the same fault, and we’ll find out if the car drives as good as it looks when we get behind the wheel in spring 2008. Highlights on the new C5 including a fixed-hub steering wheel, Hydractive 3 Plus suspension, and of course those looks.

It does, and in fact the production C5, which we scooped earlier this month, and the concept are all but identical from the A-pillars forward, including those large, chromed double chevrons on the chin. And that C6-esque, gloriously concave rear window is a winner, a real design flourish. The side has a rising crease line (BMW, anyone?) and at the back there are large, prominent rear lights on both the saloon and estate. At 4780mm long, 1860mm wide and 1450mm tall, the new C5 saloon is bigger but lower than the current car. It should be roomier inside, as its wheelbase is stretched out by 70mm.

By Ben Pulman