Citroen C5: news and pics of 2011 facelift

It’s facelift time for the Citroen C5. The Gallic family car gets a cosmetic fillip, new safety toys and a range of engine revisions to keep it fresh in the face of new competition from the new VW Passat and pepped-up Ford Mondeo.

The 153bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol nets lower CO2 emissions, down 14g/km to 153, and economy is also improved, up to 42.2mpg from 39.8. This downsized turbo is now the only petrol engine available in the Citroen C5 – and the Tourer estate range is diesel only.

The 3.0-litre diesel V6 with 237bhp is also revised, with carbon emissions down to 189g/km and mpg increased to 39.2. Impressively, both economy figures are the same for the saloon and estate.

What isn’t changed, however, is the look of the Citroen C5. The styling alterations have a certain je ne sais quoi. Cosmetic changes are subtle, the most noticeable being the addition of LED lights wrapped around the standard Citroen bulbs above. Cornering lights stay as standard.

Citroen has added its new eTouch Emergency & Assistance System, its latest safety gizmo. Using a built-in SIM card, the C5 can make automated or manual calls to the emergency services in case of accidents.

Citroen has also introduced ‘MyCITROËN’, an online personalisation service which allows customers to remotely monitor their vehicle’s mechanical needs and also gives advice on how they can improve their fuel economy.

The Citroen C5 facelift is nothing if not subtle. But the C5 has found a niche as the comfortable family saloon with the accent on pampering over dynamic precision. Citroen is playing to its strengths, with comfort, technology, strong diesels and good looks giving it a strong stance in this fiercely competitive market. It goes on sale in the UK on the November 1st, priced from £19,195 for a 108bhp 1.6-litre diesel saloon, ranging up to £29,595 for a 3.0-litre V6 diesel tourer.

By Ben List