A New Range-Topper From Citroen - C5 X On Test

Just launched in the UK, the all-new Citroen C5 X is an unusual offering, though not wholly unexpected from the quirky French brand. So, what exactly is it? It’s not an SUV, that’s for sure, even though the eagle-eyed may spot the slightly raised ride height.

A swooping estate car perhaps, though I favour the word Sport-Brake, which sounds far more interesting.

It’s a distinctive design, with sharp lines and creases and bold LED lighting front and rear. It’s a big car too, measuring almost five metres in length but it hides its bulk well.

At the moment Citroen are offering UK buyers a choice of two petrol engines and a plug-in hybrid. Petrol-powered variants are available with either a 1.2-litre PureTech 130, or the more powerful 1.6-litre PureTech 180 engine. All models come exclusively with a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Fleet and business users will naturally be drawn to the Plug-In Hybrid models which combine the more power 1.6-litre engine with an 81.2kW motor and a 12.4kWh Lithium-ion battery pack. This heady combination gives a combined power output of 225hp and 360Nm of torque.

All all-electric range of up to 38.5 miles in full electric mode is said to be possible. Low emission of just 30g/km CO2 might just seal the deal, aided by the low 12% Benefit-In-Kind tax rate.

Prices start at a competitive £27,790 OTR for the entry-level ‘Sense Plus’ petrol model. A wealth of features come as standard, the outside being blinged up by smart 19-inch ‘Aero-X’ alloy wheels and LED headlights. Interior niceties include part leather-effect Advanced Comfort seats, a smart 10-inch central touchscreen with connected 3D navigation, parking sensors and a reversing camera, keyless entry, cruise control and so much more.

A raft of safety features will surely delight, such Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keep Assist and a Forward Collision Warning system.

Mid-spec ‘Shine’ models benefit from a larger 12-inch touchscreen, a comprehensive Head-Up display, wireless smartphone charging and a heated steering wheel.

Those wishing to splash the cash will be well accommodated by the top ‘Shine Plus’ model. Plush leather seating, heated and with electric adjustment up front, a powered tailgate and a useful 360-degree reversing camera are just some of the highlights.

My test car was a Plug-In Hybrid Shine Plus model, resplendent in Amazonite Grey. On the road price a smidgen under £40,000 though a few choice extras such an opening sunroof and a Hi-Fi upgrade saw this rise to £43,560.

The C5 X certainly works best when both engine and electric motor combine. The stated 0-62mph sprint time of 7.9 seconds seems quite accurate, but of more interest is the torque available for swift overtakes and the like.

There is the option to save the battery’s charge, for use perhaps on the urban leg of a journey, a useful feature. Press the EV setting and you’re off. Driven briskly, the 38.5-mile electric only range is unlikely to be achieved.

Once the battery is empty, performance is still quite brisk, but you do have to work the engine that bit harder which does spoil the calmness and serenity of the cabin somewhat.

Citroen has chosen to fit an on-board 7.4kW charger, which allows the battery to be fully recharged in under two hours. With a home charger, this means that for many lower mileage motorists the petrol engine may well rarely need to fire up.

The eight-speed automatic gearbox is fairly responsive and suits the car’s laid-back nature rather well. The brakes are a tad on the grabby side, with a regenerative function allowing some energy to flow back into the battery. It takes a little getting used to if jerky stops are to be avoided.

Big Citroens have always been renowned for their exceptional ride quality and the C5 X boasts not only Advanced Comfort Seats (some of the best I have sat in of late) and Advanced Comfort Active Suspension. The result is a car that rides extremely well, with only low speed potholes and the like able to catch it out ever so slightly.

For the most part, the suspension combines with a quiet cabin and the soft, armchair-like seating, to provide a most relaxing way to travel. And there’s room aplenty for four or five adults to spread out. Hybrid models lose out on boot space, with the battery under the floor, but 485-litres is quite competitive and this will increase to 1,580 if you drop the back seats.

Quality of materials is excellent, a big step up from French cars of old and in keeping with the car’s premium aspirations.

Should time be of the essence, the C5 X can be hustled along a twisty country lane at a fair old lick. It corners well, though the steering is always on the light side and somewhat lacking in feel.

Fleet and company car drivers will naturally be drawn to the Plug-In Hybrid and for those not yet ready to go fully electric, the C5 X thus specced will be a good choice.
The private motorist might be better served saving some pennies and opting for the PureTech 180 in ‘Shine’ trim for £31,820.

I really warmed to the big Citroen during my week behind the wheel. It is not a car to thrill, but that is not its raison d’etre. It harks back to a time of old when Citroens majored on comfort and refinement and were full of Gallic flair.

And in a world of carbon copy SUVs, here is a car that is just as practical, looks good and will transport one very happily family long distances without complaint. Good job Citroen, more like this please.