2008 Citroen C5 II

The new C5 combines a strong personality, with dynamic performance, status and quality
Respecting the design cues of this segment, Citroën has developed two cars: a saloon whose flowing lines express style and status and a dynamic looking estate that places the emphasis on emotion without forgetting functional convenience.

With the new C5, Citroën satisfies the requirements of executive vehicle buyers in terms of quality and reliability by setting new standards in development, design and industrial production.

Elegant thoroughbred styling

As a saloon or estate, the new C5 stands apart for its distinguished styling and elegant personality. Its dynamic lines and clearly marked waistline give it real on-road presence. Inside the car, a well designed cabin and premium materials contribute to on-board comfort. Passengers benefit from a prestige design that makes this new road car a vehicle of refinement and distinction.

Remarkable dynamic qualities

On the road, the driver enjoys exceptional driving sensations, and the passengers are lapped in comfort. To achieve this, the new C5 offers a choice between two types of suspension: Hydractive 3 Plus suspension or metallic suspension. Both are based on the running gear of the C6 executive saloon.

The Hydractive 3 Plus suspension is aimed at customers keen to take advantage of the Marque’s latest developments in technology, comfort and safety.

The metallic suspension is a particularly competitive option. It provides a more direct feel while maintaining the comfort specific to Citroën.

These dynamic qualities are combined with a range of three petrol engines and four HDi diesel engines, as well as a full choice of gearboxes

Exemplary driving pleasure

Driving pleasure takes on a whole new dimension with the new C5. The driving position, which resembles a cockpit, is fully focused on the driver, and features a second-generation fixed-centred controls steering wheel. Clear, concise driving information is displayed on three dials with annular needles, inspired by the aviation world.

Well designed acoustics enable the driver to give the road his/her full attention.

Uncompromising on safety

The vehicle meets the highest standards in both active and passive safety with ESP as standard, a stiff body structure and nine airbags (seven standard and two optional).

C5 saloon: sculptural exterior styling

The proportions of the new C5 (4.78m long, 1.86m wide and 1.45m tall) place it at the top end of the large road car segment. Its distinctive styling expresses prestige and performance. The strong character of this saloon is expressed by its sophisticated lines, modern proportions and original body style. Depending on the angle from which it is viewed, it resembles a thoroughbred coupé or elegant saloon. The new C5 stirs the emotions from first glance.

The assertive front end makes a statement of strength, with its large air intakes and long incisive headlamps.

The headlamps – positioned on the bonnet with its two pronounced ribs – flank the large chrome chevrons stating Citroën’s identity. The wide tracks and flush wheels underline the perception of a vehicle that hugs the road.

The profile of the saloon reflects efforts to optimise aerodynamics. The extended roof line underlines the flowing proportions of the body. The large glazed area with a third side window lets the light flood into the cabin. The high waistline and strongly marked wheel arches clearly identify the saloon as a vehicle of status.

The 2.82m wheel base suggests a generous cabin.

The strong, distinguished character of the new C5 is also expressed at the rear. The concave rear window identifies it as one of Citroën’s large road tourers. The signature two-part boomerang lights give the rear-end an assertive look. The generous volumes convey the impression of a car with a strong on-road stance, sitting squarely on its wheels.

C5 estate: performance and space

For the estate, Citroën sought to create a car as sophisticated as the saloon but with more generous volumes. The new C5 estate meets the needs of customers looking for a car that combines style and personality with presence and interior space.

The C5 estate boasts elegant and dynamic exterior styling, with a stylish front end identical to that of the saloon and a rear end of determined, powerful appearance. The body style reveals a strong identity and real versatility.

The flowing profile of the C5 estate expresses a perfect balance. The vehicle is 4.83m long, 1.86m wide and 1.48m tall. The proportions are generous but the additional volume has no impact on the overall lines.

Reflecting the sculpted design of the saloon, the rear end features geometric shapes that suggest width and convenience from a horizontal perspective, while maintaining an elegant and dynamic appearance. The new C5 estate expresses values that will appeal to customers looking for modern concepts tailored to their lifestyles.

Refined interior styling

The opulent, sophisticated interior of the new C5 is an invitation to travel.

The dashboard conveys an immediate impression of quality and sophistication with its full, solid forms. The taut lines symbolise precision, while the flowing curves express dynamics.

Dissociated from the central console, the dashboard enhances the impression of space and comfort. The design of the door panels reflects the choices made in terms of elegant styling. Overall, the cabin conveys an impression of quality and robust strength.

The interior design of the New C5 perfectly matches the exterior styling. It subtly combines sophistication and innovation, generosity and space.

A complete range of engines and gearboxes

The new C5 boasts a full range of engines and gearboxes to meet the full range of customer requirements in its segment. The range comprises:

• Three petrol engines:

• 127 bhp DIN 1.8i 16V (92 kW EEC)
• 143 bhp DIN 2.0i 16V (103 kW EEC)
• 215 bhp DIN 3.0i V6 (155 kW EEC)

• Four diesel HDi engines fitted as standard with the particulate filter:

• HDi 110 DPFS (80 kW EEC)
• HDi 138 DPFS (100 kW EEC)
• HDi 173 DPFS (125 kW EEC)
• HDi V6 208 DPFS (150 kW EEC)

A wide choice of manual and automatic gearboxes is available, depending on the engine and trim level.

Class-beating road manners

Impeccable road manners are part of a relaxed enjoyable drive. Drivers of the new C5 gain the benefits of sophisticated and efficient running gear.

Both the metallic and Hydractive 3 Plus suspensions bring new progress in the balance between steering and damping, for enhanced passenger comfort and safety. This is reflected in the performance of the new C5, which combines remarkable driveability with surefooted and responsive road manners.

In the same way as on the Citroën C6, the Hydractive 3 Plus and metallic suspensions comprise a double wishbone and linked hub carrier at the front and a multilink set-up at the rear with a drop-link longitudinal arm.

The efficiency of the suspension is reinforced by the torsional stiffness of the body which distributes vertical force continuously and equally over all four wheels while also contributing to the vehicle’s excellent road manners.

A choice of suspension

Suspension comfort was a key objective in the design of the new C5. Citroën has used its expertise to develop two types of suspension to meet the varied needs of customers: a Hydractive 3 Plus sus pension with two settings and a metallic suspension.

• The Hydractive 3 Plus suspension of the new C5 is aimed at customers keen to take advantage of the Marque’s latest developments in technology, comfort and safety. It adjusts springing and damping to take account of driver input and road conditions. A soft mode provides optimum comfort, while a firmer mode delivers enhanced driving sensations and greater body control.
• The driver can also choose a "sport" mode for an even more dynamic ride with extra thrills. Controlled by sensors on each axle, the Hydractive 3 Plus suspension maintains the vehicle at a constant height, regardless of the load and number of passengers.
• The metallic suspension takes full advantage of the new C5’s sophisticated running gear. A winning combination based on Citroën expertise – with a double wishbone layout at the front and multilink set-up at the rear – strike an excellent balance between comfort and roadholding. The result is worthy of the Marque’s large saloons in every respect. This particularly competitive option is a key asset in the commercial ambitions of the new C5.

A driving position dedicated to the driver The new C5 is equipped with a second-generation fixed-centred controls steering wheel. This feature reflects Citroën’s innovative talent and sets the car apart.

Frequently used driving controls (speed limiter/cruise control) and comfort functions (radio, telephone, central screen controls, etc.) are within easy reach of the driver. Having the information on the steering wheel improves ergonomics and enhances driving comfort through easy use.

The new design of the wheel and the feel of the controls adds a further touch of sophistication to the driving position. The fixed central hub ensures that the airbag always deploys at the right angle in the event of impact for improved driver protection.

The design of the instrument cluster on the new C5 reflects ergonomic requirements and ensures that information is laid out logically. The three dials feature annular needles, symbolising an advanced level of technology. The needles run around the dial for greater legibility and a more attractive design. This technology makes it possible to install a large display unit in the centre of each dial.

The central dial is dedicated to the analogue speedometer, while the screen shows information from the onboard computer. The left-hand dial displays the fuel level and speed limiter/cruise control data, while the right-hand dial shows the rev counter and, depending on the versions, the current mode or speed on the instrument cluster.

A central display unit makes a variety of comfort information visible to all passengers. For example: the date and time, outside temperature and a graphical representation of parking assistance. At the same time, a screen on the overhead console displays an illustration symbolising the car, its five seats and the seatbelt warnings on start-up.

Innovative and pertinent driving aids

The new C5 features a wide range of equipment for an easier, safer and more relaxed drive.

The new C5 is fitted as standard with cruise control and a speed limiter. On the Hydractive 3 Plus versions, an automatic electric parking brake provides enhanced comfort and safety. This brake function also includes hill-start assist.

The vehicle is automatically maintained in position for up to two seconds after the brake pedal is released, giving the driver time to move a foot from the brake to the accelerator, without the vehicle moving forwards or backwards down the slope.

To make parking easier, this new vehicle is also available with front and rear parking assistance and a parking space gap sensor that informs drivers whether an available space is big enough for the vehicle(spaces measuring less than 3 metres and more than 8 metres are ignored).

The Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), also available on some versions, provides a pertinent response to the risk of drowsiness at the wheel. Alongside the halogen headlamps that enhance visibility, Xenon dual-function directional headlamps are also available.

Alongside these headlamps, a static AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting System) function improves visibility on corners. An additional light source, linked to the angle of the steering wheel, works with the main flow of light from the headlamp to provide 75° lighting over the right- or left- hand angle of the vehicle.

If the vehicle is equipped with Xenon dual-function directional headlamps, it can also be equipped with dynamic AFS, a new lighting system that improves visibility and safety on corners and at junctions. In this case, the light covers an angle of 105° at low speeds.

The new C5 is available with the new-generation NaviDrive system. The system combines a 7-inch 16/9 screen with a built-in GSM telephone, audio system (radio, MP3-compatible CD player, jukebox function to store up to 10 Gb on the hard disk) and GPS navigation. To further improve guidance functions, NaviDrive lets the driver enlarge crossroads or other points where several roads come together using Birdview mode.

This displays a simulated overhead perspective of the road extending to the horizon. NaviDrive was also designed to provide a number of additional customer services, namely Citroën Emergency, Citroën Assistance and Citroën On line. Working with the GPS and telephone functions, Citroën Emergency makes it possible (depending on the country) to locate the vehicle if the driver is ill or has an accident, and to access the services of a call centre.

The main functions of the NaviDrive system can be accessed easily using the steering-wheel controls, which can also be used for the voice recognition and voice synthesis functions.