One of the most popular French automotive companies is Citroën. “Station wagon C5” is their well-known and time-honored car. And I would like to talk about him.
Appearance
The C5 model was presented to the public in Paris in 2000. Then the brand new Citroen car replaced two models. This is XM and Xsara. The car began to be produced in two versions at once - this, as one could already understand, was a station wagon and a hatchback. There were three configuration options - X, SX and Exclusive.
It was easy to recognize this car in a gray city stream. Its distinctive features are an oval-shaped radiator lining and a large chrome emblem. Also, attention was attracted by large slanted headlights, a strongly sloping hood and a large inclination of the windshield. In general, the appearance was very interesting and individual. The developers did their best.
Interior
“Citroen-Universal C5” boasts not only an attractive appearance. He also has a very well decorated interior. The first thing that catches your eye is the front panel, which is made in the form of arcs intersecting each other. They come from the bottom corners of the glass. Their intersection as if outlines the center console. And on it, in fact, are airflow deflectors. A little lower, the specialists decided to place the radio. And the control panel of the climate control system is directly under it. More developers have equipped the novelty with a powerful audio system with 6 speakers. And in the SX configuration, there was also a CD changer for six discs.
The car has a very spacious trunk, which is not surprising, because every station wagon should have this feature. But still in the cabin there is a large glove box. And in the “exclusive” configuration (as in the SX version) there is also a lot of space for things under the seats. And even in the central rear armrest.
Features of the first generation
Even the first Citroen-Universal S5 car could boast a good list of equipment and various systems. This model was equipped with Parktronic and a tire pressure measuring system. Another car was equipped with automatic wipers and rain sensors. According to the signals supplied by them, the wipers were not only activated. The sunroof automatically closed and window panes rose.
Also, the model boasts a hydropneumatic suspension. She has two modes - “comfortable” and “sports”. As the owners of this car say, such a suspension remarkably prevents rolls in corners, as well as “shocks” during braking and acceleration. Even due to it, the body lowers when driving at high speed. In this way, aerodynamic drag is minimized.
This car “Citroen” also has the following feature: the ground clearance has four levels. The first is “H”, the highest. Replaces the jack when the wheel needs to be replaced. The second - “P”, 20 centimeters. Designed for driving on broken roads at low speeds. The third is “N”, 16 centimeters. Normal, standard. And finally, “B” - 14.5 centimeters. Minimum designed for driving at high speeds. Interestingly, information regarding the current clearance of the machine is displayed on the multifunction display visible above the center console.
Safety and comfort
Important qualities. “Citroen-Universal S5” of the first years of release is distinguished by a “smart” control system. Many drivers talk about it in detail. And here is what they say: the system analyzes the condition of the road and what driving style is followed by the person driving. And based on the calculated data, it automatically changes the characteristics of shock absorbers and elastic elements. Due to this system and suspension, the machine is characterized by a high level of comfort and excellent handling.
And the Citroen C5, the characteristics of which will be discussed in more detail, has an excellent security system. The car has both front and side airbags. There are even inflatable curtains. Each pillow has two levels of deployment. Which one is activated depends on the strength of the blow.
Each seat belt complies with the requirements declared by EuroNCAP. And the luggage lock lock is automatically locked as soon as the movement begins. Doors are also locked if no one has opened them after half a minute after unlocking.
Engines
This topic should be disclosed as detailed as possible. So, regardless of the year of manufacture, independent critics and owners have chosen six engines ever installed under the hood of the C5, considered the best and most reliable.
First place - a 1.8-liter 127-horsepower unit. Inline “four”, manual transmission. The claimed fuel consumption is 5.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers along the highway. In the city - about 9.
Next comes the 143-horsepower 2-liter engine. Now it is considered a bit outdated, but the engine is one of the best, as it is time-tested. In addition, it is set in motion by automatic transmission, which also has its advantages.
The 138-horsepower 2.0 HDi is also considered by many Citroen owners to be a good engine. In Russia, it is combined only with a 6-band “automatic”. And quite popular with us is such a Citroen C5. The 2.0 HDi diesel engine is very high-torque and can achieve considerable speeds.
The 173-strong 2.2 HDi is also popular. Works in tandem with the "mechanics". Still in demand are cars with a 3-liter 215-horsepower V6 engine. Owners say this motor is incredibly gluttonous. But with it, under the hood, the car just flies - and that's a plus.
And finally, another engine - 210-horsepower, 2.7 liters. Diesel six. Cars with this unit under the hood are more expensive than gasoline V6s, but more economical. Everywhere its nuances.
Mid 2000s changes
In 2004, the company decided to slightly transform its model. The updated Citroen C5 received a more modern front end with a refreshed bumper, grille and optics. New lights appeared at the back. The plastic of the body parts has changed, and the rear bumper has also changed a little externally. In general, it became clearly noticeable how the back was lengthened. Thanks to this, the appearance turned out to be more harmonious. Plus 15 liters in the boot is also a good improvement.
Something has also changed in the cabin. Used new finishing materials. Spare parts "Citroen" have become better and stronger. Another brand new automatic climate control system has appeared that has separate controls (for both the left and right sides of the cabin). And the facade of the center console began to be “decorated” with a powerful integrated audio system.
Of the technical changes, perhaps, one can note the brand new hydraulic suspension and the latest generation ESP system, which every 2004 Citroen C5 began to equip. The new car also had three-pane windows (improved noise protection).
Braking
There are disc brakes on all Citroen wheels. And if the driver sharply presses the brake pedal, then a system called Emergency braking assistance is activated. She provides emergency stop assistance. All brake forces are automatically mobilized. Even if the person sitting at the wheel does not fully depress the pedal. The machine stops as quickly as possible - thanks to the involved systems of optimal distribution of braking force on both axles, as well as due to ABS.
It is also worth noting that the speed limiter was included in the list of standard equipment. This system, when activated, begins to monitor compliance with the established speed limit. A person can drive a car without thinking about it. The system itself will monitor compliance with the allowable limit. And the system makes it possible to sharply gain speed, for example, in the case of overtaking.
2007 year
In 2007, Citroen presented a completely new generation of C5. After this year, the car began to be produced exclusively as a station wagon and a sedan. A new design has appeared. Completely different! Because the previous one is out of date. However, the features that attracted buyers remained. In the photo above, you can see what this car has become.
The most attention the developers paid to the level of comfort. All parts and spare parts of Citroen are made of high quality expensive materials. Needless to say, there are inserts made of brushed aluminum inside! Side windows were completely laminated.
After 2007, buyers were able to choose the type of suspension. Either hydropneumatic or spring - two options. The engines were also different - power ranged from 100 to 208 liters. from.
The list of equipment has expanded - 7 (or 9, depending on the configuration) airbags, ESP, bi-xenon optics, advanced parking sensors, automatic seat adjustment. In some, the modification of the chair is even equipped with a massage function.
Latest Versions
Models that have been released in recent years can be considered the technical excellence of Citroen. Everything is inside the models. Car radio, telephone, speed limiters, cruise control (control buttons for all this are located on the steering wheel), wide color multimedia display, backlight ... And this is just a small list!
The headlights got LEDs, an eTouch satellite system appeared inside (useful when you need to contact a service center or call rescuers in case of an accident), models with the brand new 110 liter diesel engine began to be produced. from. (equipped with a turbocharger, electric generator, “robot” EGS6 and a start-stop system). In general, there were many changes. By the way, the test drive of the Citroen C5 (station wagon) showed that this model on such an engine can travel more than a hundred kilometers, having consumed only 4.6 liters of diesel. And the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere will be only 120 g / km.
And one more thing - the 173-strong 2.2 HDi has become more powerful. After restyling, he began to produce 204 liters. from. The motor is equipped with a 6-speed “automatic” and accelerates the car to “hundred parts” in just 8.3 seconds. The speed limit is 230 km / h. And the consumption in the combined cycle is only 6.1 liters per 100 km!
Cost
In general, it is not without reason that this car is so loved by people. Indeed, they argue that a more powerful, safe, dynamic and comfortable French station wagon does not yet exist. Moreover, it is affordable! C5 with a 1.6-liter 150-horsepower gasoline engine in 2010 will cost about 600 thousand rubles! While it will be in excellent condition. It is worth recognizing: given the current prices, this is still a very modest cost.