Citroën C5 Hatchback (01-04) - Review

Review by Parkers on
The C5 replaced the Xantia in 2001. It's a supremely comfortable car with clever 'active' hydro-pneumatic suspension that is very comfortable. The airy, spacious interior is complemented by cavernous load space in the estate. A wide choice of engines includes frugal but refined turbo-diesels and a low emission direct injection petrol unit. C5 is well equipped but build quality falls short of the class leaders. It does offer good value, but only as a used car choice, as depreciation is heavy.
3 out of 5

Other Citroën reviews

3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£14,815 - £23,815

Used price range:

£754 - £3,368

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Space, comfort, 2.0 HDi performance.

Steering and brakes lack feel.

The C5 replaced the Xantia in 2001. It's a supremely comfortable car with clever 'active' hydro-pneumatic suspension that is very comfortable. The airy, spacious interior is complemented by cavernous load space in the estate. A wide choice of engines includes frugal but refined turbo-diesels and a low emission direct injection petrol unit. C5 is well equipped but build quality falls short of the class leaders. It does offer good value, but only as a used car choice, as depreciation is heavy.

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Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3 out of 5

    "C5's range of modern, punchy and economical diesel engines almost make the petrol line up redundant."

  • Handling

    3 out of 5

    "The handling isn't up to Mondeo or Passat standards, but it's safe, secure and bodyroll is kept in..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    5 out of 5

    "The seats are well cushioned and there’s enough room in the back for two adults or three children to..."

  • Practicality

    4 out of 5

    "Estates have one of the largest load areas in the class and as a result command higher prices on the..."

  • Equipment

    3.5 out of 5

    "Air-conditioning (although not automatic) is standard, as are most of the creature comforts you..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3.5 out of 5

    "The interior has hints of luxury car styling, with big sweeping lines, and padded doors. It doesn't..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3 out of 5

    "Residual values are so weak for this car that you could run it for free and still lose money. In..."

  • Green credentials

    3.5 out of 5

    "C5 performs well on the eco front. With an average of 179 g/km CO2 across the model line-up, its..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3.5 out of 5

    "A four-star Euro NCAP was awarded in 2001, but this is now starting to look ordinary against..."

  • Reliability

    3 out of 5

    "As with all new cars, build quality is on an upward curve of improvement. But Citroën still has a..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    4 out of 5

    "Buying a new Citroën is almost like buying used, such are the discounts they'll give on a brand new..."

  • Buying used

    4.5 out of 5

    "Here's where C5 really comes into its own - having shed pounds in the showroom, and depreciated..."

  • Selling

    2 out of 5

    "And here's where C5 owners will begin to weep, not as they wave a fond goodbye to a much loved car,..."

Gallery

  • Interior Citroën C5 Hatchback (01-04)
  • Exterior Citroën C5 Hatchback (01-04)
  • Exterior Citroën C5 Hatchback (01-04)
  • Exterior Citroën C5 Hatchback (01-04)

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Owners' reviews