• No diesels
• One petrol, one plug-in hybrid
• Entry-level Puretech is the best of the bunch

Petrol engine

The range kicks off with the 1.2-litre Puretech three-cylinder unit, with 130hp and 230Nm of pulling power. Although this sounds a little weedy for a car the size of the C5 X, it punches above its weight and is well worth considering if speedy acceleration isn’t important

It thrums away eagerly in normal driving but pulls well enough when you rev it, and is a very likeable and usable power unit that’s well matched to the C5 X’s relaxed ethos. It’s not quick – 0-62mph comes up in 10.1 seconds with a maximum speed of 130mph. It can also struggle on steep hills, as the standard-fit eight-speed auto shuffles ratios to keep things on the boil, while the slight vibration from the engine is a little disappointing in a flagship model.

Hybrid engine

The flagship model is the 225hp plug-in hybrid. Fully charged, it accelerates briskly and effortlessly with noticeably low levels of engine noise – 0-62mph comes up in 7.9 seconds and the maximum speed is 145mph.

These are acceptable performance figures for your money, but there are plenty of quicker rivals out there. But the C5 X’s forte is its refinement – and that makes this one feel the most suited to the car’s refined ride and laid-back demeanour.

15

What’s it like to drive?

• Ride comfort is astounding
• Body control less so
• Brakes and steering let the side down

Refinement and comfort are key Citroen values, and the C5 X also gets the latest version of the company’s comfort-oriented suspension. That means progressive hydraulic bump stops to reduce shocks at the limit of suspension travel, but a new development is an active function first seen in the DS 7 Crossback – although that’s only fitted as standard to the plug-in hybrid models.

The Active Scan suspension system uses a camera to read the road ahead and sets-up the suspension to brace itself for potholes and other imperfections. This system works well, although we found extreme crests and compressions did lead to a little float and wallow in Comfort mode.

At speed, the C5 X is far quieter than average with low levels of wind and road noise, especially in the plug-in hybrid model tested, which was also fitted with acoustic side glass. These qualities make it perfect for those who cover long distances on the motorway on a regular basis and value refinement.

Despite that, the handling is tidy as long as you don’t mind the bodyroll and a tendency to pitch (squat under acceleration and dive when braking). The 130hp model is the lightest, and it feels it. The steering is lighter than some rivals yet still builds confidence and allows you to accurately place the nose. Indeed, it’s the Puretech 180 that best blends handling and performance.

The plug-in hybrid is the one to have if you’re after the best levels of refinement. In electric mode, it glides along silently, and the hybrid system keeps things restful until the battery is depleted – then you’re back to making more use of the coarse 1.6-litre petrol engine. Standard adjustable suspension allows it to be softened up further in Comfort mode and stiffened in Sport mode. This helps when cornering, but can’t mask the Hybrid’s 300kg of extra bulk in the tail.