The C5 gets a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. It’s a top score, although anything less than five stars would now be considered poor for this type of car. Up to nine airbags can be fitted, with seven (dual front, side and curtain) standard. There are three child seat anchor points (two in the back and one for the front passenger seat), an electronic stability programme and ABD with electronic brakeforce distribution.

On the security side, there’s an alarm, deadlocks and laminated glass to help prevent break-ins.

The C5 saloon loses out in terms of practicality to alternatives such as the Ford Mondeo and Renault Laguna because it’s not a hatchback. But the concave design of the rear maximises the boot opening and the luggage area itself is reasonably generous, the rear seats folding flat for extra room. With 439 litres the boot is slightly smaller than the Volkswagen Passat and Honda Accord but up front there’s a number of small cubbies and a good size glovebox.