Citroen C5 2.2 HDi Exclusive saloon: Test Drive

Date: 10 September 2008   |   Author:

rear	Category: Upper medium P11d price: £31,370 Key rival: Peugeot 407

Citroen's new C5 has made a leap forward over its predecessor. The biggest improvement comes to interior quality, which is now up with the best volume models in the class.

However, there are too many buttons on the dash, and some of the ergonomics are questionable.

Standard toys include cruise, rear parking sensors and part-leather seats, while Exclusive spec adds chrome trim, electric front seats and tyre pressure sensors.

The 175PS 2.2 diesel engine driven here, second only to the 2.7-litre diesel in the C5 line-up, is pleasantly refined, but maybe doesn't feel as quick as it should. It also sits outside the important 160g/km mark, which will impact companies' capital allowance contributions. RVs aren't great on this model, either, leading to a 53.9 pence per mile costs figure.

Verdict: A great step forward but 2.0-litre diesel is a better business bet

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