Citroën C5 3.0 HDi V6 240 CV aut., road test (Part II)

We continue with the road test of the Citroën C5 equipped with the 3.0 HDi V6 engine producing 240 CV and a six-speed automatic gearbox. Regarding the design and interior space, topics we covered in the second part of the test, I had not planned to discuss them, since we already talked about the habitability and design of the Citroën C5 in the test we carried out a few months ago.

However, we do need to point out changes both in the trim and in the exterior design, since our unit is not a standard C5, standing out with the 19-inch alloy wheels and the full-leather interior trim. So, in a somewhat briefer way than usual, we will focus on the design of this C5, and for those who want to see the interior of this saloon in detail, they can always read the test of the previous C5.

Exterior design

One of the things that draws the most attention on the outside of this 240 CV C5 is the wheels, which, for this model, fit 19-inch units, a size that in my opinion is excessive (18-inch would be sufficient), but which catch the eye with their unconventional, sporty design.

Another element specific to this 240 CV version is the two rectangular exhaust outlets , which give the C5’s exterior considerable character. Additionally, we find the chrome trim specific to the Exclusive trim, on the window surrounds, the lower part of the doors and the door handles.

In short, the muscular, characterful design of the C5 is accentuated by the small touches that give it a sportier or even different look, setting it apart from other C5s you may see on the street.

Interior design

If the exterior has small details that set it apart, inside there are not many features that distinguish it from the C5 we have already tested. But it so happens that our unit had as an option the full-leather pack, which includes a large number of equipment and trim elements.

The seats are in micro-perforated leather (nothing like regular leather), electrically adjustable to any position (see detail), because I believe it is one of the cars with the most seat adjustments: you can move it forward and back, up and down, the backrest, and even just the upper part of the backrest (it has two adjustable zones on the backrest), and finally there is electric, movable lumbar support. In conclusion, it is impossible not to find your position in a C5 with electric seats.

Besides the leather seats, with a rather brown tone and quality on a par with any premium brand, it also features the dashboard completely covered in leather, along with the doors, which also have leather-covered areas. As a result, it is practically impossible to find any area with hard, poor-feeling plastic, since high-quality leather floods the cabin. Although the seats are not ventilated (but are heated), being micro-perforated they do not feel heavy in the heat.

Moreover, if our journey aboard this saloon starts to become uncomfortable for our back, this C5 incorporated a system that was announced when this generation launched, but which I had not had the chance to try, and it is the massage function in the driver’s seat (see detail). That said, we cannot take the word “massage” literally, since in practice it uses the lumbar support to move along the back, adjusting the intensity to be more or less deep. Many of you will ask what the use is. It is an extra that is good when you travel a lot, because after a while with your back against the seat, running it for a time relieves the back somewhat, but it is not a system I like to keep on for too long, as it can become tiring.

Setting aside these curiosities of our test unit, the interior space of the C5 still stands out for its roominess, especially in the front seats, which are more like armchairs , with a very comfortable driving position. In the rear seats, space is somewhat more compromised, mainly in headroom (even so, it is a real pleasure to ride in the back if you are not very tall), and visibility is also somewhat compromised by the design. We again invite you to read the test of the 2.0 HDi 138 CV Aut. C5 that we published a few months ago, where we discuss the interior of this saloon and its habitability in more detail, with a boot of 439 litres.

To conclude the analysis of the C5’s exterior and interior design, it should be noted that the additional equipment included with this full-leather pack, which we will cover in the third part, considerably changes the interior of the C5, turning it into a true premium saloon with 240 CV under the bonnet and first-class materials.

Photos | David Taboada