TEST DRIVE REPORT

With 16 different brands all clamouring for space and identity within the Stellantis Group, each one is having to carve out a unique KPI or selling point for itself, to ensure it will grow and prosper within the wider Group.

So while the likes of Alfa Romeo can trade on its sporty heritage and Peugeot can continue its push into the more premium sectors, what of Citroën? What are the key selling points of this proud French brand?

Ask anyone what makes up Citroën’s DNA and the word ‘comfort’ won’t long be coming to the fore, thanks to a heritage that includes such classic cars as the Traction Avant, DS and CX (with an honourable mention to the more recent C6). Comfort was even a key design consideration in the exceedingly basic 2CV - remember its original remit was to travel across a ploughed field without breaking eggs being carried in the car.

It’s certainly a word that is used a lot in relation to the new C5 X, which marks a welcome return to the large car market for Citroën. From its Advanced Comfort Seats to Advanced Comfort suspension with the option of Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, the focus is very much on comfort with the latest technology.

Citroën describes the C5 X as a mix of an estate, saloon and SUV. It sits a little higher than a traditional saloon, but is much sleeker than a typical crossover SUV, more akin to cars like Audi’s Allroad models from the past. Quite imposing in the metal - that bulbous front and wide stance give it some serious presence - it’s stylishly distinctive and a refreshing change from lookalike SUVs.

The cabin feels pleasingly upmarket. You get nice broad seats that look as inviting to sit on as they are to in practice. They’re not contoured like those of many rivals, but offer sufficient support unless you’re intent on barrelling into every corner. You have to go up to the top level Flair Pack trim though to get heated seats as standard. There’s a nice mix of materials including soft mouldings and metal-looking bits, while critical controls like heating and radio volume are still thankfully physical buttons. The touchscreen is large - a 12” multi window screen that allows easy switching between smartphone screens and the car’s native screen. The digital display in front of the driver offers various information screens by toggling on the left stalk, but it’s a bit characterless looking and not particularly well designed. A well specced Heads Up Display offers lots of useful driving information though.

Space is generous - Citroën tells us the rear legroom is best in the D-segment class. The hatchback opening boot offers a decent 545 litres (485 litres for the PHEV model) that expands to 1,640 (1,580) with the back seats down. Up front there are plenty of capacious storage facilities.

The car tested here is the lower powered petrol version, using a 150PS 3-cylinder 1.2 Puretech engine. Not a huge amount of horsepower for a large car, but for most users it will be more than adequate, crucially having enough oomph to complete overtaking manoeuvres reasonably rapidly. There’s also a 180PS 1.6 petrol, while a Plug-In Hybrid version combines that 180PS unit with an 81kW electric motor while offering up to a stated 55km on electric power only. All versions are matched to an EAT8 auto gearbox.

Driving it isn’t as soft and wallowy as you might expect. While making no claims to be a sporty saloon, it won’t leave you floundering at every corner, with the Citroën Advanced Comfort suspension doing a good job of absorbing bumps and jolts.

VERDICT

When most large cars these days are either SUVs or saloons obsessed with sporty handling, it’s refreshing to see a new contender that tries to be a bit different, with a focus on comfort rather than performance. It’s also a natural

home for Citroën, acknowledging its proud heritage in this area. The caveat of course is that large luxury French cars have never really sold well outside their home market. Perhaps now though, with hints that buyers are starting to move away from their SUVs, it might be the right time for a fresh take on the large car segment.

Citroën hopes to carve out Comfort niche with new C5 X

Text & Photos: Cathal Doyle – cathal@fleet.ie

SPEC CHECK

MODEL TESTED CITROëN C5 X FLAIR PURETECH 130 S&S

Price as tested Price range for C5 X Engine Horsepower Fuel Consumption (WLTP CO2 Emissions 0-100 km/h €44,330 €36,990 - €55,120 1.2 litre Puretech petrol 130 PS 6.0 l/100km 136 g/km 10.4 seconds