Citroen has launched its new C5 X in Ireland, and thank goodness for that - we've been lacking a big, comfortable Citroen for far too long. The C5 X is not a traditional saloon, though. It's trying to find the middle of the Venn diagram made by interlocking the circles of estate, saloon, and crossover.
Mix of SUV, saloon, and estate
It ends up as a long, relatively low estatey-crossovery shape, with distinct upper and lower rear spoilers and Citroen's new x-shaped light layout at the front. It's a handsome and distinctive thing, especially for its base price of €36,990.
That gets you a 1.2 Puretech petrol turbo three-cylinder engine coupled to a standard-fit eight-speed automatic transmission. Other engines available will be a 180hp 1.6-litre turbo petrol and a 225hp plug-in hybrid, which uses that same 1.6-litre turbo engine. Fully charge the 13.2kWh battery of the plug-in hybrid, and you have a theoretical 55km electric-only range. The PHEV model also comes with delayed charging and cabin pre-conditioning via the MyCitroën app. A full charge can be completed in around two hours using a home wall box connection. PHEV versions also get acoustic laminated front and rear windows for extra refinement when you're driving on electric power.
Four trim levels
The model lineup consists of Feel, Feel Pack, Flair, and Flair Pack versions. Standard equipment includes a ten-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity and keyless entry & start, while Feel Pack introduces the hybrid versions with new Citroën Advanced Comfort Active Suspension (this uses a windscreen-mounted camera to scan the road ahead for bumps and adjust the adaptive suspension dampers accordingly). Flair brings an upgraded 12-inch touchscreen paired with the new eHUD Head-Up Display projected directly onto the windscreen. Finally, the range-topping Flair Pack offers heated front seats and a motorised rear tailgate. All models get a seven-inch digital instrument panel.
All versions also come with Citroen's Advanced Comfort Seats. These use high-density foam, which is as much as 15mm thicker than that of rivals' seats. All models also come with Citroen's Advanced Comfort Suspension, which uses hydraulic bump-stops for extra smoothness when the suspension is under full compression, such as when you hit a really bad bump.
A welcome return
Speaking today, Colin Sheridan, Managing Director of Citroën Ireland, commented, "The New C5 X is a welcome return to the D-segment for Citroën, all while offering a diverse role for customers seeking a mix of an estate, saloon and an SUV. The latest technology and comfort featured on C5 X make it an exciting model to introduce to the Irish market. The launch of this model arrives just in time for the 231-registration period with models available for immediate test drive at Citroën dealerships nationwide."
The C5 X will be available with a 2.9 per cent PCP finance package with repayments starting at €359 per month. Citroen Ireland has said that it expects to receive a good supply of new C5 X models through the important January sales period.