Ride on

What we like:

Superb ride

quality feel inside and out

decent performance

smooth gearbox

handsome proportions

What we dislike:

Some body roll in the corners

steering short on feel

too many buttons on wheel

Exclusive variant is a significant $22k more than the base Dynamique model.

The Gallic-ness of the C5 continues on the inside. The driving position is comfortable and the seats are plush and offer a myriad of electrical adjustments to offer the perfect driving position for all body shapes. The Exclusive model here even comes with easy access for the driver's ease of ingress and egress. The ergonomics look a tad haphazard at first sight, especially the myriad of buttons located on the fixed hub steering wheel - you'll take some time to remember which buttons on the wheel are for the all-important horn.

The instrument cluster is another nice design feature - the dials feature needles that point from the outside circumference of them instead of from the inside. Integrated within the speedometer is a colour LCD screen that displays an electronic speedo, trip computer readings as well as settings for the Hydractive 3+ suspension.

Overall cabin quality is excellent for a French offering. The exposed surfaces feel soft to the touch while the switchgear feel tactile and feel like they could actually last. The only gripe is the plastic silver-coloured spokes on the steering wheel - surely they will fade or discolour over time.

At the rear, the C5 features good amounts of leg and headroom. The rear seat offers good amounts of thigh support and is comfortable enough for passengers to lounge on during long rides. The boot is equally spacious even though the loading aperture is a tad small.

The range topping Exclusive model tested here comes with a long list of standard kit that includes Hydractive 3+ suspension, electrical adjustments for the front seats, HID headlamps, easy access, cruise control, Bluetooth handsfree, LED daytime running lights, seven airbags, 18-inch wheels, dual zone climate control, auto headlamps and so on. The Exclusive's Hydractive 3+ suspension, HID headlamps and other kit comes at a price though - it is a significant $22k more than the less well-equipped Dynamique model, which makes the Exclusive's pricing pretty close indeed to less well equipped Cat B competitors, thus negating its advantage in the lower priced COE Cat A.

With the facelift, Citroen has finally addressed the C5's biggest shortcoming by giving it a force aspirated engine and the smooth shifting six-speed gearbox, making the C5 an even more convincing proposition than before.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai