CITROEN is back as a real BMW 3 Series contender with its second-generation C5 sedan. Tested here in flagship twin-turbo diesel HDi sedan guise (petrol variants of the new C5 have been discontinued in Australia due to weak demand), it provides exceptional performance and economy, in a spacious package which majors on comfort, safety and convenience. But the latest C5 also offers more – much more – if individuality and striking design are also important to you. It appears that the 80-year-old French icon has finally found its mojo again.

Citroen C5
Released: June 2001
Ended: August 2008
Family Tree: C5Citroen's first-generation C5 sedan (which was actually a hatchback) replaced the Xantia in Australia in June 2001, powered by 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines and a 3.0-litre petrol V6. Five-speed manual prices started at $41,990, with a four-speed auto adding $2000. The C5 wagon arrived two months later in August 2001, available with 2.0-litre petrol power only, priced from $43,500.
September 2003 saw the 2.0 HDi turbo-diesel wagon arrive, with a new 2.2-litre diesel offered in both sedan and wagon guises in March 2005, when the base 2.0-litre petrol variants were labelled SX versions and the flagship 3.0 V6 received a six-speed auto. Another upgrade in June 2006 brought a six-speed auto for the 2.0 HDi sedan and wagon, while a twin-turbo diesel 2.2 HDi engine (with six-speed auto) arrived for the sedan from March 2007.
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