I have seen the future...

[robert_e_smart]

Well; the future after Xms as daily cars for me anyway.

A friend of mine from Dublin came up last night to show off his new C5 Exclusive with proper hydractive suspension!

2.0 HDi with 160 BHP, manual 6 speed box.

A lovely car, sooooooo much nicer than the first 2 C5s that were made, on so many levels. Much kinder to the eye, and superb front seats that hold you in like a Xm does.

Now the important bit is the suspension. It rides much nicer than the first generation C5s and the Xantia. I would compare it to a good Xm with new spheres and fully working hydractive.

Initially, I thought the C6 would be my Xm replacement, but this C5 has got me thinking about it instead. Who knows, the C6 and C5s of this generation are in the similar price band.

Don't worry! I'm not jumping ship yet! I am just relieved that there is still going to be a supply of proper comfy cars for another while.

[captainhaddock]

Good to know! But you'll still will have to get used to not, bumping your head when you get in or out as well as all the computerised stuff that you cannot service yourself any more. If it's better than my xantia - I will have to keep this in mind! I read that this C5 is only available in grey metallic or black but don't know if that's true. I gather you won't recommend the C5 phase 2 as good replacent for my (slightly modified suspension wise -) xantia?

[Peter.N.]

I'm well impressed with my Mk1 C5 so this one must be good but I would be fearful of all the electronics, this one so far has been relatively simple. The seem to be becoming less and less DIYable.

Peter

[addo]

There is far better "freeze frame" data in later C5s and other Citroën/Pug models. It makes fault diagnosis more bearable.

[robert_e_smart]

The facelift c5 that my folks have is fine, it has been reliable so far. Only 6 years old and 90K on the clock. The EGR valve played up when it was under warranty, and a DMF and clutch at 75k has been the worst of it.

The new C5 has more or less the same 2.0 engine, it has been reworked to give some more ponies. The suspension is the same as the C6 and has a lot of the first generation C5 in it.

It doesn't scare me from a maintenance point of view. If anything it is easier to work on than Xms and Xantias. There is loads of room underbonnet with the new road safety requirements.

Another big plus on the new C5 is that a human can change the headlamp bulbs relatively easily as well!

[captainhaddock]

The C5 III won't be hydro pneumatic so that's going to be the last one! Better start saving....

light bulbs in the xantia and XM aren't a problem, are they?

How does that C5 drive? I still don't like the looks but maybe maybek, unless I go for another XM Good MPG against one clutch and dual mass flywheel every 75 k against one clutch only in 270 K...That kind of thing.

For now the xantia is still OK for every day use together with the XM (that I do not get to go to work with...)

[Duke]

Interesting Robert! I've yet to experience the C5 III however I have been hearing a lot of good comments about them I must admit...

Trouble is though, it's still no C6...

[robert_e_smart]

Its still no C6!!! And the C6 wins on the CX looks front. Also my Citroen buying criteria, is to always buy the biggest available!!

We shall see what happens. But still very impressed with the C5 III

Captain Haddock, the C5 III Exclusives are hydropneumatic. Believe me, I would never be so enthusiastic for the Peugeot 407 - C5 suspension variants!!!

[captainhaddock]

Sorry, but I meant the new C5, going to be built in Russelsheim on the basis of the Insignia.
Citroen is going to build citroens by Opel (GM) apparently. The current C5 III you mentioned, will do 39 MPG according to my info, found on the net. This is in the 2 liter version, the only one wit hydropneumatic option. Too bad they only seem to be available in grey, grey or maybe black?!

[Dean]

German/Vag car buyers only see in greyscale so there is no point in having any other colours

D