Test drive Citroen C5 Estate 2001 - 2004 station wagon

The art of being oneself

Mid -class models become more and more similar to each other. If you don't like it, pay attention to Citroen-C5.
 

Individuality should be in moderation
Extravagant outwardly and unique technically, Citroen cars have always been considered a product of domestic consumption. Outside of France and its former colonies they were not particularly complained of. So in Russia, Citroen’s affairs until recently went neither shaky nor flowering. I remember that in the early 90s in Moscow they sold a batch of hmm. Then a short surge of interest in Xantia. But they were only episodes.
 
The situation began to change in the mid -2000, when Citroen sales went uphill. For example, last year we sold 2152 cars, of which 887 were composed precisely C5. What is the reason for success? Firstly, a normal dealer network appeared, which was not there before. Secondly, our buyers got rid of the no confidence in the French. A positive role was played by the fact that, under the influence of the owners from Peugeot, Citroen cars were not ceased to be from this world. They retained individuality and identity as exactly as necessary, but they became clear not only to the French. But most importantly, Citroen led a reasonable pricing policy in Russia.
 
Citroen C5 2.0 A/T
common data
 
Body
5-seater hatchback
 
Equipped mass, kg
1325
 
Complete mass, kg
1845
 
Maximum speed, km/h
202
 
Acceleration time 0100 km/h, with
12.3
 
 
Highway fuel consumption/city, l/100 km
6.4/12.3
 
 
Fuel supply, l
66 (AI-95)
 
 
Engine

 
Location
Front transversely
 
Design
gasoline, 4-cylinder, in order, with two upper camshafts
 
The number of valves per cylinder
four
 
Diam. cylinder x Piston stroke, mm
85.0x88.0
 
Working volume, SMZ
1997
 
Compression ratio
10.8
 
Power, L.S. at rpm
136/6000
 
Torque, kgsm at rpm
19.4/4100
 
 
Chassis

 
Transmission
front -wheel drive
 
Transmission
Automatic, 4-speed
 
Gear rates I; II; III; IV; Z.Kh.
2.72; 1.5; 1.0; 0.71; 2.46
 
main gear
4.09
 
Suspension
independent, hydropneumatic, with stabilizers of the anti -resistance stability
 
front
Type McEzerson
 
behind
On longitudinal levers
 
Steering
REMENCH with an amplifier
 
Brakes
disk with an amplifier and ABS, ventilated in front
 
Tires
195/65 R15

Interesting offer
C5 with a body of hatchback and a 2-liter engine costs from 21,900 to 29,000 euros. However, if you do not need a leather salon with seats of seats, a roof hatch in the presence of climate control and Hi-Fi audio system for 1300 euros instead of a standard CD player, you can not pay attention to the upper number. Given the richest standard equipment, the car in any case will cost up to 25,000 euros. Even with a machine gun. If other European single-graders, most of them will be more expensive to do this level. But C5 also has a unique hydropneumatic suspension. And in size it is more than many analogues. In general, according to the price/number of competitors' car ratio, there are few in the 2-liter C5.
 
Unfortunately, this cannot be said about the 3-liter V6. Now, if the engine volume was 2.5 liters and so it turns out 32,00037,000 euros. Dear. However, no one forces you to buy an obviously excess car, which is assigned the role of the flagship of the company.
 
The station wagon with a 2-liter engine also comes to us. Other things being equal, it costs about 1,500 euros more than a hatchback.
 
For acquaintance, we took a hatchback with a 2-liter engine and an automatic transmission (1300 euros) in the most justified, in our opinion, configuration. The base was complemented by alloy wheel wheels (500 euros), air pressure sensors in tires (190 euros), the upper velor of the Moara (500 euros) and a packet of auto-sedan (460 euros) rear parking sensors, an intra-sulfate mirror with automatic switching day/night, external mirrors With electric power and automatic adjustment on the rear wheels when turning on the rear. As you can see, for 24,850 euros you get a car in which there is everything you need and even more.
 
  List of standard equipment
2.0 16V:
power steering;
adjustable steering column;
ABS with electronic distribution of brake force;
6 airbags (frontal, lateral, window);
speed excess alarm;
automatic wiper with a rain sensor;
automatic closing of glasses during rain;
headlight washer;
immobilizer;
climate control;
athermal windshield;
mirrors with electric drive and heating;
electric windows;
cosmetic mirrors with backlight;
central castle with DU;
CD player with 6 speakers;
on-board computer;
the driver's seat adjustable in height;
seat heating;
separately folding rear seat;
front and rear armrests;
the sun -glass curtain of the rear window;
velor salon;
elastic grid in the trunk;
steel wheels R15
3.0 V6 Additionally:
anti -boom system;
dynamic stabilization system;
air pressure sensors in tires;
xenon headlights;
automatic inclusion of light;
front seats with electric adjustments;
Cruise control;
Electric drive adjustments of the front seats;
adjustment of the lumbar background of the front seats;
Luke in the roof with electric drive (all modifications);
upholstery of the interior velor of Moara;
R16 wheel wheels from light alloy
 
Outside and inside
When I opened the trunk, the parking neighbor started. He thought that the rear window was peeled off and falls out of the opening. There would be no frame around the glass, no gaps. Citroen-s5 is masterfully disguised as a classic sedan, although in fact he is a hatchback.
 
   
For the convenience of loading and unloading, the station wagon is able to squat on the stern. Small things can be put in a trunk through a separate glass

The car looks intentionally heavy. The rounded and soft lines of the anterior optics and wings smoothly flow into a high, almost one and a half meter roof. There is also enough fat on the sides. Especially massive a plastic belt along the lower perimeter of the body. If it weren’t for the trunk step, C5 would have looked like a well -ended Picasso, which looks the same in front and back. True, a lot depends on the color. The car is especially full of dark enamels. And light metallics, on the contrary, conceal obesity and allow you to admire bizarre lines and transitions.
 
But the station wagon looks harmonious. Its and visual heavyweight does not spoil, and feed with thin crescents of vertical lanterns looks cool. This is the rare case when the copy turned out to be better than the original.
 
However, the hatchback went only because the former Citroens were more elegant. Yes, but, outside the historical homeland, they were poorly bought precisely because they were too French. And C5 was well accepted throughout Europe. If you look from this side, the victory of the designers already lies in the fact that they managed to maintain the national identity and continuity of style. Citroen is absolutely guessed in the car.
 
 

The interior, apparently, also developed patriots of the brand. Since the ICS was removed from the designation of the model (remember: SC, VX, Hmm), they decided to embody it in the design of the salon. The crossed lines are traced in the stitches of the seats, the lower ix mustache frames the central console, and between the upper, the on -board computer displays was attached. And even if the finishing plastic is not of the highest quality, even if the gaps between the panels do not differ in the German accuracy of the fitting, let the inner door handles are not entirely convenient. The main thing is preserved with nothing comparable French charm and a feeling of lightness. As if an invisible psychologist tells you: guy, treating things is easier. Rejoice in life and do not grumble, like an old virgin.
 
 
The central armrest has boxing boxes and retractable cup holders
 
In the front doors, separate closing pockets are provided
 
For a surcharge, you can get leather upholstery and electric drives with a regulator of heating intensity

Read here, indeed, there is something. Plush front chairs with folding armrests and a wide rear sofa create a home comfort atmosphere. In many ways, this is the merit of Velura Moara, who looks more expensive and noble than regular upholstery. By the way, the velor of the velor of Moara includes inserts under the tree on the doors and the central console, the leather steering wheel, the rear rugs and the underwear of the lower part of the cabin in front. And how many pleasant little things are there! In the doorway, individual closing pockets, under the front seats, drawer for shoes, and a huge two-story glove box with air conditioning output and can turn into a mini-bar with a bottle nest. Even the sunscreen visors are doubled so that both the frontal and lateral glass can be shut.
 
Nevertheless, the most vivid impression leaves the volume of the salon. Citroen-C5 is definitely one of the most spacious cars in the classroom. Its rear sofa can also be accepted. There is enough space in the width, the ceiling is high, and the floor is almost even. Here, even a retractable curtain is provided so that through the sloping glass the fifth door does not bake their heads to passengers. By the way, in the hatchback, the curtain is also useful in winter. When the trunk is opened, the salon does not stick out with it so quickly.
 
 
We liked
 

Volumetric glove with cooling and an abundance of tanks for fine luggage

Full -time sunscreen curtain and folding rear head restraints that do not interfere with the review
 
External door gaps

Double sunscreen visors
 

As well as:
Work of the hydropneeum suspension
Rich standard equipment
The presence of many pleasant service functions
Attractive price
 
We didn't like it
 
 
The heating switches of the seats are located in the blind zone
 
The close location of the key and the joy of controlling the audio system of the same shape
 
Overloaded dashboard
 

As well as:
Automatic transmission nervous and illogical work
Lack of road clearance indicator
The inability to lock the trunk on the key

Behind the wheel
Wide and French soft front chairs in fact turned out to be very comfortable. In any case, a 300-kilometer trip did not leave a hint of fatigue. But first it was necessary to get comfortable at the wheel.
 
The steering wheel adjustable in height and angle with a chubby leather rim quickly finds the desired position. Still, it is much more pleasant than a standard plastic bagel. True, through the rim of the steering wheel, a sophisticated tidy with an overloaded speedometer scale and a chaotic mosaic of dials crawling over each other is hardly visible. Well, why do you need an oil pressure indicator here?
 
Governing bodies

1. 1. Block windows and a mirror settings remote control. 2. The door opening handle. 3. Boxing for little things and a cup holder. 4. remote control of the audio system. 5. The screen of the on -board computer. 6. The alarm switch. 7. The switch of the night lighting mode of the devices. 8. Radio with a CD player. 9. Blocking button of the central lock. 10. Climate control control panel. 11. Ash. 12. Coicier.

To revive the arrows of the devices, I reached for the ignition key and almost turned the remote control of the music control, which in shape copies the ignition key and is located at one height with it. But the joystick itself is very convenient. It is worth getting used to it, you no longer reach for the arms of the radio. And this is good, since the volume and temperature controllers are also nearby and are practically not distinguishable in shape. And it is better not to knock the temperature exhibited once. Handles of climatics rotate smoothly, without clear clicks every half gradus. To catch the desired temperature, you have to be distracted for a long time on the climate control display. But climate allows you to set an individual mode for the driver and passenger.
 
Dashboard

1. The indicator of the temperature of the coolant. 2. The indicator of the checkpoint modes. 3. Fuel level indicator. 4. Signal lamps. 5. Speedometer. 6. Mileage counter. 7. Tachometer. 8. Oil pressure indicator.

The rest of the ergonomics is thought out perfectly. All controls are located on the spot and work according to the expected scheme. You will have to get used to only a small delay in turning on the headlights, a sound signal and some other electrical appliances. This is due to the use of multiplex wiring, the signals on which go longer than usual.
 
 
Unfortunately, the body level indicator appears on the on -board computer screen for short intervals
 
Rear parkingum on C5 is not superfluous at all
 
To the left of the steering wheel is a small box with a coin and a retractable cup holder
 
When the button is drowned, the double cup holder on the central console turns into an eyelet

The sloping glass of the fifth door and high food slightly worsened the rear review. However, the Frenchmen tried not to burn out the remaining embrasure. When the rear sofa is not busy, the head restraints roll down. At the same time, their shape will not allow you to sit on the rear sofa without putting forward a headrest. Nevertheless, it is better to order a package of auto-sedan, which includes parking sensors.
 
Children in the car
From many other Citroen-C5 cars, it is distinguished by the presence of a disconnected passenger airbag, which allows you to install a baby armchair in the right front seat, turned forward. Otherwise, everything, like everyone else's blocking of windows and rear door locks, and special children's chairs are recommended to be installed on the rear couch.
 
Safety
The successes of modern French cars in this area have already ceased to be surprised. Citroen-s5 was no exception. In crash tests according to the Euroncap system, he scored 30 points. This result is largely explained by a high degree of protection against lateral and pillar strikes, achieved due to the presence of lateral and window pillows in the standard configuration. In addition, thinking front pillows are used on C5. The degree of their disclosure depends on the power of the blow.
  
In terms of active security, Citroen also has something to be proud of. With emergency braking, the alarm is automatically turned on, preventing the driving behind a dangerous situation. Automatic inclusion of light and rear parking sensors, although they are not installed on all modifications, also take care of security. How many accidents happen due to the fact that drivers forget to turn on the light. And parking, perhaps someday, will save not only the bumper of your car, but also the life of a child who can not be seen behind a high stern. It should also be noted custom -made air pressure sensors in the tires. Plus, an anti -boom and dynamic stabilization system is regularly installed on a powerful version of V6.

We load the suitcases
And here C5 offers more than you expect from him. The trunk is very capacious (455 l), the floor is provided for a grid for fixing small luggage, and the hatchback involves a convenient transformation of the cabin. To transport large things, you can not only fold the rear sofa divided in a ratio of 40:60 (the absolutely even floor is formed), but also use the hatch behind the central armrest. The latter is especially convenient when you need to transport, for example, skis. They freely go to the hatch, and two full -fledged places remain for passengers.
 
But the most pleasant surprise was prepared by a hydropneumatic suspension. One pressing of the button, and Citroen, like a camel, helpfully lays down on the ground, so that the owner is easier to drag heavy bales on his hump. However, be careful: if the car stopped on an uneven surface, for example, above the stone, it will fall on the stone.
 
To press the station wagon to the road, it is not even necessary to start the motor button to reduce the road clearance in the trunk. And in the station wagon, you can not only raise the fifth door entirely, but also separately its glass, when something small in the trunk must be thrown into the trunk, and the car standing behind is parked back. In general, C5-Brack is very functional. If you need a middle -class car with this type of body, you should pay attention to Citroen in the first place.
 
 
The regulator of the road clearance is located on the central tunnel between the seats
 
By pressing the button in the trunk of the station wagon, you can lower the back of the body
 

 
Car dimensions, mm
 
Salon dimensions, mm

Magic carpet
What are the demolitions of gas for discharge of gas? The riders are not to worry. The movement of C5 in space is subordinated to smoothness and solidity. The two -liter engine is quite cheerful, without unnecessary nervousness it accelerates a heavy machine. Responses on the actions of the steering wheel and the brake pedal are predictable-correct, but there is no sports severity in them. Citroen fares measuredly over the road, like a fairy-tale carpet.
 
The smoothness is the main highlight in the behavior of the car. Hydropneumatic suspension really makes the way more evenly. The body is noticeably shuddering only on large potholes and joints with sharp edges. All other defects in the road are stuck in the suspension, as in a rubber sponge. However, this does not mean that the machine becomes excessively soft. The storm build -up on the waves of the suburban highway is not observed. Moreover, a smart suspension of hydractive-III suppresses the rolls in corners and clutch during accelerations. If you want to make a lush, it provides for a sports regime. Under normal conditions, its inclusion remains almost invisible. The difference appears only with aggressive driving along a winding road, when the reactions to turn the steering wheel become more acute.
 
 
The automatic box has a manual switching mode and two additional modes: sports (button S) and winter (snowflake)

From the general solid-complicated behavior, only the nervous operation of the machine is knocked out. Perhaps its only advantage is the ability to slow down with an engine. But when braking, the box so actively encourages reduced gears that passengers constantly peck their nose. And on accelerations, they get the back of the head to the headrest, since the switching occurs with noticeable jerks.
 
The Citroen box, like most modern machine guns, can adapt to the driver’s driving style. But it would be better if she was not taught this! The automatic transmission works more or less adequately only when you go calmly or, conversely, aggressively. At the transitional time modes for adaptation, she needs as a deep -sea diver. Why do I need a box with intelligence if, when you go out for overtaking after a few minutes of a calm ride, she refuses to turn on a kik-downs? This is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous. No, C5 should be with a manual box.
 
Almost an alternate
Not everyone needs an all -wheel drive passenger car, since an extra pair of leading wheels costs absolutely definite money, and the front -wheel drive capabilities are enough in most situations. The road clearance is much more often insufficient: either the bumper tore in the snowdrift, then the exhaust healed along the road to the country. Here C5 offers a radical solution. At a speed of up to 40 km/h, the suspension allows you to increase the road clearance to 170 mm, and in the case of special need, you can slowly (up to 10 km/h) over the obstacle, lifting the body to the maximum 210 mm as in a real permissive.
 
   
Hydropneumatic suspension can change the road clearance from 90 mm (loading and unloading mode) to 210 mm

However, hydropneum suspension has one nuance. By exceeding the indicated speeds, the body is automatically lowered by one step lower up to the standard 130 mm. And any intelligible indicator of the body level is absent. More precisely, it is (it looks like a speed limiter on the board of an on -board computer), but is not highlighted in color against the general background and lights up for short intervals, and therefore does not attract attention at all. Raising the car and getting used to the fact that she confidently jumps on the bumps, on an even area you unnecessarily accelerate for yourself a little faster. The body drops to 130 mm, and the next moment the car from the whole move is applied to the ground with a belly, so you must adhere to the rule at the wheel of Citroen: I raised the body, look at the speedometer arrow and look at the computer’s board.
 
Operation, service
The Citroen dealer network in Russia is actively developing. At the beginning of January, 18 dealers were registered, of which 10 have the rights of an authorized technical center. Before the start of summer, it is planned to open 13 more points for the sale of cars and several maintenance stations. At the same time, Citroen is not limited only to Moscow and St. Petersburg. New dealers will appear in the regions.
 
It is noteworthy that in conditions of after -sales service, Citroen does not make any amendments to Russian specifics. The factory warranty on C5 is 3 years or 100,000 km of run, and the planned one is ordered to take place after 20,000 km. Everything is like in Europe. With this maintenance, C5 should not ruin you. As can be seen from the table, the cost of planned and, especially, spare parts are very moderate. And this is already a real article of savings.
 
Prices for spare parts and then, euro
TO1 30,000 km 121
TO2 60,000 km 161
TO3 90,000 km 121
Oil filter 7.5
Air filter 9.8
Fuel filter 11.7
Spark plug (1 pc.) 5
Front belt 51
Brake pads
(front/rear) 49/35
Tip of steering thrust 30
Ball support 37
Shock absorber (suspension cylinder),
front/rear 216/66
Front wing 85
Rear wing (sidewall) 417
Hood 230
Front door 213
The rear door 205
Front bumper assembly 223
Rear bumper assembly 239
Lobic glass 200
Side glass 60
Front headlight assembly 119
Rear lamp assembly 53
 
We decided:
Citroen-s5 is a good choice for someone who is used to having their own opinion or simply wants to stand out from the crowd. Moreover, this choice can be dictated not only by emotions, but also by common sense.
 
Alexander Konov, photo Maxim Goncharov
 
 

Source: Magazine "Limousine" [03/03]