Test Drive Citroen C5 Liftbek since 2004 hatchback

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Russia Country sedans. But did you solve the universal firmly? Well, we are happy to help.
 
In Europe, the universal middle class is often in great demand, rather than basic models with a sedan body. But in Russia, common sense is not easily poked with the considerations of prestige and social status. However, there is little little and we appear those who consciously give preference to the car as more convenient and, of course, the same versatile means of movement. So far, such not many more than 10% of the total number of buyers who have turned their eyes on the class D model. However, this is already something. So, we begin to pick up the most multipurpose and not burdened with an unnecessary prestigious brand, but it became an overvisory price wagon. And at the same time we will try to find out that it is extremely important for such cars, and what to taste.
 
Quality always in fashion
Passat even at sunset career remains the owner of the very salon itself in the classroom. The most expensive, you can say the most meticulous. Well, maybe, or maybe they do not want Volkswagen's competitors to select the same expensive plastic for the interior of their models. And in thoughts do not hold that it is necessary to seek so precisely, almost with love to seek impeccable on the type of connection of all elements of the interior. We do not understand how it is necessary to flatter the feelings of the client, so that he believes, as if sitting in the car's cabin class above. In a word, dealing with the Passat, it does not matter a sedan or a wagon, with the tissue seats of the Basis configuration or with Highline Alcantara, you can not doubt the best interior in the class D not to find.
 
I agree, the Tirada is quite long, but necessary for understanding why the option leaves the audience with the top five. Finishing materials and an excellent assembly are two pebbles, the weight of the scales in the direction of Volkswagen. Because with ergonomics, all three in general there are no problems. The level of competition in class D reached the boiling point, therefore it seriously punished death like. That is why Citroen, and Opel, and Volkswagen approximately an equal set of advantages to the arrangement of the driver's workplace. Everyone will be shown in its own way. Passat, as you already know, the gloss finishes. Opel front seats, on the development of which was spent as much as 75 million euros! Spent not in vain. Their convenience and in terms of comfort, and from the point of view of the orthopedic is no doubt. And the convenient landing will not find only the lazy.
 
Cozy, even the milled interior of Citroen is not sinless. Take at least closely located the joystick audio system and the ignition key, as well as not the most ideal for understanding the algorithm of the hydropneumatic suspension.
 
 
The main driving of Citroen does not confuse the ignition key with the joystick of the audio system. The rest of the organization of the workplace at height

 
 
Alcantara, chrome trim, leather steering wheel with wooden inserts in the Passat have to remind yourself that you are in the universal
  
Complex control of climate control. The only puncture of the elevation in terms of ergonomics. But for the beautiful chairs, this Opel can be forgiven and great
 
       
The original tidy C5 (photo on the left) suffers from the oversupply of the dial oil pressure here is not to the place. But the dashboard of the trade wind (in the center) and the Opel spoils the fine calibration
 

 

All path
Vectra-caravan The only university of class D with an elongated compared to the base sedan wheel base. And 13 cm not children's gain. And Opolev engineers used bonus inconsistencies with a caravan's mind noticeably spacious sedan's element. Even with a completely pudded back, the chair on the sofa will easily muddle under the meter of ninety. And anyway, the air layer will remain between the knees and the back. In width, truth, nothing outstanding. Familiar forming for two people, a dystrophic central headrest and medium-sized central tunnel perhaps, you can only sing here only by a duet.
 
However, even on the sofa Citroen three will still be crowded. Although C5 and tunnel lowered, and there is no discrimination in terms of head restraints. By the stock of the place for feet sitting behind, French Brek is not inferior to the word and is somewhat surpassed by the Passat. However, this does not mean that there is no live in Volkswagen in the back of life. Passat at least a long time ago and not a record holder as part of the capacity, but four here will go easily. Just a high-alone central tunnel leaves no chance even a teenager. Yes, and the missing third headrest indicates that the Passat does not pretend to the role of a 5-seater car.
 
 
   
Spacious and cozy Citroen Salon Slightly spoils only frankly cheap plastic bottom torpedo
   
   
Passat sample quality of the interior. You may not doubt, such a salon would be to face and universal on the basis of Audi
   
   
Vectra Best Opel by part of the interior. Quality materials, original design, spacious rear row
 

Who is bigger?
If you look at one eye, the Volkswagen is the shortest and most narrow in our test you can take something good not for a full-fledged wagon, but rather for the car for those who do not want, how to ride three-volume sedans. And in the end, according to part of the loading capacity, it was Passat that took the third line. But the German lost with dignity. The volume of the luggage compartment from 495 to 1600 liters is quite good for the machine, the production of which began in 1997. Moreover, the diagonal size of the luggage opening is the widest means, large loads are easier to pass into the larger. Nevertheless, the age of the option makes itself felt. For example, the lack of hatch for the long-term sofa is a movieton. Did not like the asymmetric flows of the wheeled arches. Trifle? Do not tell me. The real useful volume will no longer become from this, but the trunk rug can not be turned inside out. He simply will not fit.
 
But on the Citroen rug there is even a corresponding inscription REVERSIBLE, and it began to be cleaning less often to drive to the sink. If that, the rug can be easily turned over. Or now the glass of the fifth door of the Braka opens separately in case, if in the trunk, you only need to throw bags with products or outerwear. It is difficult to overestimate and a unique feature of C5 squatted on loading.
The trunk provides a button lowering the road clearance of 6 cm invaluable thing when transporting a bank safe. Check!
 
 
Even three years after his debut, C5 is still the owner of the most unusual exterior in the class
 

But even if Citroen had no these useful rims, he would still remain a cool universal. The baggage of the Braek's trunk resembles a compact helicopter hangar. By the way, the minimum volume of 565 liters is one of the best in the class.
 
Nevertheless, the most universalist was Opel. All in caravan with a capital letter. The trunk in the form is a parallelepiped. So, in it, in contrast to the trade wind, there will be no unused corner, the whole volume will go into business. Or pay attention to the neat holes around the perimeter of the side walls. The locking load of the grid can be fixed as a soul, dividing the trunk into several compartments.
 
 
Vectra-caravan successfully proves that an enlarged wheelbase is not a presence of congenital elegance

Someone can alert that the sofa the elevation is only a back. Whereas the Passat and C5 sofa removes close to the front chairs, forming a longer loading platform. But do not rush with the conclusions everything is provided. On the length of Opel, thanks to an enlarged base, more than more rivals. For $ 130, you can order the front passenger chair with a folding back. But in this, I will open a little secret, there is no need. We managed to fold and the usual awkward chair. And now in the latter caravan, a long period of 290 cm will fit! With such an argument, it is impossible to argue five points, despite even the greatest loading height.
 
 
        
 
   
   

Racing trucks
Of course, the speed for a car designed to transport cargo is important only to a certain extent. More importantly, the engine reported the machine decent dynamics with full load and has been travded in the lower revolutions. That is why the motor is needed, a well-carved with a carton. And if so, the base 1,8-liter 122-strong engine of the Vectra, which is in principle enough for the sedan, the universal is hardly enough. Here a new 2.2-liter motor with direct injection is much better. Extremely direct 230 N.MM is already available in an average revolution range, and a rather powerful 155 liter. with. With a 5-speed automatic transmission, he lives the soul into the soul. It is not necessary only to demand from this couple of excessive acne at the top, and in the rest of the smooth and logical switching, sufficient skill with the activation of the kick-down system, finally, has finally become the mode of manual switching mode.
 
For the trade wind, in turn, there will be no 2-liter atmospheric at Volkswagen, and not excellent in its characteristics a 5-cylinder 2,3-liter engine unjustifiably roads. Undoubted priority in 150-strong one and eight from low pressure turbine. With a machine gun, it is combined perfectly and the bottom is removed, and at the top is very alive.
 
But Citroen clearly lacks mutual understanding between the engine and the transmission. In Russia, C5-Brek is supplied exclusively with a 2-liter gasoline engine. In principle, its 138 hp It is enough for a large station wagon, but only under the condition of mechanical transmission. 4-speed automatic transpassing, on the contrary, prevents the driver. Her character is like a Siamese cat. If it is not tired to iron her on a fur, read: smoothly add gas, not to abuse sharp, in the floor, press, then perhaps you will be able to blame. But it is only from the exhortations to move to orders, for example, activate kick-down, especially after a long ride with the same speed and a kitty will show claws. Believe me, when overtaking, a pensive box can cost premature secility.
 
In this case, the cat is better to immediately throw the leash to activate the sport mode or go to pseudo-making switching. Both successfully removes long-playing pauses.
  
But the brakes of three cars at a decent level: progressive work, confident slowdown, timely response of the anti-lock system.

Almost like sedans
Perhaps it will not be a big mistake to say that the controllability for universal articles are not paramount. However, country trips on machines of this type are not uncommon, therefore, no discounts. It is logical that manageability habits all three cars inherited from basic sedans. Our preferences have changed quite a bit.
 
In this Trinity, the most title driver is worthy of the Passat. The most informative steering wheel, dense, although not too tough suspension, excellent stability on a straight line. Perhaps Volkswagen and does not reach the best in the class of Mondeo, Mazda-6, chord. But it looks preferable to rivals over the test. Still, Citroen, and Opel Machines are not the most delicious manageability. The undoubted plus C5 hydropneumatic suspension, in the embryo that kills the wave split at high speeds. But the empty steering wheel and severe feed do not allow the Frenchman to call the Frenchman. Approximately the same right and in the address of the caravan: Confident high-speed straight yes, there is no turn in turns.
 
Long and soft
In contrast to the sedan vectra, the suspension of which one seems moderately comfortable, and some rather tough, caravan, thanks to an enlarged base, sliding softly. As a big beast on soft paws, it pursues through any asphalt wormworms, passing only on frankly abandoned roads. Well, excellent noise insulation moved to the wagon unchanged. It is unlikely that anyone can reproach a 2.2-liter engine in vysunity, the noble baritone of which is simply nice to listen, as well as to complain about the documencing roads even the characteristic hum of studded rubber at speeds for 100 km / h remains overboard. Excellent!
 
Almost the same can be said about the Passat. Perhaps the Volkswagen suspension lacks the Opeless softness shakes the row here, and energy intensity is not enough on a broken track. But noise isolation again gorgeous.
 
But Citroen on the background of a German couple disappointed a little. First, noisy 2-liter engine, too obviously listening throughout the operating range. It is impossible to call an outstanding and noise insulation of the arches along the usual puddles of Brek goes like a boat for waves. In addition, the last generation of hydropneumatics in a much greater extent, rather than the predecessors, focused on stability on the trajectory, rather than comfort. Therefore, shook C5 noticeably, and, moreover, the suspension on frankly broken sections, it happens, skips blows to the body. Here it is a fee for permanent road clearance, regardless of the load.
  
For yourself and for his brother
Universals in the euro crash tests have not yet been broken. For them, ordinary basic sedans were fade. However, this data is enough to arrange rivals on the rank of passive security. First place, even if not with the largest marriage, occupies Citroen. First, 31 points are not even four stars, but four plus add the French buzzers, reminiscent of uneasy safety belts, but pay the repeated crash test, and be C5 excellent. And then in the Russian configuration Citroen stuffed with means of protection in a circle. Here are the required six airbags, ABS, a break-assist. You can pay only for ESP.
 
Vectra in crash tests gained grandmaster 30 points and four stars. And equipment in terms of security should be Citroen. And even better. After all, in a set with ABS and six Airbags you are guaranteed to receive both the anti-pass system.
 
And only Volkswagen continues to save on security. In the database only two front cushions and ABS. For everything else you will have to pay extra from your own pocket which temptation to save! It is a pity, because by itself passive security for a very decent level of 28 points and solid four stars. But since in Europe the side pillows at the Passat in the standard, then it would be incorrectly to automatically transfer a good assessment on the car.

To the last cent
As you already know, our C5-Brek market comes only with a 2-liter 138-strong motor and in the only available SX configuration. An option with a manual box costs 23,500 euros, with automatic 24 900. In any case, the wagon is more expensive than the hatchback at 1600 euros. On the one hand, a lot. But overpaying for Brek, you get not only a talented wagon. The fact is that for all wagons, the package of Velor Moire plus the interior trim under the tree is a free option, whereas its usual price is 450 euros. And velor you will order in any case the base upholstery of the seats from C5 so-so. In addition, religs are required for the bracket, the vertical grid-partition and the rug in the trunk. That is, at least 400 euros. Well, all the rest and climate control, and the full electric car, and the central castle with the remote control and much, much more, including the rain sensor at Citroen already in the database. So you need to pay attention only for a 400 euro parking package that, in addition to the rear parking sensor, includes folding outer mirrors. As a result, more than a well-equipped C5-Brec will cost you at 25,300 euros, which is about $ 31,120 in the April course.
 
The most painless financially can be driving the wagon from Opel. $ 24 330 asks so much for the caravan in the configuration of Essensh. By itself, the version of good is here and full minced part of safety, and air conditioning, and music, and central locking with remote control. But it is quite another thing that Essense implies a 1.8-liter 122-strong engine, clearly insufficient for the wagon. 2,2-liter Vectra performed comfort is noticeably more expensive than $ 27,820 with mechanics and $ 29,320 with automatic. But if you want to be a verte in the level of equipment not inferior to Citroen, you have to pay much for a lot. And in the end it will turn out $ 31 705.
 
It is clear that Volkswagen, which has long considered the most prestigious of democratic cars, as a result was the most expensive. However, $ 35 860 for Comfort Line, exposed under the configuration of Citroen and Opel, it still went wherever. If we calculate the cost before the New Year, when all the Volkswagen in Russia were sold in euros, this amount was closer to the mark in forty pieces.
 
 
Finally, we remind that the factory guarantee for German cars is two years. While buyers C5 receive a year warranty from Citroen plus two from the dealer.
 

 

Fastening of the separation grid are equipped with individual lids

Spacious glove box can be used as a mini refrigerator
 
  
Magic button in the trunk, allowing you to adjust the loading height

Basic C5 equipment One of the most generous in the classroom

Practical solution double-sided luggage pad
 
 
Using this button on the center console, you can adjust the height of the road lumen

Rear Parktronic Massive Brac is needed like air
    
 

If the gasoline is less than 50 km of the way, the warning inscription will not disappear from the screen of the board computer

In the chain arms of this grid, the fire extinguisher will not roll on the trunk
 
  
A set of fastening grids flex-organizer that rare case, when the German is good, and Russian is not bad

In the spacious trunk of the first-aid kit and an emergency stop sign

Arriving the chair so far, you save $ 130 euros and get a platform for almost three meter long

 

 
Forwarding Germans Shelf for instructions under the steering column

A pair of 12-volt sockets in the trunk, as they say, just in case
 
  
Long tricks are not included in the basic bundle

Even with a folded sofa for head restraints there are regular places

Separate heating of the rear sofa option from the category Lux
  

 

    
We decided:
The Passat option turns out to be in third place. Average rating 4. Good or bad? Definitely you can not say. Charm prestige and luxury aroma are still surrounded by a folk car. His dynamics, the level of comfort and safety is still at the level. And the losses on the front of the roomy and load capacity could be more serious, given the age of the model. And yet in the trifles, young cars are better: faster, higher, stronger. So, the old veteran sores, namely the overestimated price and abnormalism in the issues of standard equipment, become doubly noticeable.
 
Having conceived a magnificent station wagon, the French almost embodied him. Brek is endowed with talents, which would be enough for several cars from a decade ago. Spacious salon, a whole bouquet of passive safety funds, finally, the delightful data of the versatile act: capacity, thoughtfulness, foresight. But Nevaznetskaya Noise Isolation, and the main thing is completely inadequate in today's standards a box-machine made your black business. Tse-Fifth could fight for the victory, and in the end, baptized for a silver line of 4.1 points.
 
The victory was celebrated Opel medium score 4.4. Someone can say that Vetra-caravan is too a conservative wagon built around the trunk. But what's wrong with that? Perhaps, there is no agility of sportsurbation or representativeness of the image-wagon. In the end, there is a sign for this. The caravan is another, no less worthy task to embody all the best qualities of a modern car. It is probably unnecessarily loud, but eat another differential speaker. Capacious, comfortable, sufficiently dynamic, safe and, finally, recorded in terms of lifting capacity. Is it not enough to be considered the best universal middle class?
 
 
 
Mikhail Medvedev, Maxim Goncharov
 
 

Source: Limousine magazine [05/04]