There's no sign of a ceasefire. Or at least, from French automaker Citroen who continued their bombardment of diesel cars onto our shores.
This, the C5, is one of their latest assault, with yet another 1.6-litre e-HDi powerplant that we have tested in several other occasions (most recent in the DS5).
If you ask us, it isn't surprising at all. Considering the current market situation, the unit fits in just about right - earning $15,000 rebate under the relatively new CEVS scheme, and with 115bhp, good to see it fall under Cat A COE.
And such concurrence don't come knocking at the door often.
Up close and Personal
Like its more stylish DS5 counterpart, the C5 gets smaller 17-inch rims in diesel guise. The oil burning C5 also does without the marque's famous hydropneumatic suspension, and was fitted with conventional springs instead.
This, the C5, is one of their latest assault, with yet another 1.6-litre e-HDi powerplant that we have tested in several other occasions (most recent in the DS5).
If you ask us, it isn't surprising at all. Considering the current market situation, the unit fits in just about right - earning $15,000 rebate under the relatively new CEVS scheme, and with 115bhp, good to see it fall under Cat A COE.
And such concurrence don't come knocking at the door often.
Up close and Personal
Like its more stylish DS5 counterpart, the C5 gets smaller 17-inch rims in diesel guise. The oil burning C5 also does without the marque's famous hydropneumatic suspension, and was fitted with conventional springs instead.
That said, the C5 has no lack of features. Its Start/Stop function, for instance, is the first ever fitted on a diesel car. It, too, earns the 'Airdream' badge, awarded for its low CO2 emissions (<140g/km), and considerable efforts spent to ensure that its construction methods and choice of materials are sustainable.
In short, a 'green' effort by Citroen.
On the inside, the C5 surprises with bits of niceties littered throughout the cabin. We like how the instrument dials glow with contrasting white and orange.
As a whole, the cabin does set a mood that is both pleasant and likeable.
In short, a 'green' effort by Citroen.
On the inside, the C5 surprises with bits of niceties littered throughout the cabin. We like how the instrument dials glow with contrasting white and orange.
As a whole, the cabin does set a mood that is both pleasant and likeable.
The Drive
Badged with the same double-chevron (and with the same powerplant), it is little wonder that the C5 and DS5 shares similar character.
For starters, they both treat their drivers with generous amount of low-end torque. However, the more dated EGS gearbox in the C5 has a slightly taller learning curve, and does not seem to be as intuitive as the ETG on the DS5.
Our day spent with the sedan also reveals a fuel economy figure of 15km/L - even when we did not take off the lead from our right foot. In fact, with most of the punch delivered from lower revs, you need not put the hammer down to get the most out of the engine.
And while the sweet torque is there to enjoy without having the need to put you at the pumps ever so often, the C5 still has some quirky traits that you need to get used to.
Badged with the same double-chevron (and with the same powerplant), it is little wonder that the C5 and DS5 shares similar character.
For starters, they both treat their drivers with generous amount of low-end torque. However, the more dated EGS gearbox in the C5 has a slightly taller learning curve, and does not seem to be as intuitive as the ETG on the DS5.
Our day spent with the sedan also reveals a fuel economy figure of 15km/L - even when we did not take off the lead from our right foot. In fact, with most of the punch delivered from lower revs, you need not put the hammer down to get the most out of the engine.
And while the sweet torque is there to enjoy without having the need to put you at the pumps ever so often, the C5 still has some quirky traits that you need to get used to.
Compared to ordinary ones that we are all accustomed to, the fixed centre steering wheel is actually harder to muster on the move. And while we did not find the weighted steering a hassle, we suspect some from the fairer sex might.
Look beyond those, and it is not hard to see where the C5 charms. The well-sorted ride, for starters, is something we enjoyed. And while the meaty steering may feel a tad bulky in urban traffic, it does reward with concise handling when you break onto the expressway.
Conclusion
Citroen has played well in the game of economics and running costs by bringing its range of diesel cars on board. At press time, the C5 diesel retails for $134,988 - a handsome $35k off the petrol counterpart's list price.
But if we have more hay in our barn, the DS5 will be the easier choice.
Look beyond those, and it is not hard to see where the C5 charms. The well-sorted ride, for starters, is something we enjoyed. And while the meaty steering may feel a tad bulky in urban traffic, it does reward with concise handling when you break onto the expressway.
Conclusion
Citroen has played well in the game of economics and running costs by bringing its range of diesel cars on board. At press time, the C5 diesel retails for $134,988 - a handsome $35k off the petrol counterpart's list price.
But if we have more hay in our barn, the DS5 will be the easier choice.
