Few motorists would buy the Citroën C5 estate because it’s pretty. But estate cars don’t have to be pretty to find buyers, they have to be practical, and here the Citroën plays a trump card.

With a cavernous 563-litre boot, self-levelling suspension and a long list of standard equipment, the C5 is one of the most practical bargains around. Introduced to Britain in April 2001, the C5 had to take the place of the outgoing Xantia and the already discontinued flagship XM. Larger than the Xantia but with a price tag lower than the XM, it was designed to appeal to buyers looking for a large, reasonably priced estate car.

Nearly four years on, depreciation hasn’t been kind to the car: good petrol-engine examples can be bought for around £4,000 and diesels for about £5,500.

Power comes from 1.8, 2 and 3 litre petrol engines and 2 and 2.2 litre diesel engines. The biggest sellers are the diesel derivatives, a popularity that reflects in their resale values — you’ll pay about £1,200 more for a 90bhp 2 litre diesel than the 1.8 litre petrol. For low mileage users the diesel’s economy is unlikely to recoup much of that extra money but you’ll find a diesel easier to resell.

Citroën aimed the C5 at company car buyers, hoping to attract them by offering high levels of standard equipment. Even the entry-level LX model comes with remote central locking, air-conditioning and a CD player. For a premium of about £500 you can buy a second-hand example of the higher specification SX, which adds alloy wheels and an on-board computer to that list.

At the top of the range the Exclusive models boast automatic windscreen wipers, xenon headlamps and soft-closing doors — normally the kind of kit found on a top spec BMW or Mercedes. But as these cars start to age it’s worth checking that these high-tech systems work properly as repair can be expensive.

On the road the C5 shows its mettle, boasting the unique Hydractive 3 suspension system that adjusts the car’s ride to driving conditions. Take it on the motorway and the suspension lowers — reducing wind resistance and fuel consumption — while head for the twisty stuff and the suspension stiffens, eliminating body roll.

Buyers concerned that this “typically Citroën” solution to suspension may signal big servicing bills can be reassured that the system requires no maintenance for five years or 125,000 miles. Scheduled servicing is once a year or every 12,500 miles on both petrol and diesel cars and the galvanised body has a 12-year corrosion warranty.

Under the skin the C5 estate benefits from the inclusion of six airbags and both antilock braking and emergency braking assistance as standard. In the 2001 Euro NCAP safety tests the C5 achieved an impressive four-star rating. A number of revisions and a facelift in September 2004 saw this score rise to a maximum five stars.

Buying from a Citroën dealer should guarantee the car’s mileage and service history but expect to pay around £1,000 more than you would for a car being sold privately.

A used C5 estate might not make you the envy of your neighbours, but it does send out a clear message — looking the way it does it tells them you’re definitely not a fashion victim.

Safety
Twin front, side and head airbags are standard

Tailgate
Electrically opening tailgate also comes with the benefit of a separately opening tailgate window

Bodywork
Galvanised panels should prevent the risk of corrosion

Suspension
Check that all settings on Hydractive 3 are working. A button in the boot can lower the suspension to aid loading

Alloy wheels
Standard on SX models and above



Power steering
Variable assistance adjusts weight of steering according to road speed

Gearbox
Optional four-speed automatic can give poor gearchanges; fixing this may involve new ECU software

Facelift
Major cosmetic changes in September 2004 saw the car achieve a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating

Engine
Timing belt and pulley should be replaced at 60-70,000 miles

Security
Remote-control central locking and immobiliser standard across the range

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Citroën C5 2.2HDi SX estate

Engine Four-cylinder, 2179cc

Power 136bhp

Transmission Five-speed manual

Fuel 39.8mpg (combined)

Acceleration 0-62mph: 11.3sec

Top speed 127mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Citroën C5 2.2HDi SX estate, 2002 with 30,000 miles.Pay £14,950 at main dealer, or £13,750 privately

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