CITROEN C5 Sedan
Generations Timeline, Specs and Pictures
It took a keen eye for details to distinguish a C5 2008 from the facelifted version, which was introduced just two years later in 2010.
Citroen was one of the carmakers that replaced its mid-size sedan during the world economic crisis, and its finances were heavily hit when the global car market shrunk. But the French manufacturer didn’t lose its temper and came with a facelifted version in 2010, improving the technology behind the car, while its resources for the exterior were limited.
At the front, there was a slight difference between the LEDs for the daytime running lights with a clear appearance and the new headlights, which looked almost exactly like the previous ones. The main exterior difference was at the back. The carmaker replaced the taillights, and the new version featured a clear, white, middle horizontal section, while the 2008 model featured a darker, red area for that segment.
Inside, Citroen offered a new option named eTouch, which brought the virtual maintenance manual and an Eco-Driving service accessible via the MyCitroen personal area on the web. There was also a new infotainment unit as an option.
On the technological side, the 2010 C5 featured revised engines and the micro-hybrid technology with an advanced start/stop system. That one was installed on the 110 hp turbo-diesel engine paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox. It was an industry first since most carmakers couldn’t offer a start-stop system with an automatic transmission. For the gasoline units, Citroen introduced the 1.6-liter turbocharged developed together with BMW.
The second generation of the C5 came on the market at the beginning of 2008 and followed a new design trend than its predecessor.
When Citroen introduced the C5, the management of the French carmaker already knew that there was a financial crisis coming. That was one of the reasons why they rushed the car into production while its predecessor was only six years old.
Citroen’s management already knew that a world financial crisis was about to start. Maybe that’s why it rushed the car into production, phasing out its predecessor, which survived only six years on the market. But the carmaker needed a new car to sell, and the mid-size segment appeared to be the best choice. Moreover, it tried to compete against the premium German rivals on the European market.
On the outside, the design team dropped the elliptic headlights and installed horizontal, angular-shaped headlamps instead. Their angular shapes formed a boomerang style, with the outer corners lifted and swept back. On the lower side of the wrapped-around bumper, the carmaker added a set of turn signals and fog lights. The C5 featured a long greenhouse with a sloped rear windscreen that mimicked a former hatchback profile. Unlike its predecessor, it was available only as a three-box sedan.
The cabin was roomy for five adults, with two bucket seats at the front and a split-folding rear bench. Its driver had a difficult time with the buttons spread on the center stack and the steering wheel. They were just too many. Its trunk offered 439 liters (15.5 cu-ft) of space, which was less than its main competitors had to offer.
Under the hood, the carmaker offered the C5 a wide engine choice, enhanced and enlarged later on for the 2011 and 2012 facelifts.