2023 Citroen C5 X new car review

This new high-rider claims its ride is so smooth that it mimics a “dynamic flying-carpet” gliding over bumps and potholes.

2023 Citroen C5 X.

The French brand isn’t high on most people’s shopping lists, but this new softroader could change that.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Citroen C5 X.

Teh Citroen C5 X comes in one highly equipped grade.

VALUE

The C5 X is part crossover, part wagon and part luxury vehicle. It has the potential to draw buyers from various vehicle types and comes with trademark Citroen quirkiness in its design.

In Australia the C5 X is a one-size-fits-all machine with a relatively generous level of kit for about $63,000 drive-away.

There are 19-inch alloys, leather, heated and power-adjustable front seats, smart key entry, head-up display, wireless phone charging, a power tailgate, parking sensors front and rear, a full length sunroof and a 12-inch infotainment screen incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It is expensive at about $63,000 drive-away.

COMFORT

Sliding into the C5 X is like settling into a comfy lounge chair – one surrounded by traditional dark materials that add to the sense of occasion. The electronically operated front seats are seriously broad and plush, with terrific adjustability and lumbar controls to push and prod sore backs. There’s less in the way of lateral support, which is understandable given that the C5 X’s main aim is comfy cruising.

It’s also relatively spacious in the front and rear and there are four USB-C ports spread around the cabin. Smaller people in the back may find the windows slightly high, but there’s no complaints about leg room.

High windows in the rear might make the cabin feel claustrophobic for small children.

SAFETY

There’s the usual array of active safety systems, including auto emergency braking, blind-spot warning and lane-keep assistance. It also displays the speed limit, monitors driver distraction and has a 360-degree view parking camera.

There is plenty of safety gear.

DRIVING

The C5 X is built for comfort. The company says the suspension is designed to mimic a “dynamic flying-carpet”, gliding over bumps.

It’s not quite as magical as that and the 19-inch Goodyear rubber allows bumps to deliver a jolt into the cabin. Larger undulations and speed humps are smothered as the soft set-up does its best to shield occupants from what’s going on at ground level.

The major controls are light and responsive, too, adding to the sense of calm.

A diminutive 1.6-litre engine drives the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic. The four-cylinder turbo’s modest size results in modest outputs of 133kW and 250Nm, although it weighs less than 1.5 tonnes so it’s somewhat of a featherweight in the modern car market.

The engine is enthusiastic but can hesitate when you reapply the throttle. Finesse is required to ensure smooth progress.

VERDICT 3/5

Comfortable and well equipped but the undernourished engine lets it down.

ALTERNATIVES

Skoda Superb, from $56,990 drive-away

Sizeable body and hatchback-style boot make for a spacious interior with clever touches, including storage nets spread around the boot. Hearty four-cylinder turbo ensures decent progress.

Subaru Outback XT Touring, from about $61,700 drive-away

Spacious cabin and high-riding design combine with clever all-wheel-drive engineering to appeal to adventurous types. Recently-added turbo engine makes for more effortless cruising.

Peugeot 508 GT Sportswagon, from about $71,000 drive-away

It’s hardly GT performance, but the 508 makes up for it with a classy interior and practical wagon body.

CITROEN C5 X

PRICE From about $63,000 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICE Five years, unlimited km, $2000 for 5 years/100,000km

SAFETY Six airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitoring, speed-sign recognition, 360-degree camera

ENGINE 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 133kW/250Nm

THIRST 6.0L/100km

BOOT 545 litres