Review of Citroen C5 X reveals vehicle that has unique appeal

Pinching inspiration from wagons, sedans and SUVs, the Citroen C5 X collaboration provides an interesting alternative to the conventional.

The Citroen C5 X has Euro good looks and is a unique blend of hatch, wagon, sedan and SUV.

Trust the French to do things differently.

Thumbing its nose at the conventional, Citroen launched the C5 X with a blend of sedan and wagon at an elevated ride height close to an SUV. Somewhat of a “suegon” if you will … that kind of sounds French.

Only available in one specification, it comes well equipped as you would expect for a drive-away price of about $62k.

Citroen has always appealed to a niche audience, yet the C5 X has enough swagger which could lure prestige shoppers at a time when supply remains constrained and buyers are forced to chase alternatives or wait in line.

Drive-away, the Citroen C5 X starts from about $62,000.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: Different with a modern edge, I liked the look. It’s been a while since we’ve been behind the wheel of a Citroen.

GRANT: Some of the recent offerings have stood out from the crowd. Remember the Cactus which had the black side air bubbles to protect it from nudges in carparks? The C5 X emanates status rather than quirkiness.

KEL: Some people commented they thought it was a Mitsubishi in profile, and one friend even thought it was “an old man’s car”. But I didn’t agree, I found the elongated hatch styling alluring, while the greater ride height made it easier for entry and exit.

GRANT: Citroen has thrown a heap of equipment into the deal, among the best inclusions are a panoramic sunroof, 12-inch main infotainment touchscreen and a seven-inch digital driver’s instruments display, power tailgate that can also open with a swing of your foot under the boot, eight-speaker sound system, smartphone charging pad along with wireless access to smartphone mirroring apps Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

KEL: Like a lot of the new models, it had the minimalist interior styling.

GRANT: There was no large gear shifter, just a toggle to move into drive or reverse, while there is a button for park.

Only one flagship model is available in the Citroen C5 X range.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: Refined on the road, the comfort levels were above mainstream offerings.

GRANT: Citroen is renowned for the “magic carpet” ride quality. Interior design was impressive, tactical materials, concave surfaces across the dash and front doors, it felt more handmade than clinically constructed.

KEL: The flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters was cool, and the functionality was great.

GRANT: Sometimes the French make some interesting ergonomic decisions, but the C5 X is surprisingly sensible. There is little daily living frustration courtesy of dual cup-holders in the centre, large console, bottle holders in the doors and quick access to aircon controls on the dash.

KEL: The back seat offered excellent leg and head room. There was also no issue with a weekly grocery shop of about 10 full bags.

GRANT: With 545 litres of space that beats plenty of SUVs, while being similar to a Toyota RAV4 or Kia Sportage, and the rear seats fold for more than 1600L. That is ample for surfboards, bikes or other awkward-size gear.

Rear seat space in the Citroen C5 X is roomy enough for tall adults.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: Using Apple CarPlay was fine, but I found the Citroen infotainment system basic.

GRANT: It was functional yet nothing inspiring – there is a function with the satnav that provides fuel prices and live traffic alerts from TomTom. External colour options won’t get the heart racing. Blue is about as exciting as things get (plus it’s the only hue that doesn’t cost extra), it’s $690 for grey or black, while a pearlescent white is $1050.

KEL: With only one model at the high price that creates a challenge against some tough opposition.

GRANT: Technically the C5 X comes up against large cars such as the Kia Stinger or Skoda Superb. But I think most would be more likely to cross-shop with a Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger or a Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. Those all offer seven seats.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Super smooth, it was a lovely car to drive in just about all conditions.

GRANT: Coarse bitumen can upset the serenity. Hydraulic suspension does a stellar job of ironing out the lumps and potholes.

KEL: Getting away from a standing start, it’s reasonable but more acceptable than astonishing.

GRANT: The 0-100km/h time of just over eight seconds is fine for a vehicle of this ilk. Test its dexterity and rapid changes in direction come with reasonable body roll and it can be slow to respond to calls for rapid acceleration.

KEL: All the safety gizmos I’d expect were there, like the radar cruise control and rear cross traffic alert which warns if cars are approaching when you’re reversing out of parks.

GRANT: In that reversing scenario there is no automatic braking if a pedestrian is detected – that only works when travelling forward (it also watches for cyclists, too). Official fuel consumption claims are six litres for every 100km, but our experience was closer to eight.

The Citroen C5 X offers a smooth ride with adequate acceleration abilities.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Refined and a nice overall package, the Citroen is appealing but it would battle to sway me away from a large SUV which has seven seats.

GRANT: One of the most sensible and straightforward Citroens we’ve driven, the C5 X offers high levels of luxury without the idiosyncrasies of the past. That has positives and negatives for some, but those brave enough to avoid typical SUV shapes and with no need for seven seats will find generous space, a smooth ride and strong feature inclusions.