Category Archives: Citroen

Citroen, Estate/Sport Tourer

Estate has a certain X factor

Leave a comment

Citroen C5 X

By Bill McCarthy

In the world where SUV/crossover appears to be king, introducing a large saloon, or is it an estate?, is a brave, or even an inspired move. Spotting an estate is increasingly difficult such is the svelte, aerodynamic styling of many modern models.

But the proof of the pudding is the practicality and the C5 X has that in spades. So yes, it is an estate, but an extremely striking looking one.

There are many selling points, but the starting price of just short of £28k for what is a whole lot of car, is a compelling one.

It comes in petrol and hybrid versions, the diesel seemingly consigned to the dustbin of history.

There are three trim levels, Sense Plus, Shine and the range-topping Shine Plus driven here.

This model featured the 130bhp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, with a powerful 180 bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder powerplant also available.

The front of the car is striking with a V-shaped LED light signature, long roofline that ends with a floating, aerodynamic upper spoiler, while a second spoiler, in gloss black, adds to the sleek look.

Styling is further enhanced with large, diamond-cut alloys and on this model, the optional bi-tone black roof. 

It looks like a premium vehicle and that impression remains with the interior. It is a roomy impressive place to be with leather, chrome and soft-touch finish giving it the upmarket ambience.

Shine and Shine Plus models get leather upholstery as standard, while Sense Plus cars feature a tweed-like fabric.

The whole interior layout is well thought out and logical and dominated by a 12-inch central touchscreen and a seven-inch information cluster behind the steering wheel.

There are big bins under the centre armrest as well as an extra slot that is ideal for your phone. Gear selection is via a centrally placed switch which does away with the traditional lever and adds to the feeling of roominess.

The boot, while still spacious, is comparatively small for an estate car and loses space because of the slung roofline.

It offers the kind of practicality found in an SUV however, with seats that can be folded flat using levers in the boot area, offering total boot space of between 545 and 1640 litres.

The brains of the car, operated via the central touchscreen features a number of apps and controls navigation where fitted, infotainment and connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The system lets you customise the home screen and the TomTom navigation system is one of the best on the market.

The test model features the now familiar three-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine. It seems a small capacity to power such a large car, but copes with ease, delivering the signature three-pot rasp under acceleration.

The 130bhp unit, mated with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, powers the car to 60mph in just 10.4 seconds, while also delivering economy of around 48mpg. Impressive for a large vehicle

On the road, it feels stable and assured and Citroen’s bespoke Advanced Comfort Suspension delivers the kind of comfort reminiscent of the gas-powered suspension of yesteryears in Citroen.

Not soft, by any means but firm enough to be comfortable as on-board sensors to automatically optimise the suspension settings based on road conditions.

All Citroens score highly on safety and this model is packed with kit, both active and passive. 

Equipment here included Active Safety Brake, Collision Risk Alert, 360-Vision, Long Range Blind Spot Monitoring System, Highway Integrated Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Active Lane Departure Warning System and Extended Traffic Sign Recognition and Speed Recommendation.

For those questioning the wisdom of introducing what looks like a large saloon and bucking the SUV/crossover trend, the combination of smart styling, excellent practicality and a tempting price, could prove them wrong.

C5 X Shine Plus PureTech 130 EAT8 automatic

Price: £32,160

Mechanical: 129 bhp, 1,199cc, three cylinder petrol engine driving front wheels via an eight speed automatic gearbox

Max speed: 130mph

0-62mph: 10.4 seconds

Combined mpg: 48

Insurance group: 21E

CO2 emissions: 136g/km

BIK rating: 31%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Citroen, MPV

Lost in space – nine seater practicality

Leave a comment

Citroen e-Space Tourer

By Bill McCarthy

HOW do you make a van look sexy? Well, you can’t, but with Citroen’s electric nine-seater you can smooth out the rough edges and give it a touch of refinement.

Clearly not an everyday runabout, it is ideal for big families, small businesses, where the seats can be removed for transporting goods, or a taxi.

Citroen has added curves and signature Citroen chevrons grille, sleek headlights and smart wheels to give it a more striking stance, but it is still hard to disguise the fact it is based on a van.

Clues to the fact it is an electric vehicle are the discrete charging point at the left front wing, and the bespoke front grille with an “ë” monogrammed on the right side of the front grille and on the tailgate. Other neat styling touches are black door mirrors and stylish 16-inch wheels.

The range is OK as well, but with 136 miles available, a couple of trips to the local airport will mean charging up pretty regularly, but in terms of running costs, it will be hard to beat, with zero tailpipe emissions freeing it of congestion and clean air zone charges. Not to mention taxation and Benefit in Kind savings for business users.

Which is what the Business version driven here is designed to cater for. 

It features a 50kWh battery which can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in around half an hour using the powerful 100kWh chargers. In an emergency, it can be charged with the correct lead from a normal house socket, but this will take in excess of 14 hours.

Mated with a CVT transmission, the electric motor delivers 136hp, hits 60mph in just over 13 seconds and has a top speed of 81mph. There are three driving modes, eco, normal or power which speak for themselves with eco obviously the most energy-efficient.

But this is not the type of vehicle being bought for performance. It’s all about practicality and can accommodate nine when acting as a minibus or, fold the rear seats down it still accommodates six, but also offers a huge amount of stowage space, with 2,381 litres of luggage space available.

For even more room, fold all of the seats, including the front passenger seat, to open up a cavernous 4,554 litres to the roof. There are multiple seating combinations to accommodate people, luggage or loads to the tip.

The hands-free sliding doors add to practicality and allow passengers and them under the corner of the rear bumper to automatically unlock and open the side door you’re next to.

The interior is spacious and comfortable with excellent head and legroom and features high end goodies such as the centrepiece colour capacitive touchscreen which controls media, phone and navigation.

An option is Citroën Connect Nav with voice control which delivers real-time traffic information, the location of fuel stops and prices, car parks and even the latest weather. 

There are plenty of practical creature comfort including the 180° reversing camera on this model, air conditioning, electric and heated door mirrors, electric power steering with reach and rake-adjustable steering column and one-touch electric front windows with pinch protection

It is also packed with safety kit, including full complement of airbags, ABS (with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, hill start assist, cruise control and driver attention alert.

Not sexy, but hugely practical, well equipped and cheap to run.

Factfile

Citroen e-SpaceTourer Business Edition 50kW 136 M

Price: 34,495

Mechanical: 130bhp electric motor driving front wheels via auto gearbox

Max speed: 81mph

0-60mph: 13.1 seconds

Range: 136 miles

Insurance group: 33

CO2 emissions: 0g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles