The French-made medium-sized luxury sedan doesn’t corner like a Ferrari or accelerate like a V8. Instead, it drives with the ease and calmness of a lounge room floating on water - but without the flood damage or the insurance bill.
In fact, the new C5 floats on air. As with its predecessor, it has a self-levelling air suspension system that stops the car from nose-diving under brakes, and tilting back when accelerating. It also keeps the car’s body neutral in corners.
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It’s a weird sensation at first, a bit like sitting on a water bed for the first time, but once you’ve grown accustomed to its behaviour, you can relax and enjoy the ride.
It gently works the lower back until you’ve had enough. It’s no Pilates session but you could say the only thing missing is the incense. Believe it or not, other Citroens can help with that, too, as they have different fragrances for the air-conditioning filter.
In another attempt to minimise stress, buyers will have only one choice when it comes to what type of fuel powers them. The new C5 is now a turbo diesel-only proposition. But customers will still have a choice when it comes to how much power they have at their disposal: a regular 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder and a high-output twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6.
There are two model grades - Comfort and Exclusive - for sedan and wagon alike. Prices for the sedans range from $49,990 to $62,990 and the wagons from $52,740 to $65,740.
All models are available only with six-speed automatic transmission. A manual is not an option at this stage.
This is not just a gimmick. It means Citroen can provide the driver with a larger, more tailored and better-protecting airbag.
The C5 is still distinctive without being oddball. It now looks like a legitimate rival to a BMW 5 Series - even though it is priced like a BMW 3 Series.
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