Citroën reveals new C5 tourer – stylish, dynamic and practical

Citroën is set to add a touch of class to the estate car world with the introduction of the stylish, dynamic and eminently practical C5 Tourer which goes on sale on 17th June.

Immediately impressive from any angle, the Tourer adds a new dimension - and a lot more space - to the C5 range, as one of the most luxurious ‘estate' cars in its class. Bringing a fresh new approach to a market where good looking design is often passed over for practicality concerns, the Tourer features a highly versatile and spacious interior without compromising the C5's seductive styling, delivering a car that meets all of the owner's requirements.

The desirable exterior styling of the C5 Tourer demonstrates an exceptional level of quality and precision together with all the design flair and innovation for which Citroën is so renowned. Just as sophisticated as its Saloon counterpart, the C5 Tourer delivers even greater space and versatility, fulfilling the needs of drivers looking for the functional, load-lugging ability of an estate but clothed within a distinctive design.

With a keen sense of prestige and personality, the C5 Tourer boasts an impressive array of driver comforts and innovative touches along with new features tailored to the vehicle's functional design philosophy. The unique combination of Citroën's self-levelling suspension together with a motorised tailgate optimises the car's ‘estate' functionality. Loading the Tourer's generous boot is made simple with the ability to raise or lower the rear suspension and also convenient with the tailgate's remote controlled access.

Inside, the smart touches continue with an optional seat-back massage function offering luxurious comfort whilst a dual-function boot light / rechargeable torch provides a convenient portable light source.

Citroen C5 Tourer (2008)

Just like its Saloon counterpart the Tourer is based on the sophisticated running gear of the exclusive C6 offering class-beating road manners but with the Tourer's practical benefit of added volume and generous proportions. Despite its increased dimensions, the Tourer maintains the elegant styling and aerodynamic qualities of its booted stablemate. With a range of proven engines and a choice of suspension systems, the Tourer offers an involved driving experience, ideally suited to users who spend hours on the road or seek a secure and spacious transportation for their families and equipment.

Complementing the C5 range and boasting the same features, engines and options as its Saloon counterpart, the Tourer could account for nearly as many sales as the Saloon, as it competes against the estate versions of the Volkswagen Passat, Ford Mondeo, and Mazda 6.

Styling

Sharing the same Teutonic overtones as the C5 Saloon, the sleek and dynamic physique of the Tourer is characterised by its sculpted rear. The flowing high waist-lines of the side profile converge on the shapely design of the car's spacious and stylish boot, suggesting width, convenience and road presence. At 4.83m long and 1.48m tall, the Tourer adds an additional 5cm and 3cm respectively over the Saloon.

The stylish external roof bars, which provide another convenient storage solution, can be finished in black or silver and create a visual contrast against the Tourer's striking body colours.

Dark tinted rear side and tailgate windows give the Tourer an impression of exclusivity. They also reduce solar glare and thermal penetration for improved passenger comfort and help to mask items that are being transported in the rear for increased protection against theft.

Internally, the Tourer shares the refined styling and exemplary comfort of the Saloon model with features like the curved lines of the door armrests and the aviation-inspired dashboard contributing to the prestigious interior.

By taking full advantage of its long roof-line, the Tourer can be fitted with an expansive panoramic glass roof, complete with an electric retractable sunblind, to create an even brighter and more spacious cabin environment.

Rear-loading space and functionality

Load space is abundant, thanks to the Tourer's cavernous boot (505-litres) and split folding rear seats, which can be laid completely flat to create an extensive capacity of nearly 1500 litres – one of the largest in the segment. Access is made simple and convenient by the Tourer's large tailgate, which allows bulky items to be loaded or unloaded with ease.

And the car's signature rear design can be fitted with some smart technology to make loading even more convenient and safe. The Tourer's sculpted boot door is available with a motorised electric tailgate that opens remotely from the key fob and closes with the press of a button. The mechanism ensures the smooth ascent or descent of the tailgate and makes accessing the Tourer's boot convenient and safe. When boot access is restricted, users can even calibrate the required elevation of the tailgate. When placing heavy items into the car, a button located on the rear lowers or raises the car's suspension, bringing the boot floor to a more convenient height. Simply closing the tailgate automatically returns the rear suspension to the correct level. For accomplished pulling power, the Tourer can be specified with a convenient tow-bar, which can be retracted if not in use.

Within the boot, neat design features optimise the available space and give the Tourer added functionality. A 12V accessory socket is available for charging or powering electrical devices and a clever dual-function flashlight mounted into the wall of the boot operates as a boot light or a convenient rechargeable hand-held torch. Clever storage solutions can include shopping bag hooks on the boot side walls, side storage nets for stowing loose objects and a luggage cover blind. Ceiling hooks located behind the rear seats and the front seats allow a cargo net to be fitted to retain items during transit.

Choice of suspension

The C5 Tourer is the first car in its class to be offered with a choice of suspension systems – both conventional steel spring and Citroën's much acclaimed self levelling Hydractive.

Nowhere is self levelling suspension more appropriate than in a vehicle that may have been purchased for its load lugging capabilities. With the vehicle at a constant height, regardless of load, the C5 Tourer provides the ideal no-compromise solution, offering optimal comfort at the same time as good payload capability, together with exceptional safety and handling.

Additionally, the vehicle can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button in the boot, facilitating effortless coupling of a trailer whilst the self levelling capability comes into its own when towing.

Alongside the self-levelling system, the Tourer is also available with a conventional spring set-up that strikes an excellent balance between practicality, driving pleasure and robust-road holding.

Drivers can also rest easy knowing that their car is not only comfortable, but extremely safe too. Built on the same platform as the EuroNCAP 5-starred C5 Saloon and equipped with the Company's very latest innovative safety technology, the C5 Tourer provides occupants with reassuring levels of protection. The stiffened body and cabin structure incorporate both upper and lower absorbers at the front to soak up energy released in the event of frontal impact.

Driver and passengers are fully protected by up to nine front, side and curtain airbags, as well as a specially created torso-shaped bag that is made possible by the design of the unique Citroën-specific fixed hub steering wheel, for ultimate safety.

Helping drivers to control the vehicle in difficult conditions, the Tourer includes an advanced braking system with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Braking Assistance, ABS and ESP all fitted as standard. Citroën's life-saving, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) is also available.

The Tourer's enhanced headlight system improves visibility and safety on corners and junctions at night time, with Xenon dual-function directional headlamps available and a static AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) fitted as standard on all models.

With Isofix anchor points on up to three seats, four one-touch electric windows with anti-pinch function and electric child-safety locks on the rear door and windows, the Tourer is a child-friendly environment – just as you would expect from one of the leading family car manufacturers.

Safety and security go hand in hand and the C5 Tourer is one of the most secure vehicles on the market today available with an advanced alarm system and laminated side windows providing protection against unwanted intruders.

The range

The C5 range is offered in a choice of three trim levels - SX, VTR+ and Exclusive – and, just like the Saloon, the Tourer is extremely well specified.

Cruise control and a speed limiter, air-conditioning, external roof bars, an acoustic windscreen and an adaptive front-lighting system (AFS) are all fitted as standard, whilst most versions are equipped with an automatic electric parking-brake and hill-start assist. For ease of parking and pedestrian safety, the C5 Tourer is also available with front and rear parking sensors, as well as a parking gap assistance system.

All models feature the aesthetic and futuristic design of Citroen's second generation fixed-hub steering wheel allows for easy access to the tactile, membrane-covered controls of many of the car's main functions, ensuring focus can be maintained on the road ahead.

The Tourer can also be specified with Citroën's latest NaviDrive system, featuring a 7-inch colour central display screen and voice activation of the built-in GSM telephone, audio system and satellite navigation.

For unrivalled acoustic comfort, just as in the C5 Saloon, the Tourer benefits from class-leading levels of soundproofing. Unlike its rivals, multiple door seals, an acoustic windscreen and optional laminated side windows, all combine to not only dampen noise, but make the Tourer one of the most secure cars on the market.

For truly opulent comfort levels, the Tourer features generous legroom and ergonomically designed front seats. Drivers can specify a seat-back massage function – putting them in the lap of luxury with a first for the segment.

Engines & Prices

A choice of engines will be available from launch to meet a full range of driver preferences with two petrol powerplants and four HDi diesel engines which combine performance with economy. Every HDi unit is also fitted with Citroën's Diesel Particulate Filter System, which virtually eliminates particle emissions, and can run on up to 30% biodiesel without modification.

Providing retail buyers with an accessible and affordable way to purchase a new car Citroën is offering the new C5 Tourer with 0% finance over 3 years.

Mirroring the performance of the Saloon, second-hand value experts, CAP, predict residual values for a C5 Tourer 2.0 HDi VTR+ to be second only to VW's Passat estate amongst nine key rivals, marking the C5 Tourer as a practical option for both design and cost of ownership.

Xavier Duchemin, Managing Director at Citroën UK, said: "The C5 Tourer is a perfect complement to the new C5 range. The Saloon model set itself apart from other, rather mundane, competitors with its extensive range of features, advanced driving technology and stunning good looks. Now, the C5 Tourer does the same with the estate segment, standing out from its rivals with its dynamic and stylish appearance, exceptional equipment levels and all the functionality and convenience that are desired of a vehicle in this class."