Citroen Goes All Diesel With The New Citroen C5

Citroen Goes All Diesel With The New Citroen C5

The new Citroen C5, which makes its debut in New Zealand show rooms today (Saturday 6 September 2008) will be available only with advanced turbo diesel engines as the French car maker commits itself to using sophisticated technology to cut fuel consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

"The advanced diesel engines offered by Citroen in the new C5 offers all the performance, response and refinement required of car in the prestige category and, at the same time, use significantly less fuel and produces much lower levels of carbon dioxide," says Lawrie Malatios, General Manager of Citroen in New Zealand. "Given this combination and the wider range of diesel engines in the new Citroen C5, switching to an all-diesel range was an easy choice."

With the first generation C5, Citroen has been a standard-bearer for advanced diesel engines in New Zealand, with the diesel share of Citroen C5 sales quickly rising to 85 per cent as the new engines became available. The remaining petrol share was largely accounted for by the 3.0 litre V6 petrol engine, which had no diesel counterpart. In the new Citroen C5, Citroen now offers the new 2.7 litre Twin Turbo diesel V6 which, with 150 kW and 440 Nm of torque, offers the performance and responsiveness commensurate with a range topping model, combined with the fuel economy and emissions of much smaller petrol engines.

"While our commitment to low fuel consumption and emissions with the decision to go all-diesel with the new Citroen C5 is the lead story for the new C5, the advanced diesel engines are just part of the story of the new Citroen C5," says Mr Malatios. "From its dramatic all-new styling, to its wealth of equipment and features, as well as its benchmark safety standards and the legendary ride comfort that is a hall mark of all Citroens, the new C5 is an outstanding addition to the New Zealand car market in all areas."

In recent years Citroën has created an exceptional range of new models that have been both praised and rewarded for their visual appeal, accomplished design, environmental credentials, innovative technology and reassuring safety features

The new Citroen C5 is the latest in an acclaimed range of cars renowned for their styling, from the C2 and C3 small cars, via the C4 and its people mover brother, the C4 Picasso, to the range topping Citroen C6. Even Citroen's commercial vehicles, the Berlingo and Dispatch have a level of styling appeal that is more often absent from their rivals. Added their good looks, Citroen has also provided benchmark performance in safety, with the C6 lauded as the safest car tested by EuroNCAP, not just for occupants but also for pedestrians with its active bonnet safety system. Citroen has also ensured that their products also offer excellent value for money and high levels of standard equipment.

Now Citroën is making prestige motoring even more alluring as it introduces the brand new C5. Benefiting from a completely new approach by Citroën's designers, the spacious C5 is the successful combination of French flair with Teutonic-like levels of quality, coupled with the highest standards of comfort, innovation and in-car technology for which Citroen is renowned.

The all-new C5 conveys a real sense of prestige, with its state-of-the-art design in a classic, thoroughbred saloon body. The C5 will strike a chord with drivers looking for a vehicle with status, stylistic individuality and the levels of performance and reliability expected of a hard-working vehicle.

Exceptionally well equipped, it comes with a long list of features that could add thousands of dollars to, or may not even be available on rivals. These include eight way electric front seats with driver's seat massager, self-levelling suspension, automatic electric parking brake and directional headlights, whilst every model in the range comes with at least seven airbags, ESP with traction control, leather upholstery, automatic air-conditioning, speed limiter, cruise control, Adaptive Front-lighting System and Citroën's unique fixed hub steering wheel.

With its long, sleek body, sculpted lines and high waist, the C5's striking styling gives it a true sense of status. The front of the car is characterised by large air-intakes and long incisive headlamps that flank the prominent chrome chevrons and assert the C5's identity. From the rear, the distinctive concave window and two-part boomerang lights give it a purposeful, determined impression.

Internally the C5 offers its occupants an environment of quality, comfort and safety. Utilising the Company's most advanced vehicle technology, the new C5 offers an involved, reassuring and satisfying driving experience, ideally suited to drivers who spend long hours on the road, or for those seeking secure transportation for their families.

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Inside the cabin, the same taut, flowing lines seen on the exterior are replicated in the curvy detailing around the doors and dashboard, echoing the pursuit of quality throughout the car. Mood lighting further enhances this feeling, with ambient light glowing from the car's doors and dashboard in the Exclusive variants.

The attractive styling is exemplified by the instrument panel design, where aviation-inspired annular needles run around each of the dials, allowing an electronic display unit to be integrated in the centre of each, providing the driver with further visual information. The aircraft theme also continues with the overhead warning lights.

The new C5 is offered in a choice of two trim levels - Comfort and Exclusive and, typically for a Citroën, the C5 is extremely well specified. Cruise control and a speed limiter are fitted as standard, and all versions are equipped with an automatic electric parking-brake and hill-start assist. For ease of parking and pedestrian safety, the C5 is also available with rear parking sensors in all versions with front sensors standard on the exclusive model and option on Comfort equipped cars

With the C5 comes the extension of Citroën's class leading technology, such as the Company's second generation fixed-hub steering wheel, which puts many of the car's main functions, including cruise control, audio and telephone, right at the driver's finger tips. The aesthetic and ergonomic design of the wheel allows for easy access to the tactile, membrane-covered controls, ensuring focus can be maintained on the road ahead, as well as allowing a larger, more effective asymmetric airbag.

The model can also be specified with Citroën's new-generation NaviDrive system, featuring a 10 cm colour central display screen and voice activation of the built-in telephone, audio system and satellite navigation and it includes a 10 gigabyte hard drive for storing music and podcasts.

Large Citroëns are well known for providing the highest standards of occupant comfort, and the new C5 is no different, with special attention having been paid to the acoustics, suspension and seating.

The C5 features class-leading levels of soundproofing for total onboard comfort. Unlike other cars in the segment, it boasts multiple door seals, an acoustic windscreen for noise reduction and, on the Exclusive variants, laminated side windows, which not only dampen noise, but also make the C5 one of the most secure cars on the market.

To work away the stresses of a busy day at the office and help drivers to relax on their way home, a seat back massage function is standard, and front heated seats ensure that, whatever the weather, the driver and front seat passenger are literally seated in the lap of luxury.

Offering the optimum mix of comfort and dynamics, the C5 has been developed with a choice of two suspension set-ups based on the running gear of the ultra-smooth C6 executive saloon, with double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, with Citroen's unique Hydractive 3+ suspension ensuring maximum comfort, with in the normal mode of the Sport mode.

Drivers can also rest easy knowing that their car is not only comfortable, but extremely safe too. Citroën is renowned for producing some of the safest vehicles on the road and the new C5 is no exception. Equipped with the very latest Citroën technology, the C5 provides its occupants with reassuring levels of protection in the event of an accident. The stiffened body and cabin structure incorporate both upper and lower absorbers at the front to soak up energy released in the event of 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 which is deployed thanks to the unique Citroën-specific fixed hub steering wheel, for ultimate safety. Awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection, the new C5 is one of the safest cars on the road.

Control in difficult conditions is aided by the C5's advanced braking system - Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Braking Assistance, ABS and ESP are all fitted as standard. Citroën's much lauded Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) is also available, to warn drivers of unintentionally crossing lane markings without signalling.

As you would expect from an award-winning family car manufacturer, Citroën's new C5 is a child friendly environment, with four one-touch electric windows with an anti-pinch function and an electric child-safety lock for the rear doors and windows, all fitted as standard.

Improved visibility and safety at night is provided by the C5's enhanced headlight system. Not only are xenon dual-function directional headlamps fitted as standard to the Exclusive variants, but also dynamic AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) is standard and improves visibility and safety on corners and at junctions. Comfort models are fitted with static AFS.

Load space is abundant, thanks to the split folding rear seats, which lie completely flat, to increase boot space. Access is made even easier by the unique shape of the concave windscreen, which creates a larger boot aperture.

The Citroen C5 is available with two diesel engines, the 2.0 litre 100 kW four cylinder and the 2.7 litre 150 kW V6 Twin Turbo diesel that debuted in the Citroen C6. Both are mated as standard to a sophisticated six speed gearbox.

The new V6 diesel engine combines power and fuel economy. It was developed as part of the cooperation between the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group and Ford Motor Company. Delivering a responsive performance from the lowest engine speeds, it develops 150 kW EEC (208 bhp DIN) at 4,000 rpm and torque of 440 Nm EEC at 1,900 rpm. This is an engine that combines smooth, gradual power with exceptional operating comfort.

With capacity of 2,720 cm3, this engine features four overhead camshafts and 24 valves, with common-rail direct multi-injection and two variable-geometry turbochargers.

The cast-iron cylinder block, aluminium bearing retainer and composite cylinder-head cover make the engine smaller, stiffer and lighter.

It is equipped with a new-generation particulate filter, which now needs replacing only every 180,000 km

Driving pleasure is enhanced not only by these two engines but also by their new six-speed automatic gearbox. Smooth gear changing ensures a level of driveability that is commensurate with the C5's ambitions.

"Embodying the many advances Citroën has made in recent years, the new C5 will more than satisfy the requirements of buyers of large cars in terms of both quality and dependability," says Mr Malatios. "A powerful addition to the Company's impressive car line-up and a breath of fresh air in a market littered with anodyne rivals, the distinctive C5 ensures Citroën is strongly represented in the large family car sector."
The Citroen C5 Tourer

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 'wagons' 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 a standard driver's seat-back massage function offering luxurious comfort whilst a dual-function boot light / rechargeable torch provides a convenient portable light source.

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 settings, comfort and Sport, 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.

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, are finished in 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, standard on the Exclusive and optional on the Comfort. 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. Driving off 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.

Suspension

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.

Safety & Security

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.

Improved visibility and safety at night is provided by the Tourer's enhanced headlight system with static AFS.

With 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 optional advanced alarm system and laminated side windows providing protection against unwanted intruders.

The range

The C5 range is offered in a choice of two trim levels - Comfort 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, along with an automatic electric parking-brake and hill-start assist. For ease of parking and pedestrian safety, the C5 Tourer is also fitted with rear parking sensors.

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 10 cm colour central display screen and voice activation of the built-in 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.

The new Citroen C5 is available with two body styles - saloon and Tourer. The range opens with the 2.0 HDi automatic in the Comfort level, priced at $54,990 RRP as saloon and $57,990 as the C5 Tourer. The range topping 2.7 V6 Twin Turbo is available for $66,990 as the Citroen C5 saloon.

ENDS

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