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Justin Hilliard
Head of Editorial
13 Apr 2021
2 min read

Is it a sedan, a hatchback, a wagon, a coupe or an SUV? Well, the first-generation Citroen C5 X might just check every single box, as this is a mid-sizer with a difference.

Yep, the C5 is back, but not as you know it. Firstly, it’s been rechristened C5 X, with the ‘X’ a nod to its segment-busting versality. After all, this is a car that not only doesn’t like moulds, but knows how to break one or two.

While the Subaru Outback, Skoda Octavia Scout and Volkswagen Passat Alltrack come closest, the C5 X goes it alone with its unique body-style and striking exterior design, which is based on the CXperience concept from the 2016 Paris motor show.

Inside, the C5 X gets a 12.0-inch touchscreen powered by Citroen’s latest multimedia system. An extended head-up display is also projected onto the windshield, while a digital instrument cluster is also fitted.

With comfort in mind, the C5 X also comes with Advanced Comfort front seats and suspension, with an active version of the latter available with three modes for the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions.

For reference, the C5 X measures 4805mm long (with a 2785mm wheelbase), 1865mm wide and 1485mm tall. Cargo capacity is 545L, but it can be increased to 1640L by stowing the rear bench.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and surround-view cameras, among others.

Among the powertrain options is a plug-in hybrid, which has a system power output of 165kW and delivers more than 50km of electric-only driving range.

In a statement, Citroen Australia said it “is working closely with the factory regarding evaluating the new Citroen C5 X for local introduction”, so there’s a chance it will join the related Peugeot 508 in showrooms here. Stay tuned.

Justin Hilliard
Head of Editorial
Justin’s dad chose to miss his birth because he wanted to watch Peter Brock hopefully win Bathurst, so it figures Justin grew up to have a car obsession, too – and don’t worry, his dad did turn up in time after some stern words from his mum. That said, despite loving cars and writing, Justin chose to pursue career paths that didn’t lend themselves to automotive journalism, before eventually ending up working as a computer technician. But that car itch just couldn’t be scratched by his chipped Volkswagen Golf R (Mk7), so he finally decided to give into the inevitable and study a Master of Journalism at the same time. And even with the long odds, Justin was lucky enough to land a full-time job as a motoring journalist soon after graduating and the rest, as they say, is history. These days, Justin happily finds himself working at CarsGuide during the biggest period of change yet for the automotive industry, which is perhaps the most exciting part of all. In case you’re wondering, Justin begrudgingly sold the Golf R (sans chip) and still has plans to buy his dream car, an E46 BMW M3 coupe (manual, of course), but he is in desperate need of a second car space – or maybe a third.
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