Citroen's C5 is by no means the freshest model in the mid-size family car segment. And yet there's something… French about it that you have to respect, something Peugeot or Renault don't have any more. And for that matter, it's something all those Chinese models they're making lack as well: cool technology.
At the Geneva Motor Show this year, the makers of "Creative Technology" launched the all-new C5 CrossTourer. It's a softroader estate based on the regular model, but comes with all the necessary equipment to compete with German rivals like the Passat Alltrack, Audi A4 allroad quattro and the new Insignia Country Tourer.
The trick ingredient that makes this a special car is the Hydractive III+ air suspension, which raises the ground clearance by 60 mm at up to 10 km/h (6 mph), 40 mm up to 40 km/h (28 mph) or 15 mm up to 70 km/h (43 mph). That's not all though. In typical Citroen fashion, the suspension glides over the bumps with the grace of Aladdin's magic carpet.
But while the magic rug runs on… well, magic, Citroen had to invest millions and hone its hydropneumatic suspension system to cope with the bumps in the road. That's the theme used by their latest commercial, one which we strongly recommend watching, even if you're not considering Citroen ownership.
Available in two trim levels, Millenium and Exclusive, and powered exclusively by diesel engines ranging from 115 PS to 200 PS, the C5 CrossTourer is already available for order in major European markets from €31,950 (in France). Mind you, a magic carpet costs considerably more and can't be found in Citroen dealerships.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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