Torque about enhanced performance

Citroen’s executive C5 cruiser is now setting impressive new standards for driveability thanks to the introduction of a brand new, range-topping 2.2HDi 173hp engine. Featuring a technological world first and impressive green credentials, this powerful and torquey diesel model is also the quickest C5 yet.

As the new flagship for the C5 diesel range, the 2.2HDi 173hp model benefits from Citroen’s policy of downsizing engines to offer both enhanced performance and lower fuel consumption. It even outguns the 3.0i V6 petrol model with a 0-62mph time of just 8.5 seconds for the hatchback, which then goes on to hit a top speed of 138mph.

Sitting above the smaller 2.0HDi 138hp model, the new unit returns similarly low figures for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – 46mpg on the combined cycle and as little as 160g/km - yet can deliver up to 273lb.ft of torque, available all the way from 1,500rpm to around 2,700rpm.

The new 2.2HDi 173hp powerplant is equipped with a parallel sequential dual turbo, a world first on a 4-cylinder diesel engine. This system is designed to deliver huge amounts of torque at low engine speeds, whilst simultaneously eliminating turbo lag.

Further enhancing performance and economy, it introduces a new-design combustion chamber – the ECCS (Extreme Conventional Combustion System) - which optimises the air/fuel mix. It also features a third generation common rail system that increases injection pressure to 1,800 bars, compared to 1,350 bars for first generation systems.

Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox the Euro IV compliant 2.2HDi 173hp model’s green credentials are reinforced by the fitting of a Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS). Already fitted to over 300,000 Citroen cars, the DPFS burns off particles at regular intervals, helping to reduce emissions to virtually immeasurable levels.

The new engine is available in both estate and hatchback models, on the range-topping Exclusive and fleet-targeted VTX+ trim levels. Recommended Retail Prices start at just £17,790 for the VTX+, which will particularly appeal to companies and user-choosers looking for a well-equipped car that provides impressively low NIC and BIK taxation.

As expected, both VTX+ and Exclusive versions offer drivers the benefits of an extremely high specification that includes automatic digital air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, alloy wheels, an alarm and a 6 CD Autochanger. In keeping with its reputation as one of the safest cars around, the 5-star Euro NCAP rated C5 also offers ABS with EBD and EBA, ESP with traction control and seven airbags as standard.

To this VTX+ models add an integrated, hands-free, colour-screen NaviDrive system, with voice-activation of the telephone/radio/satellite navigation and a function for reading back SMS text messages, while Exclusive models come with Xenon dual function directional headlamps, a parking assistance pack and laminated side windows.

At the same time, Citroën has also introduced two further diesel C5 models designed to appeal directly to fleet customers. Based on the VTR, the 1.6HDi 110hp VTX is available from £14,090 on the road, yet adds metallic paint and Bluetooth at no extra cost.

Meeting the needs of those looking to combine high equipment specification and low ‘on the road’ pricing, the C5 1.6HDi 110hp VTX can offer potential Benefit-in-Kind taxation savings of £669 over three years and a reduction in employers’ National Insurance Contribution of £216 per car over three years.