2008 CITROEN C5 Tourer 1.6L THP 5MT FWD (156 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 2008, Citroen introduced the second generation of the C5 lineup, and that included the station wagon version as well.

Despite the warnings regarding the world financial crisis, the French carmaker risked introducing the second generation C5. It knew that the older model’s sales were decreasing. The C5 had to compete against other European mid-size strong contenders such as the Passat, the Mondeo, and the Renault Laguna.

The second generation of the C5 Estate was unveiled simultaneously with its sedan sibling, and it showed a fresh design language. At the front, the slim headlights flanked the grille that sported a chromed slat with the “Double-chevron” Citroen badge in the middle. Unlike its predecessor, which relied on curved panels, the 2008 C5 Estate featured flatter surfaces and a hood crossed by two longitudinal powerdomes. On its sides, the long window line connected the A to the D-pillars with a chromed slat that adorned the door panels. The C-pillar sported a blacked area. At the back, the racked-forward tailgate offered the impression of dynamism, even though it was a family station wagon. It was 5 cm (2 inches) longer than its sedan sibling.

The cabin was roomy for five adults, with two bucket seats at the front and a split-folding rear bench. Its driver had a difficult time with the buttons spread on the center stack and the steering wheel. They were just too many. Its trunk offered 505 liters (15.5 cu-ft) of space, which was less than its main competitors had to offer. By folding the rear seats, the trunk was enlarged to 1,462 liters (51.6 cu-ft).

Under the hood, the carmaker offered the C5 a wide engine choice, enhanced and enlarged later on for the 2011 and 2012 facelifts.