The stylish C5 looks as unmistakably German as it did back in 2008, and the only notable visible difference between that and the car Citroen sells today is the restrained strip of daytime-running diodes it got three years after launch. Available in two body styles (sedan or wagon/estate), the C5 is one of the last remnants of the brand’s old-style design flair, albeit one that comes with a fake black, red and gold flag painted on the roof…
Now, its life story of few surprises is taking a turn towards the realities of the automotive industry in 2014 – the load-lugger variant is receiving the Skoda Scout treatment (but without the all-wheel drive) and the name C5 CrossTourer.
The advantage it does hold over the Czech is that its suspension can be raised and lowered at a button’s press on Hydractive versions, and all cars ride 15 mm higher than the regular estate regardless of suspension choice (or only up to 70 km/h or 44 mph, in the case of the adjustable setup).
In order to reflect the more rugged character of the CrossTourer, Citroen has also tweaked the traction control and exterior design for driving in snow and mud. The latter now boasts “specially designed wing extensions, lengthwise matte grey roof bars and matching 18-inch diamond-effect alloy wheels in matte grey, along with chrome-finished wing mirror housings and brushed aluminium protective fairing on the front and rear bumpers.”
Engine choices the same as on the other two variants (115 – 200 bhp), with the same limitation of having to go for one of the more powerful engines in order to be able to specify Hydractive III+.
The C5 CrossTourer is available for order now in two trim levels, Millenium and Exclusive, starting at €31,950.
By Andrei Nedelea
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