question to C5 owners

mark_sp · Unread post by **mark_sp** » 30 Jul 2003, 06:50

If you upgraded from a Xantia to a C5 would you be so kind as to tell me how the ride quality of the cars compare. I'm particularly interested in low to medium speed on less than perfect surfaces.
Thanks
Mark_sp

blueboy2001 · Unread post by **blueboy2001** » 30 Jul 2003, 07:40

Well I've got a C5 with Hydractive 3+, which is the proper Hydractive system (ie with centre spheres) whereas the standard Hydractive 3 system is just like a normal hydropneumatic setup despite the name. HA3+ is said to give a softer ride than HA3.
Ride quality on mine is fantastic in soft mode. It does get caught out a little at very low speed in very deep ruts but I generally only find that on really potholed roads with poor maintenance. Get it above 30mph and it'll ride over anything without so much as a vibration.
I find the suspension computer is great at sorting itself out between hard and soft mode. I've never felt the need to use the Sport button as it seems to stiffen itself up when its being pushed. Only time it gets slightly caught out is when I come off the motorway straight onto a rough country lane and its a bit stiff for about 150 yards then it lifts up and glides along again. All the suspension movement is seemless - I've never noticed it conciously change whilst driving it.
I've still got the Xantia, which after 199k is probably well worn but the ride in the C5 is far better over any given surface. I have been very pleased with car overall too, not a single problem, gripe or niggle as yet.

mark_sp · Unread post by **mark_sp** » 30 Jul 2003, 16:31

Thanks
It sounds excellent. The price of the early basic cars is coming into reach for me so I wonder how they compare ?
maybe someone else will reply.
Mark_sp

blueboy2001 · Unread post by **blueboy2001** » 30 Jul 2003, 21:04

If you're getting one, try to find an SX, preferably a 2.2HDi. SX adds all the niceties like dual zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, alloys etc. The 2.2HDi SX also has HA3+, Cruise Control and ESP/Traction Control; these are normally only found on the Exclusive trim with the other engines.
I saw a Y plate 2.2HDi SX at Fords of Winsford with 38k on the clock for £7500. My Dad picked up a 3.0 V6 Exclusive Estate from there last week, 51 plate with 22k on the clock for £9k.

akojic · Unread post by **akojic** » 31 Jul 2003, 01:46

I was reading while ago that during first year of production for C5 was period where Citroen was looking for answers on few gismos on those cars. Models produced in late 2001 and after that are models where Citroen succeeded to sort those things out.
Small info for Blueboy - as of 1st of August Citroen Croatia, through its dealers here, starts to sell C5 2,2 HDI SX with 6 shifts (gears) manual gear. First 4 gears have the same ratio while 5th gear will have little bit smaler ratio. 6th gear will contribute to more relaxing crusing on motorways. C5 2,2 HDI hatch and break versions have been sold in Croatia with manual, 5 gear and automatic 4 gears (break with exclusive trim) up to now.
Anybody knows anything about new version of automatic gear for C5 that would have 5 speed / gears? Is there posibility to be presented soon? I assume it would be big step forward in many ways!

blueboy2001 · Unread post by **blueboy2001** » 31 Jul 2003, 02:33

6 speed C5 eh!
I know Ford have gone onto a 6 speed box with the Mondeo TDCi, although that was quite noisy at high speeds on the motorway.
Citroen may have gone for a 6 speed box for reasons of economy - the 2.2 is not fantastically economical for a diesel, mine returns about 40MPG.

akojic · Unread post by **akojic** » 31 Jul 2003, 13:43

Is this figure an averame consumption? This is similar to 7,12 lit/100 km. Citroen claims average arround 6,4 lit/100 km (44,53 MPG). I know that factory figures is tough to reach, isn't it?

bbrucez · Unread post by **bbrucez** » 05 Aug 2003, 18:45

I made the jump from a BX to a C5 2.2HDI.
The ride is really smooth and the Sport setting is great on twisty roads just like the early TV ad.
My average mpg is 45 on the computer but I find it exaggerates by nearly 10% as I checked it from full to full and got 41.
Surely the BHP is 136 - how do you get 181?
Spurious messages like low oil level, low water level & antipollution fault niggled me but when I got immobiliser fault it wrecked my weekend as it wouldn't start despite trying everything for 30 mins in the blazing sun! I got a clue something was awry as the wipers started despite being off as soon as I turned the key. Preparing to get it recovered on the Monday, I tried the key and it started! Citroen found nothing on the diagnostic record & it's been OK since (fingers crossed!)
Must keep up my Recovery membership just in case...

mark_sp · Unread post by **mark_sp** » 05 Aug 2003, 19:07

Thanks
could still do with a response from an owner of a 1.8 LX though.
Mark_sp

bencowell · Unread post by **bencowell** » 06 Aug 2003, 02:36

I drive a 2.0 HDI, same suspension as a 1.8, but with a heavier engine. The ride is quite smooth, you feel the bigger bumps.
Around here in west yorkshire there are some very poor roads. I know that the C5 suspension is better than the Mondeo at filering small bumps.
At lower speeds you feel more of the bumps, but the car is never bad.
The suspension on the lower models isn't as soft as the better ones in comfort mode, nor is it as roll free as the better ones in sport mode, but a nice compromise. It suits me.
I have only driven extensively cars with Citroen suspension; the Xsara is softer than the 306, the Saxo is just the Saxo if you know what I mean.
Ben

suontaus · Unread post by **suontaus** » 14 Aug 2003, 17:21

Mark_sp,
I have driven a 1.8 petrol wagon for two months now, and the suspension works ok on bad roads but I can't recommend the engine. A car as heavy as a C5 requires at least the 2 litre engine but HDI is the best choice.

Homer · Unread post by **Homer** » 14 Aug 2003, 18:34

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by bbrucez</i>

Surely the BHP is 136 - how do you get 181?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
He has had it 'chipped' to boost the power (and torque) output.
You'll find another thread about it elsewhere.