I have a new-to-me C5!

[Napoleon]

2009, 2.2l.

Only done about 20 miles in it, but what can I say?

I have the biggest smile from east to west!

This after nearly five years of Xantia ownership, so time for a change to something thoroughly modern, to me. I know there are those who are detractors, but I can only speak as I find, can't I? I'm no techno-guru.

We're off to France this weekend, so it will be a fantastic test run, won't it? On the ferry to Cherbourg then who knows what route down to Saumur on la loire. Can't wait.

Why another Citroen? Because of the great support and guys on FCF who make owning these cars so worthwhile.

Cheers

Tim

[myglaren]

Hope you and your family enjoy it Tim and that it serves you well.

[den169]

Love driving in France the roads are so quiet,Compared to ours.

[Citroenmad]

Sounds like you are liking your new car

Have a great time in France, im sure the car will impress you no end. Im looking forward to taking my C5 back to France again next year.

[Napoleon]

I've not done much in it since Monday, tbh, but what I have done has been amazing. It's just in a totally different league to the Xantia, isn't it?

One thing that takes a bit of getting used to is the handbrake, of course.

I was just getting used to using it in the manner described in the manual when my sis-in-law says you can just drive off and it will release anyway. And so it did! But is this good practice?

Other thing is, I can't work out if it's got parking sensors or not, and if so, how to make them work.

[markflip]

All electric handbrakes have to release if you deliberately try and drive away (it's in type approval) otherwise hill starts are impossible. A point to remember though is that the car will only do so if it detects you pressing the accelerator, being used to diesels I was in the habit of finding the bite without revving, so it took a bit of getting used to for me. In theory, the 'driving off' method should be no different to releasing it with the switch in theory, but I suspect it would lead to slightly more clutch wear (assuming yours in a manual?) and it can be a bit 'snatchy' so I tend to release mine manually unless I'm on a slope. The car has anti-rollback protection too which will hold the car for ~2 seconds after you release the foot or hand brake if it detects it is on a significant slope - I took mine to an empty sloping car park to 'practice' with when I first had it.

Parking sensors will beep when you engage reverse and a picture comes up on the radio display showing the car and which sensors are 'pinging' there should also be a 'P' button on the dash to disengage them if they are fitted, of course, you can also look for the 4 small, round 'magic eyes' in the bumper(s).

[Napoleon]

Thanks flip mark.

I'll note that about the handbrake.

The car has the 'eyes' in the rear, but not sure about any picture in the radio display showing. I haven't seen that yet. There is one button on the dash, to the right of the string wheel that might be a function related to this, possibly.

Yes, this one is manual.

I've lots to learn, clearly.

To be fair, I haven't spent much time in it, and it now looks like the first time I will drive it 'for real' will be 4am on Saturday morning flying down through Yeovil area to Poole to get on the Condor.

God, I love driving in France.

[Citroenmad]

Im pretty sure the C6s auto handbrake does not release on set off. The ones that do are a very good idea in my opinion, it might just encourage people who clutch ride to use the handbrake.

God, I love driving in France.

Me too, wouldn't mind moving there either

[Napoleon]

Let's go together! I know a bit of French, like, le plein, sil vous plait. I'm sure that'll get us through the hard times.

Having been in a position of almost being forced to go to Spain in recent years (don't ask), this trip to France will remind me of the half dozen times I rode bikes down to the south east of the country summer after summer in the mid-80s. Narbonne, Brive, Vercours, Dordogne, I could go on.

Intermarche was my friend!

Being bought a beer by a local in Poitiers who wanted to know of my travels. That kind of stuff.

Oh wow, what about camping a ferme, and fresh cows milk in the morning from the farmer's wife?! Don't get that in the brochures.

Two more days....

[bxzx16v]

The C5 sounds like a beauty , the electric handbrakes are great once you get used to them . Have a great holiday .

Mark