Cleaner running C5 for 2010

Only one component is carried over from the Citroen C5's previous 2.0-litre turbodiesel to the new engine for 2010 -- the crankshaft. Everything else about the latest, Euro V-compliant engine has been replaced. While the dimensions are the same as for the old engine, the new powerplant matches the standard required to pass the much tougher emissions legislation; something the earlier engine wouldn't do.

It's the same story with the new twin-turbo V6 diesel engine that powers the range-topping models, although the upgrade V6 is larger in capacity than its predecessor; now 3.0 litres, no longer 2.7 litres.

The new engines are accompanied by trim changes for the Comfort level sedan and Tourer (wagon), confined to new fabrics and French leather.

"The new 2.0 litre and 3.0 litre HDi Turbo Diesel engines bring the latest in diesel technology to the Citroen C5," says Miles Williams, General Manager for Citroen in Australia.

"For Citroen owners they mean better performance, lower levels of noise and improved fuel economy and for the environment they mean lower emissions and the ability to maintain these tough standards without maintenance for longer periods."

By achieving the Euro V compliance, the new engines are marked as 80 per cent cleaner in respect of diesel particulates and NOx emissions, according to the company. In addition, for those vehicles to comply with Euro V, they have to maintain that standard over a distance of 160,000km and/or a duration of five years.

Features that set apart the new 2.0-litre turbodiesel from the previous engine include a stiffer block, freer-breathing cylinder head, new pistons, 200-bar high-pressure fuel injection, more powerful turbocharger, new engine-management system, lower levels of NVH and longer service intervals for the diesel particulate filter.

The end result of these changes are: a 6.0 per cent increase in peak torque from 320 to 340Nm; a 20 per cent increase in power from 100kW to 120kW; 1dB reduction in engine noise and an average drop in CO2 emissions of 6.3 per cent. With the added performance of the new engine, the four-cylinder C5 sedan will reach 100km/h in 10.0 seconds -- almost three seconds faster than the same car with the previous engine.

Despite that substantial gain in acceleration and higher top speeds, the C5 2.0-litre is also significantly more economical, combined-cycle consumption dropping from 7.1L/100km to 6.8 for the sedan and 7.2 to 6.9L/100km for the Tourer. CO2 emissions have been reduced from 189 to 179g/km.

Only available in the flagship of the range, the new V6 HDi engine remains a twin-turbo unit, as for the 2.7-litre V6 fitted previously, but is more powerful (up from 150 to 177kW) and offers higher peak torque -- increased from 440 to 450Nm. The new engine has a bore 3mm wider and a stroke 2mm longer than the internal dimensions of the 2.7-litre V6. Citroen has arrived at the longer stroke by developing a new crankshaft and pulley hub for the engine. The block itself is larger and stronger, with improved piston cooling for the new pistons and rings.

Offering variable vane geometry, the new turbochargers can meet the conflicting demands of throttle response at low engine speeds and large-volume airflow at higher engine speeds. Maximum pressure is 2.4 Bar and the fuel is squirted into the engine via the new Siemens SI 201 injection system. In addition, the V6 is upgraded with a revised water pump and a Duo-centric oil pump rated at 10 per cent better throughput.

Citroen engineers claim that the torque peak for the new V6 is flat between 1600rpm and 3500rpm. Higher in the rev range, the V6 is still producing 300Nm of torque at the redline and the Citroen boffins have pulled back the point where peak power occurs, from 4000rpm to 3800rpm. With the changes, the new V6 propels the C5 to 100km/h from a standing start in 7.9 seconds -- versus 9.6 for the superseded C5 sedan with the 2.7-litre engine or 9.8 for the previous C5 Tourer. The 3.0-litre C5 Tourer can also achieve the same acceleration time.

Fuel consumption is also improved, now 7.4L/100km for both the C5 sedan and Tourer, compared with 8.4L/100km and 8.5, respectively, for the 2.7-litre sedan and Tourer.

Prices for the revised C5 range begin from $49,990 for the C5 Comfort sedan with the 2.0 HDi engine and automatic transmission. Equipped to the same level, the C5 Tourer is priced at $52,990. Moving up to the Exclusive level of trim will cost $57,990 for the sedan and $60,990 for the Tourer. Topping the range is the 3.0 V6 Twin Turbo at $69,990 (sedan) and $72,990 (Tourer). All prices quoted are manufacturer's list prices, excluding statutory charges and pre-delivery.