Lower entry level for Citroen C5

Citroen has dropped the bar for entry into its C5 range, again, with a price comfortably below $40,000 in a revamped range that includes a new 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine and a choice of three trim levels.

At $35,990 before the addition of on-road costs, the latest entry level C5 sedan slices a decent chunk off a model range that debuted in 2008 with prices beginning at just below $50,000.

The new turbo petrol engine is not the only petrol engine available with the C5. There is also a 2.0-litre normally aspirated petrol engine that was introduced to the previously all-diesel 3.0-litre V6 and 2.0-litre four-cylinder lineup in 2010 and is priced $2,000 above the new 1.6-litre. The 2.0-litre petrol engine will, however, only be available until stocks of the now discontinued powerplant run out.

The 1.6-litre engine offered in C5 is not exactly new: it is already seen in other Citroens – C3, C4, and DS3 – and comes from the PSA-BMW development that has found homes in MINI and Peugeot models as well.

With twin-scroll turbocharging and direct fuel injection, it develops 115kW along with 240Nm of torque and with its standard six-speed auto transmission returns a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.7L/100km while hefting the C5 from zero to 100km/h in a relaxed 9.5 seconds.

The 1.6-litre petrol engine is available in all the new C5 sedan variants; Attraction, Seduction and top of the line Exclusive. It is not available in Tourer wagon versions.

All models including the base Attraction version come with Citroen’s distinctive fixed-hub multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, electrochromatic internal rearview mirror, auto headlights and wipers, climate control, split-fold rear seat, heated and folding external rearview mirrors and follow-me-home lights.

The Seduction version adds things such as leather trim, tyre pressure sensors, and heated power front seats with memory settings and a massage function for the driver.

The Exclusive adds rear side airbags to the tally of seven in other models (including a knee airbag for the driver), an auto electric parking brake, laminated side window glass, and rear side and back window sunblinds.

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