SPY PICS: French Five found freezing

French marque Citroen is finalising its cold weather test of the replacement for its aging C5 medium car. Caught here by CarPoint/Carsales' spy photo partners, Carparazzi, the new vehicle sports a significantly wider track than the current series and a much more aggressive profile.

Codenamed X7, the new vehicle is tipped to make its official debut in the Northern Hemisphere autumn -- likely at the Frankfurt Show in September. Its sales debut (in Europe) is pitched at the end of 2007 or early 2008.

The X7/C5 will kick off a more aggressive styling regime for the French marque, as our artist's impression shows.

Built in Rennes-la-Janais, the new model will share engines, gearboxes and other components with the Peugeot 407, though Citroen states that 99 per cent of all visible parts will be bespoke.

Insiders say the interior will be characterised by a wider, more sporty dashboard that will incorporate two LCD-screens -- one in the centre-console and one right behind the steering wheel. Like its predecessor, however, the new C5 will be equipped with hydraulic suspension, automatic parking brake, LED taillights and Citroen's IFIL (lane departure warning) system.

As is the case with the C6, C4 and all-new Picasso, the next-generation C5 will also get a four-spoke steering wheel with a fixed centre hub housing ancillary controls and airbag.

Our guess is that the car will likely make its local debut at the 2008 Melbourne Motor Show. That said, Citroen importer Ateco may pull out all stops to get it here for the Sydney show late in 2007.