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Citroën C5 Hatchback (2001-2004) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 3 out of 53.0

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 27 - 50 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

Residual values are so weak for this car that you could run it for free and still lose money. In reality, running costs are agreeable, but watch spectre of depreciation lop off £s as you drive out of the showroom.

C5 performs well on the eco front. With an average of 179 g/km CO2 across the model line-up, its emissions are quite low for a medium-sized hatchback. However, it’s worth noting that the line up has a high number of diesel models, bringing the average down and giving buyers more choices of low-emission versions. Diesels typically produce less CO2 than petrol engines with similar power outputs.

Eco-conscious buyers should consider the 2.0-litre diesel, which is one of the greenest models in the range. The range is also fairly economical, averaging 41 mpg.

As with all new cars, build quality is on an upward curve of improvement. But Citroën still has a long way to go to meet standards set by rivals. Watch out for electrical breakdowns, and that air suspension is ripe for problems.