Citroën C5 Tourer (2008 - 2018) 2.0 BlueHDI 16V Exclusive (180bhp) (Techno Pack) 5d EAT6 Owner Review

This is my 5th Citroen C5 - 4 tourers and 1 saloon. This is the best car I've ever owned in terms of comfort, space, looks, practicality and 'driving experience' (previous cars include a Morris Minor 1000, 3 Renault 4s, 3 Renault 11s, 3 Citroen BXs, a new Citroen Xsara saloon, and a new Citroen Xantia saloon). As you can see, I have a penchant for French cars because they have tended to be the most comfortable for travelling long distances and abroad (yes, even the Renault 4s driven correctly and with passenger comfort in mind!). Because the C5 Tourer stopped being manufactured in March 2016 I had to search all over the UK to find one with low mileage and in 'as new' condition, eventually travelling from Southampton to Cambridge to collect a six-month-old franchise manager's company car (presumably he loved it as a family car but would not be allowed to drive a Citroen car no longer made!). As this was my 4th. C5 Tourer, I was delighted with the update in equipment and styling. I test drove several estates before this purchase and none came up to the comfort levels of the C5 - the Skoda Octavia was the closest in terms of ride but I did not admire the styling. Citroen no longer make its Hydractive suspension, which was the main reason for the comfort levels of the C5 (and the BX plus the Xantia, which drove like a limo!). My big gripe has been that the car came with extra large, low-profile tyres, which produce greater road noise and negate some of the superb suspension. Why would you supply those on a car renowned for its superb suspension? The tyres on the car, and those I have put on, have all been top of the range but I've found they puncture easily (or have I just been careless or unlucky?). Apart from that, no major problems with the C5 Tourer Exclusive apart from the seemingly usual Citroen proclivity of needing light bulbs changed quite often. The boot space is superb, especially with the back seats flat, and the car is well-insulated and quiet but I've found the turning circle is poorer than expected. This may have to be my last car as I have not yet found anything in the price range to replace the C5 Tourer in terms of comfort, ride, looks and practicality. If you are planning to buy a used estate car, I would thoroughly recommend this model with low mileage.