TURBO POWERED PETROL CITROEN C5 ANNOUNCED

South Africans are now benefiting from Citroën, the innovative French motor manufacturer, successfully using of the latest turbocharging technology in a smaller capacity engine to provide a combination of outstanding performance and fuel economy.

This strategy is used instead of installing larger capacity and heavier normally aspirated power units to achieve the required performance. The smaller engine achieves substantial benefits in terms of fuel usage and emissions.

The latest Citroën model to be introduced to South Africa with this technology is the luxury C5 sedan.

The 1.6-litre THP (Turbo High Pressure) engine produces 115kW at 6 000rpm and 240Nm of torque at a very usable 1 400rpm. It is the product of a joint engine development venture between PSA Peugeot Citroën and BMW, with the French manufacturer making its engines in Douvrin, France.

Performance is very good with a top speed of 210km/h and 0 - 100km/h acceleration in 9.8sec, with the benefit of combined fuel consumption of 7.7 litres/100km.

Up to now the C5 has been offered locally with a choice of the 120kW 2.0-litre HDi turbo diesel engine or the range-topping 177kW petrol V6. The option of the THP engine now makes this spacious sedan much more affordable. The engines on all C5 models drive the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Affordability is of paramount importance in South Africa these days as motorists have to look to paying far more for their motoring in terms of the upcoming automatically levied toll fees and the new carbon tax, so the Citroën management team has played its role by keeping the price of the THP engined C5 below the psychological R300 000 barrier, with a launch price of R299 900, including VAT and the new CO2 tax.

Although the THP powered C5 is the least expensive in the range it still offers a high level of trim and standard equipment. This includes the unique fixed hub steering wheel with controls for the audio system, cruise control and telephone conveniently located on this hub.

The C5, which competes in the luxury compact sedan category is priced competitively when one considers the exceptionally high level of standard equipment and trim levels the three-model range offers.

The top model, with a powerful V6 engine, has the benefit of the hydra-active suspension that is a development of the hydro-pneumatic system pioneered by Citroen the DS model in 1954. This system also results in the benefit of a high pressure braking system for very rapid pedal response and powerful stopping ability.

Quietness (particularly as regards road noise and the intrusion of engine sounds), a very roomy cabin for up to five occupants, an attractive interior with high quality fit and finish, seamless shifting from the six-speed automatic transmission and excellent performance in a large car with outstanding handling are overriding impressions of this French flagship.

All the models are backed by a 3-year/100 000km warranty and 5-year/100 000km service plan, with 3-year roadside assistance.

Citroën SA, which is now a wholly owned subsidiary of its French parent, selected its C5 luxury car range to launch its product onslaught on the local market when it returned a director distributor to South Africa in January. Since then it has increased its line-up substantially with the addition of a wide range of smaller models.

The new, global strategic plan for the French company is based on the slogan “Creative Technologie”, backed up by the pillars of Innovation, Creativity and High Standards.

The latest, lower cost but high tech C5 THP 150 Automatic is an obvious development of this philosophy.

STORY BY CITROEN