Citroen C5 X7 - A Review | Part1 | A Short History

[@MrGohunter]

Excellent review video thank you. I had an X7 generation C5 2.0HDi VTR+Nav Tourer from new in 2010. Loved it. Very stylish, very comfortable, fuel efficient, etc. After 8 years and 88k miles of almost completely trouble free motoring, I traded it in for a Mercedes E300 Hybrid, which I thought would last me many, many years - BAD MOVE! I got rid of it after only 2 years and 12k miles because it was so frustrating. Almost every day I would get into it to be confronted by some random error message - "Reverse Gear is not possible", "Antilock Braking System Disabled", "Collision Avoidance System Faulty", or some similar random fault message. It must have been running Windows, as switching off and back on again fixed it each time! I then went to a Peugeot 308SW, but the suspension was more sporty than comfortable. Then changed after 12 months to a Citroen C4 Picasso, which I found to be like driving a minibus and uninspiring. Plus touch screen for everything is downright dangerous. Why on earth should I have to take my eyes off the road to change the temperature, etc is awful. Then came the Eureka Moment. I saw a low mileage C5 2.0HDi Executive Tourer for sale locally. This one has the Hydramatic 3+ suspension too. Went to see it and when I took it for a test drive, it was like coming back home! Bought it, love it and I will hopefully keep it for many years to come.

[@comcarclub]

Great story! Thanks for sharing it!

[@retr0naut823]

I have owned my 2.0 HDI VTR X7 for most of its 13 years. Excellent car and one of the most underrated cars ever made.

[@carbonara2144]

I have had C5 X7 2.0 Hdi sedan since 2010 and I still love it. Has been very comfortable on long journeys. Mostly just regular maintenance and some used up parts changed, no major faults. Has been very reliable. Looks like new inside out. I have been checking new car models but when I walk to my car and start driving I quickly forget about those.

[@muhamedd]

Its hard to drive another car after you are used to the magic carpet ride

[@larbin1er904]

Hello, I've just watched some of your videos and I wanted to congratulate you on the content you offer. First of all, I'm delighted to meet an Englishman who loves Citroën. What's more, you talk about the C5 X7 and, as you say, there aren't many channels that talk about it, apart from a few Polish and Spanish tutorials... I think we must have watched the same ones! I was particularly amused by your touches of humour, like the illustration of the crashed Peugeots which does justice to the poor C5 Airscape (it could have been a big hit) or the clichés about the French (they like diesel + cheese + fighting). Even if it's a shortcut, there's some truth to it. Diesel was strongly encouraged by our governments from the 70s onwards, you're right about the cheese, and as for the rest, the news hasn't given us a flattering image... I also own a C5 X7 (V6 petrol), so I appreciate your interest in this model. It will be a pleasure for me to follow you. All the best to you!

[@comcarclub]

Very kind words! Thank you!

[@willp2936]

Our company car is a 2015 X7 dark grey estate, with hydro suspension, it's been faultless, we won't get get another car for years. Such a good looking car and the ride!

[@whiskeybluez]

Thank you so much for making this video. For me this is king of the modern Citroens, had it in 2, 2.7 & 3 litre version. Even in 2021 people in this country (Australia) were surprised to learn its a 2008-2012 model, it aged so well. The built quality is better than the equivalent year mercs audis bmws and vw's. And the suspension, oh my God that suspension. Plain love this car, love every bit every detail. Automotive masterpiece to put it lightly.

[@gpurkeljc]

I'm interested in finding one but there isn't many on the Australian used car market.

[@jannieschluter9670]

I never thought much of Citroen. Then my GF rented a car for travelling. I saw that car the first time and it was a Citroen and I was so disappointed and never knew one before. Yet, that car grew so dear on me and even though I wanted to hate it, I simply couldn't! It was so comfortable and such a workhorse. The Citroen felt like a dear family member of some sort, like a dog or cat that you have in family that is with you.

[@MegaMulec]

Domagoj Đukec (designer od this car) parents live in same town as me, Čakovec (Croatia). Im honored to drive such a beautiful car.

[@comcarclub]

I had no idea who the designer of this car was. Thanks for the information!

[@svlagonda7417]

Would love to see you do a similar video on the DS5!

[@concordelounge]

I've got a 2012 C5 Tourer 2.0HDi 163 and it is a fantastic motor car. Stylish, practical, well-equipped, frugal, fast and roomy. The last generation Hydractive suspension is astonishingly good. It's as comfortable as a nice sofa and while in no way sporting, it simply doesn't lean in corners and you can carry a lot of speed through them. The media simply didn't understand that, in their obsession with stiff sporty suspension.

[@torresalex]

So true what you say about the media. Has the system been reliable? Any leaks or anything?

[@concordelounge]

@@torresalex Nothing has ever gone wrong with the car, and it all works perfectly. The service history is spotless too, so it has been reliable from day one.

[@torresalex]

@@concordelounge I thought so, that's why I asked. Old Citroen hydropneumatic systems were... problematic, to put it mildly. My BX dropped fluid like a non-house-trained puppy. Now that Citroen cracked it and made a hydractive system that was reliable, they stop making them. Frustrating.

[@ciaranwebb6871]

@@torresalex Yeah, they really got the 3+ right with this model. Mine still has its original spheres at 125k miles and there's only a bit of light surface corrosion on the rear pipes, which i've scrubbed off and protected.

[@MrLekatt]

Thank you for a sensible, honest and mostly unbiased review. I've driven lots of different cars during my motoring career but have stuck to Citroën privately since 1973. The most annoying problems I've experienced are the reviews... in my view motor journalists seems to be inherently negative towards Citroën though they seem to miss all the important stuff that Citroën has always delivered. Safety features as, anti-fatiguing comfort, exceptional grip and balance (don't confuse lean as a non-grip feature..), well balanced steering ratio, exceptional brakes etc etc. My C4 has a unusually big and wide airbag (non-rotating hub) that is developed together with Autoliv and is safer than most, just like the hubless steering column in all IDs, DSs, CXs and maybe some I don't know about. Apart from a period of bad choice of material in the electric system (mostly during the 80's) the cars has been safe and reliable. Problems with other cars, like new rusty Mercs and electronically related BMW problems seems not to be worthy of mentioning or cause for depreciation or worry.. Some even dismiss new Citroëns as failures even before launch. So, thank you again, looking forward to more on the same subject.

[@christaporfrunjian]

Thanks a lot for this 3 parts videos, i am getting my C5 Sedan 2017 Aut in tow weeks, and i am very excited to drive with it. Your videos helped me alot to know this car better.

[@johnbowie4869]

instant sub, such an informative and great review, can't wait to see your opinions on the new c5x!

[@BerraLJ]

It is a beautiful car, and very comfortable to drive long distances.

[@michaeltba9062]

9 years later my 2012 Citroen C5 X7 3L TT hDi has travelled 390,000km and I am reluctant to part with it. I've never kept a car with this many kilometres before, but there isn't a car I would buy to replace it.

[@torresalex]

Maybe another one?

[@michaeltba9062]

@@torresalex I have at times thought of looking for another lower mileage car. Let's see.

[@comcarclub]

@@michaeltba9062 I've already commented elsewhere, but if I ever have to switch mine, I'm going for a C5 X7 2 litre with 163 bhp. This is peak car, IMHO

[@michaeltba9062]

@@comcarclub as long as it's Hydractive, I will like it.

[@raycarstea5384]

I've got the 2009 sedan 3 and I'm loving it , power , style and quite cheap too

[@jayartz8562]

Thanks, good work. Love my C5 X7

[@arset2000]

The best Citroen!

[@thebiglebowski4309]

Great video. I think it looks very sleek. Checking one out today. Hence the video watching. Thanks very much. Very informative.

[@DiyMech]

Had x2 of these, excellent estate cars, except rear brake callipers (galvanic corrosion !!) now have 2017 Peugeot 508 SW (Estate) which is virtually identical to the C5 estate. superb video.

[@thatsentertainment5602]

I did own a 2012 Peugot 508 Sedan Petrol and the turbo was unreliable. Is the Citreon C5 the same car in terms of the engine, turbo etc?

[@comcarclub]

Yes. If it was the 1.6THP, that's easily explained. It's a BMW-sourced engine and it's s**t. I did a video where I mention that.

[@thatsentertainment5602]

@@comcarclub Ok, i thought the Citreon C5 2011 petrol would be better built then the Peugot in terms of the engine, turbo, chassis etc.

[@GdaySport]

I bought a 2009 C5 VTR 1.6HDI last year because it was good on fuel. Although it is comfortable and indeed frugal, I have been massively disappointed by the build quality under the bonnet:- particularly the huge amount of plastics which just clip together without proper fasteners to constitute the whole intake system. Over the years, this stuff gets manhandled by various garages who invariably break the tabs off the clips that hold it together and not to mention it degrades and goes brittle. Doing a basic service was quite an eye opener!

[@comcarclub]

That's unlucky. People who are used to fiddling with PSA engines and work for the brand usually are a lot more careful, IMHO. It's usually the apes that work for one of those big name franchises that screw everything up. I'm never using THEM again

[@WelshyM]

Great videos.... I'm picking up my 2015 X7 on Saturday... An Exclusive too... Keep the videos coming 👌👍

[@comcarclub]

I think you're going to enjoy it a whole lot, and thanks for the words of encouragement!

[@PedroConejo1939]

Nice bit of background. The X7 is a definite step up from the Mk I and seems to confuse a lot of people, who've no idea what it is. The 'German' adverts really annoyed me at the time and still do. Hopefully it'll be a few years yet before I replace my X7 Tourer; it doesn't feel as ropey as the Mk I did at the same age/mileage. What will the C5X bring? Hopefully the comfort that Citroën are touting will be real, that's why a lot of us buy them after all.

[@Croking54]

Great video!

[@comcarclub]

Thank you very much!

[@thierrygravoille9341]

My 2010 Tourer 2.0 l Hdi 140 cv : 345 000 km. I love il. Very reliable car. Next step : 500 000 km !!

[@comcarclub]

Congrats!!! I hope you make it to 1 000 000km and beyond!

[@stevemurrell6167]

It truly is a superb car.

[@konyina]

Hey, I gotta say, you really nailed this video. Could you do the video on the Peugeot 407. I personally hated the car because of the reviews, they said that it was bad car with a bad interior, uncomfortable ride and horrible handling, and, therefore, I never even gave it a second thought. I looked at B6 Passats, 159s, A4 B7s and E90 3 series, and none of those cars did what i expected a 4.7m saloon to do, and that is: Be relatively enjoyable to drive, have a decent quality interior and, finally, be comfortable. Some of those cars (B7 A4, 159) did two of those things well, but seriously flopped at one of the three (the 159 is uncomfortable as fuck, and the B7 was just a completely dated car with a dated interior). The E90 was majorly fun to drive, however comfort was non existent and the interior rattled and had a lot more hard plastics compared to older E46s and E39s. Alas, the B6 is, to this day, the worst car I've driven, as it was by far the most uncomfortable, dull handling pile of garbage covered in extremely hard plastics that rattled whenever they could. Seriously, the interior is so cramped, the steering is dull and not informative at all, and the plastics are so bad that I can't even begin to describe how awful the car is from the inside. So, coincidentally, without any direct intention, I gave the 407 a go, and I was blown away. The interior is pretty spacious and the car is filled with soft touch plastics, the ride is by far the best of the bunch, and the handling is pretty good because it has a relatively short wheelbase which makes it far mor controllable. And when paired with a 1.6 HDi, it really rarely understeers, it feels almost like an AWD car. I waged between the 2.0 and the 1.6 but eventually went with the 1.6 cos it had a better feel on the steering wheel because of it's older hydraulic-only steering pump. However, I gotta say, it is, by far, the ugliest of the aforementioned bunch. It isn't the ugliest in it's class, nor is it particularly ugly, it's an average looking car at best, unlikd the others that I looked at, which were simply better looking or, in the 159s case, bite the back of your hand beautiful. Anyway, stay safe and keep up the good work. Cheers!

[@comcarclub]

I'm not sure I can do one on the 407, since the premise of these videos is that I own the car in question, and I don't have access to a 407. Either way, thanks for the info and comparison on those cars. I'm thinking of doing something of the sort, i.e., comparing the C5 to its contemporaries

[@konyina]

@@comcarclub I was looking at a C5 MK2 too, and it is overall a better car, more comfortable (better suspension and much better seats), however I was scared of the Hydroactive suspension so I dodn't pick it. That is, maybe, the only car that I regret not buying over the 407.

[@torresalex]

@@konyina ah, don't regret it. They're similar under the skin and the 407 has an advantage: it seems to have sold a lot more so you'll have a better supply of spare parts

[@konyina]

@@torresalex Yeah, spare parts are plentiful and the car is extremely cheap to maintain, especially considering the class.

[@khalidacosta7133]

The 2.0 HDi has an electro-hydraulic pump. Benefits of handling but also economy.

[@nazhif1]

I still think it's aged better than the E90 series BMWs. The only reason my family went from the 2002 C5 to a 2009 407 was because Citroen pretty much died over here.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

Here it wasn't marketed as German... To be fair, it wasn't marketed at all and it did sell ok so that proves your point, I guess. Regarding the electronics not being reliable, well, I drive a 12y/o C4 and absolutely zero problems so far regarding electronics.

[@comcarclub]

First-gen C4s really are reliable. You can tell because their resale values are still relatively high for a Citroen of that class and age.

[@georgealex19]

Well, a good thing for consumers is that you can get the car at an undervalued price 👍

[@panaras]

For me Citroën it's the best ,one category alone ,the best suspension in the word ,best car for travel ,all my life have Citroën ,I make one mistake and buy Mercedes 2007 c class I sell it after 2 years now I have c5 and I don't care of the road it's bad ,the comfortable car ,I love Citroën only the models to have hydraulic suspension, please Citroën give as the c5 cabrio it's amazing, if make this car all the another brands finish and one big thank you for the design, special cars for special owners

[@wanderingorganist]

Nice vid, good content with which I agree (on my 3rd C5 as I write). But the 'background' muzak is very irritating. The only fault for me.

[@comcarclub]

Sorry about that, but it's necessary to cover up the fact that the sound is crap

[@wanderingorganist]

@@comcarclub of course, once I'd noticed it, I cdn't not hear it!

[@graemehart4094]

Very interesting, thank you…

[@gpurkeljc]

I hate the current SUV trend and so I'm searching for a late model C5. If I want to sit up high I'll buy a bus ticket.

[@comcarclub]

Hear, hear

[@tedarcher9120]

Damn you, the prices are gonna rise!

[@comcarclub]

I kind of doubt that. People still can't be torn away from their overpriced German status-mobiles

[@tedarcher9120]

@@comcarclub yeah, but with the low amount of nice condition C5 on the market....

[@comcarclub]

@@tedarcher9120 as long as they find their way into appreciative hands, that's what counts. Thanks very much for the comments!

[@anthonyxuereb792]

The center console was a let-down, they could have done better.

[@fazz27]

I like the C5 (X7), but I wish I had the C6. Shame the C6 had very little success.

[@ajmavb]

I owned a 2003 C5 Break Exclusive 2.0 I drove 200.000 kilometers without problems. It was comfortable, roomy and did what it was supposed to do. Then I bought a C5 Tourer Exclusive 1.6 THP Luxurious, comfortable ( mine had the wonderful hydropneumatic suspension ) a much appreciated panoramaroof etc. I loved driving that car. BUT................I have NEVER owned a car with such a ridiculous bad engine. It was so bad, I wil never buy a Citroën again. I learned my lesson. This car ruined the love for the brand built in 20 years of driving Citroën in a few years. Never again.

[@comcarclub]

Hello there and welcome. The 1.6THP engine was notoriously bad. Perhaps because it's a BMW engine 😁. The diesels are a bit better but if you are in the Netherlands, there's little incentive. All the best and thanks for commenting

[@ajmavb]

@@comcarclub It was not a BMW engine, but an engine designed in cooperation between PSA an d BMW. I loved the car, but I have never had a car which has been so often and often for longer periods in the garage. And please don't ask how much it has cost me. The way Citroën treated its customers was not up to par ( to put it nicely ). Yes that car was ME, but it came at a price.

[@torresalex]

@@ajmavb oh, I don't dispute that last part at all. It seems to be like that everywhere. I went to my local Citroen dealer to talk to them about actually buying a new car, and they treated me like excrement. Every time I've gone there to ask about their service, they're rude, dismissive and nasty. It's a pity your love for the brand is ruined, but if you have valid reasons for it, you're well within your right. All the best

[@BlastbeatNS]

Nice video, but part with pics of crashed Peugeot cars looks a bit childish. It is ok that you don't like them, but put normal pictures.

[@comcarclub]

Hey man, thanks for the comment, but I put whatever pictures I like. All the best.

[@BlastbeatNS]

@@comcarclub It was just a friendly suggestion for your videos to be taken more seriuos by viewers, nothing more.

[@daveyboiyeah]

@@BlastbeatNS I agree with you. The Peugeot bit was a bit bizarre considering the video was about a French car.

[@Sadartb]

That Chinese C5 should have gone global

[@comcarclub]

Only if it had a tourer version, IMHO

[@mynickname6787]

great car

[@daveyboiyeah]

You was praising a French car, but then got all a bit harsh and immature with the Peugeot's. Peugeot is essentially the god brand of Citroen.

[@comcarclub]

Hello, David. First of all, thanks for commenting. Second, I didn't understand what you mean by "god brand"

[@Hattonbank]

@@comcarclub I assume he means that Citroen are second fiddle to Peugeot within the group

[@comcarclub]

@@Hattonbank That makes sense. Thank you.

[@whiskeybluez]

Peugeot has never been quite as good as Citroen. Better than Renault, never quite at Citroen levels. Citroen is the king of the French automotive industry