This Subaru Outback Rival is Decent, But… (Citroen C5 X Long Term Review Verdict)

[@LucasW02]

C5X PHEV (+30.000km) owner here. I can tell that the driving issues you experienced are completely gone when driven the hybrid version. In other cars the first thing I always do is turn off the start/stop, but not in this car. It's so well implemented with the electric motor you don't notice it when it engages, but also not when you start driving again because you have instant torque of the electric motor. The lane keep assist does indeed need a bit of finetuning. When driven in the Netherlands with clear lines I experience no problems at all, but in Germany where the lines aren't that clear sometimes it sometimes has some trouble (I guess that's the same as in Australia). I've done some long distance trips (6-8hr of driving), but didn't have any problems with the seats. Maybe that's also a bit of seat positioning. What I can add to this review is that the car is also very comfy at higher speeds, you can literally cruise at 180km/h and it feels like you're driving 100 km/h. The complains I have about this car is the adaptive cruise control. There isn't a option to completely turn the adaptive part off, because even on the shortest distance it will brake very early and you will end up not using it when there is some traffic. And the stupid beeping noise when you close the tailgate.

[@royyoung3104]

Can totally agree with everything you say...also been on many 4htr journeys and felt great getting out of the car...and that from a not particularly fit 70yr old.😊

[@Fuse7000]

And how much of pure electric range do you manage to squeeze out of it, if I may ask? Just (very) curious. 😅

[@LucasW02]

​@@Fuse7000 To be honest, I don't know since I never drive full electric. I think its always more efficient and comfortable to use it in its hybrid form. I do have numbers for you of that. On a 100km highway trip (130km/h) starting with a full battery he will have around 10km(25%) left and avarage 4L/100km fuel usage. When you don't have any battery the consumption will increase to around 6L/100km for the same trip. A little explaination why it's more comfortable to drive hybrid with battery: When accelerating you will have the instant torque and response of the electric motor, with the engine kicking in 2 sec later. If you dont have any battery with will have the delay of the engine and not instant torque. In full electric you do have the instant torque and response, but only for the first 20 meters. After that you miss some power and it will feel slow, eventhough you floor it. That's why driving hybrid is the most comfortable.

[@whiskeybluez]

Did you actually spend 80k on an underpowered hybrid?

[@LucasW02]

@@whiskeybluez Where is this car 80k??

[@MrLekatt]

Seats are an interesting subject...My friends and myself regard me as a relatively normal guy, but on the short-ish and slim side; 172 cm 70 kg. In the 70's and 80's I drove mainly Mercedes' and Citroën CX's. I herad the same kind of criticism against the soft seats in the Citroën compared to the German style. But, being a professional driver, I could easily drive my Citroëns over 1000 km's (continuous) without feeling tired or hurting anywhere. As for the renowned German firmness and quality, I would start suffering already after more than 2 to 3 hours. My conclusion is that 'seats' are a very personal thing. Otherwise I appreciate your straightforward review 👍

[@islamelhalawani3691]

Great looking car. Very underrated.

[@sheyone9075]

I love this car. Very comfortable and quiet. Indicator sound pleasing 😁.

[@sonnyse7en]

totally agree!

[@2008tourer]

I am genuinely surprised at the complaints towards the seats. I live in Poland, I've borrowed my mum's PHEV C5X for a month and I really really couldn't fault the seating at all! And mind you we've done 800+ km trips during this time. Also the quietness level inside at 140 kmh is amazing. The level of seperation from the outside world is sublime. Speaking of evs - this car is absolutely amazing in EV mode. Can't wait for full electric version, ice engine doesn't suit this car.

[@henrik1743]

How is the fuel consumption at 120-140km/h? :)

[@2008tourer]

@@henrik1743 120 kph I don't really know, I haven't tested it at that speed - I assume 5.something :P at 130 kph it's 6.3l/100km and 140 kph is 7.3l/100km.

[@henrik1743]

@@2008tourer not bad at all, but pretty small tank right? 42 liters? Thank you for responding

[@2008tourer]

@@henrik1743 yes and the car shouts at you it needs fuel, you pull over to a gas station and you fill it up with 32 litres 😤 I started ignoring it, letting it drop down to nearly 0 and then fill it up an I can't remember putting more than 37? 38 litres? Annoying on longer journeys but it's a gimmick. Also people on Facebook group were saying that there was an update for fuel level gauge. If you're driving long distances you can check 1.2 130 HP version - again, people on Facebook group upload pictures with their cars doing 950km+ on one tank! It's 55 litres though, but still very impressive consumption for such a big car

[@henrik1743]

@@2008tourer ah exactly the same problem as with the Mazda cx60 fuel level on the phev then!

[@pirato1989]

I agree with most of the review, only the seat comfort is amazing in my opinion. Did a 14 hour drive with it, without any complaints. Seats feel amazing and you can adjust them just right. This comming from someone with lower back problems.

[@dannytuckerify]

Im actually a naturally finicky person, but the C5x provides not only great value for money, practicality and comfort. Sure it doesn't have awd but do you need all that complexity ? Most people only drive a to b and its normally on a sealed surface. The seats are actually quite comfortable for long distance running, unlike a subaru you arrive at your destination comfortable and not requiring a massage. Take another vehicle for a test drive jump in the citroen c5x then jump back in the other manufacturers vehicle you will notice the difference. Ignore the comment on the seats backed up with the comfortable suspension setup which has additional damping built into the strut setup. Bonus knobs for air con controls dont have to fight an over intrusive infotainment system. Highly recommend Citroen Centre@Roselands. The 180 c5x may not win any races, but the 1.6t is more than adequate for such a large beast, fully loaded it doesn't struggle and maintains freeway speeds with ease, you don't need to push it hard.. Your rear seat passengers will love the extra space.

[@andrewboddy3958]

So i ended up buying one in Australia. Shine 1.6 T. There are some great deals on plate clearance that can see you drive away in the 50ks or 40ks for a demo. So this makes it a much more attractive proposition. The design is stunning in the metal, and interior feels premium, big tick. Reluctantly have to agree a bit on the seats. I did sydney to brisbane, in it and it did feel a little like you could feel the springs in the seats after a few hours. Shorter distance no probs. Engine has enough power for highway cruising, feels safe and sure footed at speed. Low speed gear ratios i know what tom is saying but it doesn’t worry me too much. Things i don’t like- stop start, you can only turn it off each drive, not as a permanent setting, despite being able to customise a fair bit in the infotainment . It seems like something they could do via software update easily. lane keep assist, also agree, comes in as a bit grabby, when you are not expecting. Both i turn off in shortcuts before driving. Overall really happy with the purchase though. Great looking luxury fastback wagon that nobody else has, and i got for a good price.

[@louisvilleseche2996]

the interior is a work of art

[@zaamuro8408]

I really hope some outback buyers choose this as a left of field option

[@iEnofadov]

Fun fact - The Citroen C5X is the first Chinese built Citroen to be sold in Australia! I've driven the Citroen C5X a few times and I have to agree with just about everything you've mentioned. I love the way it looks, it's got pretty decent rear seat accommodation, the boot is relatively big and it's got lots of standard equipment. There are a few things that I don't like, the view out of the rear window is not the best, a sloping roofline and large rear headrests don't help, but also, there's no rear wiper, which is a must for a vehicle like this! If it's a wagon, then a rear wiper should definitely be part of the package, the trans at low speeds, which you've mentioned and I still believe it's about $7k too expensive, this should be around $55K drive away. A few things that aren't in Citroen's favor ... a tiny dealer network, expensive servicing costs and that huge depreciation hit! Ouch!

[@cjdwyer93]

Chery, BYD, Tesla, Volvo, MG & Haval have limited dealer network until people started buying them. Some of those mentioned still have limited dealerships and sell plenty. Servicing my 2021 C4 is less than a Hyundai Kona.

[@wheresmycheese8511]

Servicing is not at all expensive and the car is currently $56,990 drive away. Citroen makes great cars with decent pricing

[@iEnofadov]

@@wheresmycheese8511 I agree, Citroen and Peugeot make some great cars, I'm a Peugeot owner and I'm a fan of both brands, but it's a shame that $56,990 drive away price wasn't the initial starting price, instead it was $58k +ORC, pushing it over $60k. That new drive away deal probably only applies to 2022 build stock? that they still can't move. Citroens only become 'good buys' when they have to discount them by thousands because the stock has been sitting around for a year and a half.

[@iEnofadov]

@@cjdwyer93 It really does say something though when those brands you've mentioned, some with a limited dealer network, let's say BYD, Tesla and Chery, haven't been selling cars in Australia for as long as Citroen has (either has MG and Haval), but can still sell more cars than Citroen! From what I can gather, TAS, SA and WA only have one Citroen dealer that represents those states. The NT and the ACT probably only have one dealer as well and then you might have 2 or 3 dealers each in VIC, NSW and QLD? Citroen is one of the oldest car brands in Australia, but most people wouldn't know it. Hyundai and Kia have been known to have some of the more expensive servicing options from the mainstream brands. I really like the C4, I saw plenty while I was in Croatia and Italy a few months ago. I wish there were more on the roads here.

[@daweigo6851]

Will never sell in any numbers until get more dealers and sensible marketing, Ferrari out sell Citroen in Australia

[@Slicksledge]

I am soon going to buy this car, even though I haven’t tested it yet. I just love Citroens and my current Peugeot 3008 GT! However, no mention of how easy, or not easy it is to get in and out of! Why don’t vehicle reviewers address this issue?

[@victorgrasscourt3382]

I agree with the comments about the seats not being comfortable. I have a C5x Sense Plus model with cloth seats. Far from being “Advanced Comfort”, they are the worst seats I have ever had in a car. The memory foam is thin and you can feel on the bottom of your thighs a cross member of the seat frame which presses into your leg. I could not believe it when I first got this car and wanted to return it to Citroen. The advertising about the seats is a complete con. The seats are small and lack side support. Other things missing on this car are adjustable front seat belts, a rear wash wipe, and the bonnet has a spindly bracket to keep it up instead of gas struts. The suspension on cars without active suspension is average. No better than a Ford Mondeo or Skoda Superb, but the C5x rolls more in corners but grips OK. Putting a 1.2 engine in such a large car was a strange choice. I bet there is hardly any difference in fuel economy between the 1.2 and 1.6 petrol engines. The 1.2 though has a wet cambelt which should be avoided as the cost to replace it is over £800. Now Stellantis have gone back to a chain on the 1.2 engine. Production of the C5x is to end soon.

[@taneonjones6500]

That is one cool looking wagon.

[@garnray8568]

Citroen C5X is considered as an extraordinarily comfortable car, as comfy as a Rolls Royce, that's what everybody says, check out all reviews, in all languages, on YT, about that car. So it's a bit weird that you guys didn't find the seats comfortable.

[@jondasek]

Everybody said that about the C5 III, and the seats are very comfortable, adjustable in extraordinary ways to really fit you, but after like 2 or 2.5 hours of driving, it's not comfy anymore and becomes frustrating. The massage function help with that quite a bit. I own the C5 III Tourer, it's very comfy, even better built than the C5 X when I checked that one at the dealer, feels more spacious, and funnily, the AT is also janky at low speeds, and the hydropneumatic suspension (the real one) is also very good, but same like the C5 X, at lower speeds it can't really filter some potholes, mainly some more pronounced holes.

[@dikordato]

I own the C5X the last 15days, Shine plus Trim. I can’t understand how the reviewer found these seats uncomfortable! The last 10 years I was driving VOLVOS and I find the C5X seats by far more comfortable ( I want to remind than it this trim level the seats are ventilated and offer massage also!).In general this is the most relaxing car I have ever drive or have been driven (I have never been in a Rolls Royce though). I live in Athens Greece and driving down town is always a peace of mind challenge. The last two weeks is the first time I am going to the work with no stress.

[@chasingcars]

I think I communicated what I meant when I said that the soft seats were comfortable up until around 2 hours of drive time - and then they start to lack support for long-distance driving

[@henrywhittaker2519]

I do NOT agree with the criticisms presented here. Having taken my C5X to Bris-Vegas & back (round trip of 3500Km) including heavy city (stop-start) traffic & country driving for up to 7 hours in a day NONE of the criticisms made are justifiable. The car is very economical, plenty of power (1.6L turbo). Being a big & heavy guy I found the seats remained comfortable even after several hours driving. High quality finish inside & out ! However I WILL be buying a full sized spare wheel for long country trips.

[@gregj3515]

I think it looks good, would query the spoiler on the back glass, 20k service intervals certainly help, I would aim for a 6-8k discount at the dealer....

[@wheresmycheese8511]

It's to blow the rain off the rear window, therefore no rear wiper

[@Subh8081]

I like French cars. And I love a well-designed wagon. A well design wagon with 190mm ride height? Perfect. Conflicted between this, Mazda6 Atenza wagon and the 508 SW. Sadly, Renault don't do wagons. I saw the Arkana as a compromise, but it's a coupe SUV, not a wagon. Only downside is that barring the Mazda6, the resale on these are not that great. But after running for 7-8 years, the hit would be less.

[@aerofox64]

I found the Mazda 6 uncomfortable, hard to get into and out of. But it does have the best engine, with the turbo. With the C5X, i think it's much better value than the 508SW, and while the comfort focus on the C5X probably makes the 508SW the better driver's car, but the Mazda easily beats both there. Peugeot also has worst infotainment of the 3 imo. Of the 3, I'd get a blue Citroen C5X. Even tho I'd like the sportier manners of the Mazda, for that I would look at a Skoda Octavia or Superb

[@Subh8081]

@@aerofox64 I really liked the 508 SW. But it's not value for money. I am test driving the C5X Octavia Style wagon this weekend. Even adding the Tech & Luxury Pack, the driveaway of the Octavia is the cheapest of the lot. Mazda6 I found the rear entry awkward but not a deal breaker. I am 170cm.

[@aerofox64]

@@Subh8081 I totally get that. The Peugeot might be the prettiest of all of them, and the seat massage you can get is a nice touch. The 508 would still be a good choice, and fairly unique like the Citroen! Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy it :)

[@SuperAlmighty]

As you said, AWD would suit better in Australia

[@lewishowel4288]

Nice review. From the UK, but still made relatable. Any news on if they have updated callebration yet?

[@chrisbiewer-rallye-info]

12:10 It has a very good suspension, but it is not hydropneumatic, sadly. I am surprised in Australia you want the PHEV. In Europe we got the PHEV and I keep hearing on motorway driving it runs out of electricity after only 30km. While I agree the 1.2 130BHP engine is a bit lame for a range topper, the bigger engine is compromised by the additional weight, which most of the time you carry around for absolutely nothing.

[@chasingcars]

Didn’t say it did - I explained the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions fitted to the suspension of the C5 X. Further, my point on the PHEV was that Citroen should use its existing ability to deploy PHEV systems with a rear axle motor for AWD - I didn’t say ‘bring the existing European one here’, just want to be clear.

[@topher.m]

I was one in the flesh the other day. Cool and quirky

[@Sevan59]

Criticizing the most famous thing in a French car , seats ? You really are down under people 😂 in everything .

[@aryonoco]

I test drove this car. It was good, I thought the ride was really comfortable and the build quality top notch. But then I realised that for the same money, I could buy a Skoda Octavia VRS, with all the options thrown in, much better engine and chassis dynamics and transmission. Plus it has a bigger boot and is more practical. And every time I've driven the Skoda since buying it, it's put a smile on my face.

[@aerofox64]

I'm looking at moving to Australia in a few years, and I'm really hoping the Skoda wagons will last till then. Went to a dealer last time I was down under and was really impressed by Skoda! (We don't have them in my country)

[@ruslanrodriguez2786]

Completely different cars with different purpose. On Skoda you zip-zap with screaming tires in corners, on a French frog you glide along in comfort, in no hurry. If you want a blast to drive than it’s not this car.

[@魏智]

But resale value is shocking, unless you are real Citroen fan, otherwise don't touch it.😢

[@cjdwyer93]

Most citroen owners don't trade in that quickly...

[@alistairharris7891]

Sorry with dyslexia I found this review by mistake. Was looking for cx-5. Interesting the interior looks very Mazda. That rear slope of the hatch will cut the available space for loads behind the rear seat. Try putting a large dog in there. Not a chance. Love to see a head to head against a Mazda 6 wagon. Not really fair to compare to AWD wagons.

[@abdulnasar4697]

What is the cost benefit to customers like me in terms of dollars for buying this car being manufactured in China only? I have heared from sales people, saying that "In order to keep the cost down ..., the vehicle, tyres, machinery, item of any category" this is made in South east asia or China. In this particular example, the C5X cost in Australia is similar to a vehicle that is made in France. Can't see a cost benefit transferred to customers.

[@a.d.versluis]

Addition: - most people buy this car by hearth and not by purse, something testdrivers seem to forget.

[@richardbaker6327]

How does the rear space (especially length with seats down) compare to the Outback?

[@michaelostrowski8630]

Not very well. I sleep in the car during my fishing trips and after owning 3 consecutive C5 wagons, this time I went with the Outback, which offers more space, AWD, better ground clearance than the last C5 or C5X, and a better dealer network in the Australian bush. The only advantage of C5X I can see without actually having driven it (but I examined the interior, lay down in it as I would for the night (I am 183cm), etc. would probably be ride comfort. The Outback's ride matches the C5's at open-road speeds and on gravel/offroad and is very settled when it comes to small road imperfections in town. Medium-sized bumps were much better absorbed by my C5s and the C5X could well continue that trend.

[@praetorian3571]

I will take VW Passat Wagon or the VW Shooting Brake R-Line over this.

[@paramvenkit9154]

Between this and the Volvo V60 CC which one would you recommend?

[@topher.m]

The Volvo. No comparison

[@andrewboddy3958]

Would agree, but they are no where near the same price. Citroen i have seen for $57K driveaway. Volvos start in mid $70’s on road

[@Krmelj]

Too expensive in Australia, shame really as the car is fantastic.

[@wheresmycheese8511]

Compared to what?

[@Krmelj]

@@wheresmycheese8511 Skoda anything, or Peugeot 3008. Or take your pick from Koreans and Japanese manufacturers. My last car was a Citroen so I say this with a heavy heart, Australian market is too expensive for this brand.

[@whiskeybluez]

Car is great. Powerplants offered are disappointments.

[@johnstenlund472]

Hilux are popular too. Their seats are church benches in comparison 😂

[@GlowingTube]

I'm not a fan of the looks, it's ok but I don't love it. For the asking price it's just not good enough. When I also factor in the small dealer network, limited parts and technical support I just see risk and massive depreciation. It's also built in China, so why the crazy high price?

[@HologramJones]

You'd be surprised what cars are built in China these days

[@ellisrochlin2267]

in my 60s soo its a attractive car in my eyes , do you ever look at the rear veiw mirror to see whats breifly behind you or maybe a tad to close ? i do . Especially on crap weather days here in uk (7-8 mths per year) NO REAR WIPER ! DER Did the peeps who fit rear window wipers retire at Citreon cos they didnt want to have to work in China

[@Undisputed_King]

No rear seats test?

[@Undisputed_King]

How is the C5 AirCross compared to this?

[@prakashnarismulu3332]

Europe has better rail transport infrastructure so longer trips would be done quicker and more efficiently in rail travel - no excuse for poor seat comfort though

[@Jesuscger]

Poor seat confort?

[@daweigo6851]

Does the sunroof not open?

[@cjdwyer93]

It does open

[@ozozi49]

I really would consider a car like this if I was looking for a family car. In Europe they are very popular, but here it's always same old same old thing....Subaru's Mazdas.....so boring....and everyone gets scared about small engines.... they all want a 2.5 natural aspirated old block.....so boring.... We have some of the worst petrol quality in the world and no emissions control, so we drive commonly s..t.

[@cheekong08]

No doubt the C5 is a good car to drive but probably horrible to own in the short term. Keep it for 2-3 years and you will be lucky to get 40-50% of the RRP if you need to sell it. Or if it gets totalled in the short term, you will get back almost nothing

[@fernandolopes833]

This is a car to keep forever, it will be a classic

[@PhilHare-er8nr]

You lost me when you said it has a 1.6 litre engine. Too small for such a big car, too small for Australia.

[@cjdwyer93]

It’s also turbo which Japanese/koreans don’t use. Power to weight ratio would equate the same

[@jonasbolonassosarebrand6594]

How big motor do you need?

[@mirkozlikovski9553]

it weighs only 1.460 kg! it's lighter than 2015 Holden Astra.... why would its 180 hp engine be too small?

[@HologramJones]

People don't understand the ethos of French cars. Lightweight body, smaller engines, big fuel savings,but resulting in performance that is more than adequate or punching above its weight.The French have historically done so because big engines used to be taxed heavily in France and fuel wasn't cheap either back in the days. German designs have the cars have heavier body components hence bigger engines translating into real world higher consumption. When you think about it the design therefore is actually less efficient.

[@ilt3ris]

Even 1.2 liter 3 cyl version with 130 hp does fine on this car!

[@artpan4376]

Long term is when 70k plus few years. French cars are usually good only when new.

[@Kruse1]

I reckon Peugeot do a better job with unconventional design.

[@aidentai5867]

Maybe? The 408?

[@Kruse1]

@@aidentai5867 I was thinking of the 508 SW but now that I see the new 408 it looks like they are sibling cars ..with the Peugeot still looking better.

[@richardseed8253]

I don't care for the dull colour.

[@fredwalsh4108]

Subaru vs Citroen kidding right

[@wheresmycheese8511]

Definitely take the Citroen

[@defjam2026]

Ahh, reliability???

[@djizzah]

Only a lunatic would buy a French Chinese car in Australia,total POS no parts or dealership back up, zero resale value plagued with reliability issues, can't believe you're even talking about this oddball vehicle

[@cjdwyer93]

Bit of an old school reply. My 2021 C4 was hit twice. Boot and side passenger door. Parts were in Sydney and got my car back in a month.