CITROËN is launching a top-of-the-range diesel variant for its C5 upper-medium model.

The 173bhp twin-turbo 2.2-litre unit is expected to appeal to company drivers seeking more power from their fleet workhorses and tops the diesel range which comprises a 110bhp 1.6-litre HDi and 138bhp 2.0-litre HDi.

The engine will feature in other PSA Peugeot Citroën products – Citroën has confirmed it will go into the C6, while it is already available in the Peugeot 407.

Ian Hughes, head of UK corporate sales, said: ‘This latest addition allows us to compete in a sector that is proving increasingly important to fleet buyers. It offers vastly-improved power and torque yet achieves similar fuel consumption and CO2 levels.

‘The enhanced performance and driving pleasure ideally complements the nature of the C5, which makes it ideal for the business user who is pounding up and down Britain’s motorways.’

The manufacturer unveiled its latest offering at Citroën Sport’s base in Versaille near Paris and the route gave us the chance to test it on a mixture of motorway and country roads.

As a mile-munching cruiser, the C5 performs exceptionally well, offering brisk acceleration as you climb through the gears. The engine is well mated to a six-speed gearbox and at cruising speeds is quiet and refined.

Good engine response is supplied at low revs due to its sequential turbochargers, a world first on a four-cylinder diesel.

As you’d expect from a Citroën, the overall ride experience is one of comfort rather than exhilarating driving. For company motorists, this should ensure they arrive at their destinations ready and refreshed.

Verdict

FOR company car drivers who want refinement and economy this new addition to the C5 range makes sense, so long as it is priced keenly.

Fact file

 

Max power (bhp/rpm) : 173/4,000
Max torque (lb-ft/rpm): 273/1,500
Max speed (mph): 138
0-62mph (secs): 8.5
Fuel consumption (mpg): 46.3
CO2 emissions (g/km): 160
On sale: Late autumn
Prices (OTR): TBC