Big on style, space and equipment, but small on price. That’s the new Citroen C5 Tourer, which has made its debut in the UK. With the line-up starting from £16,695, the estate undercuts load-lugging rivals such as the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra. However, even in entry-level form, it comes packed with kit as standard. The specification tally includes hi-tech directional headlamps, plus automatic air-conditioning, seven airbags and cruise control. As with the C5 saloon, the Tourer is available with either conventional steel springs or the marque’s famous hydro-pneumatic self-levelling suspension. Trim choices are carried over from the four-door line-up, so buyers can take their pick from SX, VTR+ and Exclusive variants. Engine options are identical, too, with two petrol and four HDi diesel powerplants. Topping the range is the 2.7 HDi Exclusive model. It features a V6 oil-burning engine that delivers 208bhp, and is fitted with everything from electrically operated seats and part-leather trim to a powered tailgate. The flagship costs £25,590 – and so is more than £5,000 cheaper than similarly sized prestige rivals, such as the Audi A4 Avant. But the big seller is expected to be the 2.0 HDi VTR+, priced at £19,595.
New Car: 2009 Citroen C5 Tourer
