Crowhurst and the Oyster Box Hotel, where the Citroen C5 was launched, both have a rich history - so too does Citroen. Ninety years to be exact. This includes the launch of the A-type in 1919, the floating engine in 1932 and the Hydro-pneumatic suspension in 1954. Citroen was well branded over the years - some of the earlier highlights being the first automotive journey across the Sahara in 1922 and traversing Africa from north to south 1924/25.

Citroen eyes German luxury cars

The modern distinctive Afro-Bali styled Coco De Mer Boutique Hotel was an apt luncheon venue for Citroen's new flagship, the C5. This vehicle is expected to create a powerful presence for the brand, particularly in the mid to high-positioned segment where the key qualities are appeal, performance and status. The C5 will be competing with the likes of the Mercedes C Class, BMW 3-series and Audi.

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Interesting though, the C5 will only be available in two automatic diesel derivatives - a 2-litre HDi and a 3-litre HDi. Both engines are equipped with high-pressure common-rail diesel injection that achieve an exceptional standard of performance and impressively low fuel consumption and emissions. The 2.0 four-cylinder unit produces a maximum power output of 120kW at 3 750rpm, linked to a torque peak of 320Nm at 2 000rpm. The engine is also equipped with an overboost function, allowing a temporary torque peak of 340Nm to increase overtaking performance.

The 3-litre turbo-diesel is revered for its silky-smooth refinement as well as its outstanding performance. It delivers 177kW of peak power at 3 800rpm. Offering a substantial 450Nm of torque from as low as 1 600rpm.
Both engines are linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission. My husband, Wally, and I were very impressed with the smooth gear changes.

Citroen C5 tops the list

Although I do not see the C5 as a 'ladies' car, I believe that it is going to be high on our list, given that we have the greater say when it comes to shape, comfort and colour at purchase time.

In the looks department the strong character and clean, contemporary proportions of the C5's sophisticated shape create a sense of class and exclusivity. The frontal view with chrome strips forming the Citroen logo right in the centre of the bonnet looks great. From the side the car's extended roofline, high waistline and smoothly sculpted wheel arches also create a good impression. The C5's rear is quite cute, the concave rear window and the signature two-part boomerang-shaped taillights do it for me!

The interior matches the eye-catching exterior with generous proportions and an ambience of airy space. It boasts the French marque's second-generation, centre console-fixed steering wheel that offers great functionality. All the frequently used driving controls (cruise control/speed limiter) and comfort functions (radio, telephone, information display) are positioned on the fixed hub. Despite emphasising the vehicle's high level of technology and sophistication, the instrument cluster is perhaps a little too busy.

Sit back, relax, enjoy the ride

The level of standard specification is astonishing. Among the more notable comfort and convenience items are USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a high-end MP3-compatible audio system with bi-tuner and leather-upholstered seats.
In addition, the front seats are heated and electrically adjustable, even offering a massage function and memory settings for the driver. Automatic headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, front and rear parking sensors and even a parking space 'gap' measurement system are standard too.

During the business section when the C5's innovative Hydractive III+ suspension was explained I could not help but to think back to a friend of my late mother who had a Citroen and we as children were fascinated by this car that moved up and down. Now decades later, Citroen's flagship model features a suspension, based on that very same world-famous hydro-pneumatic concept, that adjusts the spring and damper rates to take account of driver input and road conditions.

The driver is able to select a soft mode that provides the optimum levels of comfort, or a firmer setting that delivers greater body control and an enhanced driving experience. There is also the option of a Sport mode for an even more dynamic and invigorating ride.

Controlled by sensors on each axle, the Hydractive III+ suspension maintains the ride height of the vehicle, regardless of the load and number of passengers, overcoming the usual compromise between ride comfort and handling. The suspension constantly monitors vehicle velocity and road conditions, lowering the car at speeds above 110km/h to optimise stability and fuel economy. On rough surfaces, it automatically increases the ride height for greater clearance and comfort.

Our ride and drive route consisted of several rural roads with potholes and speed humps and the smoothness of this vehicle was unbelievable, especially over the speed humps. On the safety front, both models are equipped with ABS brakes with EBD and EBA, Electronic Stability Programme with traction control, a total of seven airbags, three ISOFIX anchorage points, a child lock indicator and automatic hazard light activation.

The launch prices for the C5 are R369 000 for the 2.0 HDi and R465 000 for the 3.0 HDi V6. These include a standard 3-year/100 000km warranty, a 5-year/100 000km service plan and a 3-year roadside assistance plan.