Citroen's C5 facelift rings in the changes

CITROEN Australia used the Brisbane motor show to launch replacements for two of its most successful models: the C5 HDi sedan and wagon.

Priced slightly higher at $51,990 for the sedan and $53,490 for the Estate, the facelifted C5 brings a raft of engine, transmission, suspension, safety and equipment changes.

Both HDi sedan and wagon are powered by a new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel based on the 2.0-litre oil-burner that attracted up to 80 per cent of C5 sales in Australia since launch.

Now featuring twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, the 2.2 four employs a variable-geometry turbo, air-intake distributor with a throttle valve for variable swirl, two balance shafts and a self-cleaning particulate filter.

It offers only 98kW of peak power (up from 82kW) but a hefty 314Nm of torque, and will be joined in the facelifted C5 range by 2.0-litre and3.0-litre V6 petrol versions.

The entry-level 2.0-litre C5 develops 103kW (up from 101kW) and 200Nm of torque at 4000rpm thanks to variable valve timing and teams with new gear ratios to capitalise on the revised engine, while the flagship 3.0-litre V6 scores variable valve timing to produce 155kW and 290Nm.

Citroen claims the new six-speed auto it’s matched with delivers improved performance, economy, refinement and emissions.

Also debuting in the C5 facelift is Hydractive 3+, the latest version of Citroen’s spring/shockless hydra-pneumatic suspension system, which is claimed to deliver improved ride comfort and refinement, and makes the Sports suspension setting available in HDi C5s for the first time.

Leather trim is now standard in all models, while a revised dash includes enhanced dual-zone climate control and a more powerful and elaborate audio system.

Cruise control, rain-sensing wipers and a speed limiter are now also standard – as are auto headlights – while intelligent Xenon headlights are standard only on C5 V6. Instruments and minor switchgear are also new.

Beneath the new bonnet, guards and distinctive 'boomerang' lighting, C5 offers advanced safety systems that helped it score an unprecedented 36 out of 37 points in EuroNCAP crash tests.

These include front and rear seatbelt warning lights, double front seatbelt pretensioners, knee airbags and a new stability control system that detects wet brakes. Security features include automatic locking above 10km/h.