Citroen announces minor C5 update

CITROEN’S updated C5 mid-size sedan and wagon range will arrive in Australia early in 2013, but changes will be limited to the French brand’s latest double-chevron badge design.

First introduced in February 2009, Citroen’s new corporate identity gave the traditional double-chevron logo a softer, three-dimensional look and first appeared in Australia on the second-generation C3 light car in November 2010.

Citroen’s subtly changed double-chevron badges will be applied to the C5’s grille, boot lid and steering wheel.

Public relations manager for Australian Citroen importer Ateco Automotive, Edward Rowe, confirmed “we will get this exciting new badge early in the New Year”.

Publicity photos for the updated C5 are simply re-used images from the car’s mid-life facelift in October 2010, with the new badges digitally applied.

European market cars will be made available with a new 17-inch alloy wheel design for top-spec Exclusive variants, which can also be specified with “new interior design components”, part-leather upholstery and a new Techno option pack comprising satellite-navigation, parking sensors and upgraded wheels, plus chrome window sills, front fog lights and reversing cameras for variants on which they are not fitted as standard.

From top: Current Citroen C5 2013 C5.

Last month, the entry-level C5 Attraction with 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine received a price cut, from $35,990 plus on-road costs to $32,990 driveaway, while the cost of a petrol-powered C5 Exclusive rose $500 to $44,990 plus on-roads.

Since its introduction to Australia in January 2006, sales of the current generation C5 have averaged 31 units per month, compared with 55 units achieved by the previous-generation model, sold in Australia from June 2001 to December 2004.

C5 sales recently passed 400,000 units worldwide.