CITROËN OPENS THE 21ST CENTURY WITH A TECHNICAL TOUR DE FORCE:
THE ALL-NEW CITROËN C5

• Automatic height adjusting suspension for normal, high speed and rough roads
• Suspension that can bet set for comfort and sport responses
• Multiplex electrics with twin local area networks
• Automatic emergency braking assistance and hazard warning lights
• Automatic on lights and wipers
• Black panel instruments to reduce night time driving fatigue
• Low tyre pressure warning
• Windows and sunroof close automatically when it rains
• Automatic security locking
• ABS, EBD and ASR; six air bags
• Ventilation adjusts for day and night, strong sun and cloud.

In the last century one car maker was celebrated for its unique contribution to automotive technology and engineering with its pioneering work in areas of automotive design as diverse as front wheel drive, aerodynamics and self leveling suspension.

That car maker, Citroën, has shown with the launch of the Citroën C5 that it fully intends to maintain this reputation in the 21st Century.

The all new large Citroën brings together a unique combination of technology that is either simply not available on any other car or it is the preserve of far more expensive cars. This technology is wrapped in a stylish new body that could only come from Europe, which is lavishly well equipped and powered by a new 3.0 litre V6 engine that provides performance to match its style and technology.

As would be expected of Citroën, the company that pioneered hydropneumatic self leveling suspension, the Citroën C5 sets a new bench mark. Hydractive Three is a fully active version of Citroën’s world beating suspension system. For the C5 it offers automatic high adjustment. As well as a normal high adjustment, at 110 kmh it drops the car down to a lower setting for high speeds, improving aerodynamics and, as it changes the attitude of the car like an aircraft re-trimming for high speed flight, makes the car more stable. On the other hand, when the car detects rough roads, it lifts up high to clear obstructions. In addition, the car automatically changes the way it reacts to driving conditions, with settings for either a sporty response or a comfort setting. And, unlike any other suspension system it requires no servicing or maintenance for five years or 200,000 km.

Computer control is not restricted to the drivetrain and the suspension in the new Citroën C5. A multiplex electrical system has cut down the wiring by more than 35 per cent, saving weight and making servicing and maintenance quicker and cheaper. It also enables the new Citroën C5 to be fitted with a host of new features and equipment.

Automatically operated features abound. The wipers react to rain automatically, as do the windows and the sun roof which close automatically when it rains. The headlights come on automatically at dusk and in tunnels and switch off when the light returns. The air conditioning is not only fully automatic, it also reacts to changing sun light levels and it is split left and right so that driver and front seat passenger may set their own desired temperature. This is complimented by heat reflecting glass with a thin metal film in it. The instruments are black panel units that use the minimum of reflected light and, therefore cause less eye strain at night. The tyres warn the driver when they need pumping up and the boot locks automatically when the Citroën C5 is driven above 20 kmh. Optional equipment extends the technology even further, with the availability of Auto PC, which allows C5 owners to check their e-mail and use the internet while in their car. Of course, for safety reasons, many of these controls may be activated using voice controls – no need to take your hands off the steering wheel.

Even the glove box has a fridge in it to keep food and drinks cold!

The Citroën C5 looks unique. That is what would be expected of Citroën. But is more than affectation, looking different for difference’s sake. It is to make a quality difference inside the car.

The most unusual aspect of the design is its height. At 1.48 metres high, it is an unusually tall car. This height is translated into an unusually spacious interior, more comfortable seating positions and a higher than normal driving position that aids driving safety. The Hydractive suspension means that when stability is needed, at speed and in enthusiastic driving, the car is lowered automatically, so the added height has no affect on how the cars performs on the road. It is the ideal combination.

The Citroën C5 is, initially, powered by a new version of Citroën’s power V6 engine. This three litre unit has had its output increased to 155 kW for use in the Citroën C5, enabling it to sprint to 100 kmh in 8.2 seconds with the five speed manual gearbox, or 9.8 seconds in the C5 fitted with the new automatic gearbox with its Tiptronic gear change option. Top speed is 240 and 230 kmh respectively for the manual and automatic versions. This new engine meets the European Phase Four regulations, so is as clean as it is fleet of foot.

“The Citroën C5 sets a new standard in its class,” says Miles Williams, General Manager of Citroën Australia. “When it arrives in 2001, it will provide Australia with a car that is, in many respects ideal for our conditions. The suspension copes with ease on our rough and variable roads; the spacious interior means comfortable long distance driving and the powerful V6 engine means it can swallow long trips with ease. Add in its lavish equipment and European style and we are certain it will dramatically increase Citroën sales in Australia.”

For further information please
e-Mail Miles Williams - General Manager on
100250.3324@compuserve.com

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