Citroen C5 HDi V6 Estate

What is it?

Citroën’s top-of-the-range Exclusive trim Tourer fitted with a new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine. Until now, the most potent engine in Citroën’s current C5 line-up was the 205bhp 2.7-litre V6 diesel available in the Exclusive spec saloon and estate.

That unit has now been replaced with a newer, cleaner, more powerful 3.0-litre unit. It’s not the first time we’ve sampled this motor. The same engine, in either 237bhp or 271bhp form can, or soon will, be found in XF and XJ Jags and the Land Rover Discovery. The C5 gets the engine in 237bhp, 332lb ft form.

What’s it like?

The new engine suits the Tourer exceptionally well. With a 1763kg kerb weight to propel it doesn’t set the world alight but 8.2sec to 60mph isn’t shabby and a claimed top speed of 150mph should be enough for most people

It’s on the motorway and open road where the V6 excels. This is an impressively quiet and refined unit and, mated to a smooth six-speed auto box, makes for an excellent motorway cruiser. An easily achieved 35mpg and CO2 emissions of 195g/km are both quite acceptable for such a strong performer.

Aside from some minor detail changes to the dash design, the C5 is familiar territory. That means handsome looks, a quality interior and decent load space, but rear passengers can suffer for leg room.

The Hydractive 3+ suspension still defines the Citroën’s character and ensures a relaxing drive, although the 19-inch alloys fitted as an option to our test car noticeably compromised the otherwise supple, loping ride.

Should I buy one?

Possibly. The C5 Tourer 3.0 V6 Exclusive is a cracking car and easy to like, but the sticking point is money. Even the basic £28,295 for the V6-equipped Tourer is a lot to ask given the Citroën’s poor residual values.

But the £34,430 for our exceptionally well-equipped test car is into BMW 330D Tourer territory, although the two are very different in character and unlikely to find themselves on the same shopping list. If you want a powerful, relaxed estate, and you haven’t baulked at the price, then the C5 Tourer’s cosseting charm may appeal.