If a car from the stable of the former PSA appears in this section, you can almost be sure that a cheerful color is involved. In the case of the Citroën C5 X, that color is called ‘Magnetic Blue’ and it is not the only reason that the car can hardly be distinguished from more expensive copies.
Citroën C5 X 1.2 PureTech 130 EAT8 Business – €38,990
Basic models are usually white or black, but with Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Opel that is increasingly different these days. For example, the only ‘free’ color on the Peugeot 208 and Opel Astra is bright yellow, the Peugeot 308 is standard in a beautiful green, the Peugeot 2008 is basically orange and the DS 4 is even carried out in a kind of salmon pink. The introductory color is usually also the color that is offered at no extra cost, and that is available.
With the somewhat more businesslike C5 X, Citroën keeps it a bit more modest, but this Magnetic Blue is at the same time the most sparkling color from the range, which also consists of many shades of gray. On the outside, the Business basic version is really only distinguishable by its relatively modest, 17-inch light metal as the basic version. For the rest, the exterior looks very complete in the configurator, up to and including the LED headlights, the fog lamps and the chrome accents in the grille and around the side window. Yet there is something special going on with the latter, because according to the price lists, the chrome accents in the front bumper are reserved for more expensive versions. Still, nice car!
The difference is much greater on the inside. The Business is, the name says it all, a version that is especially aimed at the business market. That means fewer options and personalization options, but also a lower starting price than with the regular range. Leather is not part of it, but the gray matter should be there as far as we’re concerned. It is also fitted to ‘Advanced Comfort Seats’, which are standard. This also applies to the chassis with ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushions’, the special dampers that do a lot of good for the suspension comfort. With more expensive versions, they can be adjusted in all kinds of positions, the Business does it with one position.
Getting in is a bit awkward, because with the Business you just have to press the button on the key. Once inside, however, it starts with just a button. Switching is also not necessary, because every C5 X gets an automatic transmission. In the case of the plug-in hybrid, that makes sense, but the 1.2 PureTech base engine is also always linked to the EAT8 gearbox. In other areas too, it is far from easy on board this great Frenchman. We note climate control with two zones, an active lane assistant, a 10-inch touchscreen including navigation and an audio system with 8 speakers.
At the same time, there is no real opulence. For example, the seats have to be adjusted manually and there is no mood lighting. More important – we think – is that the car has to do without heated seats and adaptive cruise control. The good news, however, is that these are exactly the two things that are still offered as separate options. If you pay €300 for heated front seats and that amount again for a driving assistance package, you will have a C5 X at your door for €39,590, with which it is in no way easy to make do. Good color too!
Citroën C5 X Business (basic version)
Citroën C5 X Shine (top version)
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl