Why The 2007 Citroen C5 is WAY BETTER Than You Think

Overview

The video is a defense of the 2007 second-generation Citroën C5, arguing it’s more impressive, practical, and a “proper” Citroën than people assume.

The presenter starts by admitting he previously disliked the first-gen C5’s looks, but says the 2007 redesign still looks “spectacular” even after 16 years—especially as an estate, known as the “Touring.”

Why This C5 Stands Out

Estate practicality without “crossover guilt”

The presenter calls it the last “pure” Citroën estate—not a crossover—positioning it as genuinely useful rather than pretending to be something else.

Hydractive 3+ suspension (the headline feature)

The star highlight is Hydractive 3+, the famed hydraulic suspension system. He notes that it was so good that Rolls-Royce reportedly leased it for their own cars.

• Some versions use normal springs
• This one is the hydropneumatic / towing-favorite setup

A key party trick is that it “always levels the rear” under load, which is especially relevant for towing and carrying heavy items.

“Cool but sensible” engine / tuning

In the featured 2009 pre-facelift estate, he discusses a remapped 2.0L diesel, claiming it adds power and torque. He also jokes that hacked-up exhausts never sound good, and describes the result as unpleasant.

The Featured Car (and Ownership Quirks)

Trim/model context

It’s a top-ish “Exclusive” model with features like:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Power folding tailgate
• Heated and massaging seats

However, he points out it’s not fully optioned, missing things like:

• Xenon headlights
• Front parking sensors

Bluetooth via an adapter

The car doesn’t have modern connectivity built-in; Bluetooth is handled through an adapter.

Visibility and comfort details

He praises practical design choices such as:

• Thin-ish pillars
• Double glazing for quieter cruising

Driving Impressions: Does It Actually Work?

Steering wheel “quirk”

He mentions a distinctive steering-wheel setup where the center stays put while the rest moves, calling it a classic French quirk.

Usability over gimmicks

He highlights that the car has physical buttons and controls that are genuinely useful, including:

• Cruise control
• Speed limiter
• Dual-zone climate
• Buttons for suspension height/response

Sport mode isn’t “hot hatch” behavior

With sport/suspension settings, it feels firmer and more controlled, but:

• It can accelerate and handle adequately
• When pushed, it doesn’t want to be hustled
• He describes it as struggling—suggesting that isn’t its natural personality

Economy and practicality

He cites roughly 40 MPG average from the trip counter, reinforcing the “daily driver everything” theme.

Aluminum subframes

Underneath, he notes aluminum front and rear subframes, helping reduce rust issues and overall weight.

Memorable Jokes / Lines

• He roasts the idea of a modified/hacked diesel exhaust as “not nice.”
• He jokes about Citroën stereotypes being “quirky,” then uses the steering-wheel mechanism as proof.
• He quips about “drift slag” behavior, implying the C5 is more likely to be used as a tow car—and laughs at the comedic image of McDonald’s trays under wheels (to illustrate that it’s not the typical owner).

Value and Buying Advice

Diesel backlash lowers prices

He argues that because diesel became less desirable, these cars are now cheaper to buy, offering “a lot of car for not much money.”

Price ranges mentioned

Approximate starting points:

• Around £2,000 for basic examples
• £6–10k for nicer ones
• Sweet spot around £4–5k, especially with Hydractive suspension

Risks to consider

If expensive features break, repairs can be costly. He recommends:

• Buying from a reputable source
• Ensuring a proper test drive and inspection

Reliability note (with a caveat)

He expects they may be less needy than older BMWs that enthusiasts compare them to, partly because they’re less targeted at boy-racer culture.

Ending Takeaway

He sums up the C5 as a “taxi” in the best sense: not fancy, not sporty, but a capable all-rounder—good-looking, comfortable, practical, and distinct.

He contrasts it with the more exotic Citroën C6, suggesting the C5 is the easier, more livable choice.

Personalities Featured

• Main presenter (cars YouTube narrator)
• Lewis (from Limitless media)