The Citroën C5 II Tourer, specifically the Phase II model produced between 2012 and 2015, represented a significant evolution of Citroën’s large family car. This variant, equipped with the 1.6 HDi diesel engine producing 114 horsepower, occupied a crucial mid-range position within the C5 Tourer lineup. Positioned between the lower-powered diesel options and the more potent, though less fuel-efficient, gasoline engines, the 1.6 HDi aimed to balance economy with acceptable performance for long-distance touring, a key strength of the C5. The C5 II Tourer itself was built on the PSA Group’s Platform 2, also known as the 1HX0 platform, shared with the Peugeot 407 and later models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | C5 |
| Generation | C5 II Tourer (Phase II, 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 HDi (114 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 129 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.5 kg/Hp, 74.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.4 kg/Nm, 156 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 114 Hp @ 3600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 73.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1750 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 9HR DV6C |
| Engine displacement | 1560 cm3 (95.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.75 l (3.96 US qt | 3.3 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1538 kg (3390.71 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2153 kg (4746.55 lbs.) |
| Max load | 615 kg (1355.84 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 505 l (17.83 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1462 l (51.63 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 71 l (18.76 US gal | 15.62 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4829 mm (190.12 in.) |
| Width | 1860 mm (73.23 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2096 mm (82.52 in.) |
| Height | 1483-1479 mm (58.39 – 58.23 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2815 mm (110.83 in.) |
| Front track | 1586 mm (62.44 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1557 mm (61.3 in.) |
| Front overhang | 1054 mm (41.5 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 960 mm (37.8 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this C5 Tourer variant is the 1.6-liter HDi diesel engine, specifically the 9HR (DV6C) engine code. This engine is a four-cylinder, inline configuration, utilizing a common-rail direct injection system. The DV6C engine family was widely used across PSA Group vehicles, known for its relatively compact size and fuel efficiency. The turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, helps to boost power output and improve combustion efficiency. The engine produces 114 horsepower at 3600 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque at 1750 rpm. This torque figure is particularly noteworthy, providing good low-end grunt for everyday driving and towing. The engine features a 16:1 compression ratio, typical for diesel engines, and 4 valves per cylinder. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, which was the standard offering for this trim level.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 HDi engine, while not exceptionally powerful, provides adequate performance for the C5 Tourer. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 11.3 seconds, and top speed is rated at 190 km/h (118 mph). The engine’s strength lies in its mid-range torque, making it comfortable for highway cruising and overtaking. Compared to the more powerful 2.0 HDi variants, the 1.6 HDi feels less responsive, particularly at higher engine speeds. However, the 5-speed manual transmission is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, offering smooth gear changes and a reasonable spread of ratios. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel economy, prioritizing efficiency over outright performance. The C5’s renowned hydropneumatic suspension (though later models transitioned to conventional setups) contributes to a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface effectively.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 HDi variant of the C5 Tourer typically came equipped with a respectable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD stereo system, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, such as Exclusive, added features like automatic climate control, alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, and a more luxurious interior trim. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for leather upgrades. Dashboard configuration was consistent across the range, featuring a clear and functional layout. Optional extras included a navigation system, panoramic sunroof, and xenon headlights.
Chassis & Braking
The C5 Tourer’s chassis features independent multi-link suspension on both the front and rear axles, contributing to its comfortable ride quality. The front brakes are ventilated discs, providing good stopping power, while the rear brakes are solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The steering is rack and pinion with electric power assistance. The suspension setup is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, prioritizing a smooth and composed ride over sharp cornering. The C5 Tourer’s weight of approximately 1538 kg (3390.71 lbs) is relatively high, which impacts its overall agility.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Citroën C5 II Tourer 1.6 HDi was generally well-received by critics as a practical and comfortable family car. Its fuel economy of around 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg) was a major selling point, making it an attractive option for drivers covering long distances. Compared to the 2.0 HDi variants, the 1.6 HDi offered lower running costs but sacrificed some performance. The 1.6 HDi was also seen as a more affordable alternative to the gasoline-powered C5 models. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) system, a common problem with modern diesel engines.
Legacy
The 1.6 HDi engine, in its various iterations, proved to be a durable and reliable powertrain. The C5 Tourer 1.6 HDi remains a popular choice on the used car market, offering a good balance of comfort, economy, and practicality. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for DPF issues and ensure that the vehicle has been properly maintained. The C5 II Tourer, as a whole, is remembered as a comfortable and spacious estate car, representing a high point in Citroën’s commitment to ride quality and practicality.
