2009-2010 Citroen C5 II Tourer (Phase I ) 1.6 HDi (110 Hp) FAP

The Citroën C5 II Tourer 1.6 HDi 110 FAP, produced between 2009 and 2010, represents a significant offering within the second generation (X7) C5 Tourer range. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and practical option, this variant aimed to balance affordability with the comfort and spaciousness Citroën was known for. It falls within the Phase I refresh of the C5 II, characterized by subtle styling updates and refinements to the interior. The C5 II Tourer, as a whole, was Citroën’s entry in the large family estate car segment, competing with vehicles like the Ford Mondeo Estate, Volkswagen Passat Variant, and Peugeot 407 SW. This particular engine and transmission combination was designed to appeal to buyers prioritizing economy and relaxed cruising over outright performance.

Technical Specifications

INTRODUCTION

The Citroën C5 II Tourer 1.6 HDi 110 FAP, launched in 2009, was a key variant within the updated C5 II range. Built on the PSA Group’s EMP2 platform (though early iterations were still based on the 1HX0/A3 platform), the C5 II aimed to provide a comfortable and refined driving experience. The “Tourer” designation signified the estate (wagon) body style, offering increased cargo capacity compared to the sedan. The 1.6 HDi engine, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission, was positioned as the entry-level diesel option, prioritizing fuel efficiency and affordability. This model was primarily sold in Europe, where diesel engines held a significant market share due to favorable taxation and fuel economy.

Powertrain & Engine Architecture

The heart of this C5 Tourer is the PSA Group’s 9HL (DV6C) 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine is a common-rail direct injection diesel, utilizing a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The DV6C engine is known for its relatively robust design, though early versions were prone to some issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), hence the “FAP” designation (Filtre à Particules). The engine produces 110 horsepower at 3500 rpm and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 1750 rpm. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a balance between fuel economy and usability. The gear ratios were tuned for relaxed cruising, prioritizing fuel efficiency over sporty acceleration. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively efficient operation.

Driving Characteristics

The 1.6 HDi 110 hp engine, paired with the five-speed manual gearbox, delivers a driving experience focused on comfort and economy rather than outright performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 11.9 seconds, and top speed is approximately 118 mph. The engine feels adequate for everyday driving, providing sufficient torque for overtaking maneuvers, but it lacks the punch of the higher-powered 2.0 HDi variants. The gear ratios are relatively long, contributing to good fuel economy on the highway. The C5 II’s renowned hydropneumatic suspension (depending on the specific trim level – some base models used conventional suspension) provides a remarkably smooth and comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. Steering is light and precise, making the car easy to maneuver in urban environments.

Equipment & Trim Levels

The C5 II Tourer 1.6 HDi 110 FAP typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD stereo, 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 available on higher-spec models. The dashboard layout was functional and ergonomically designed, with a focus on ease of use. Optional extras included a navigation system, a panoramic sunroof, and xenon headlights.

Chassis & Braking

The C5 II Tourer features a double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, contributing to its comfortable ride quality. Brakes are ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The steering is a rack and pinion system with hydraulic power assistance. The suspension setup is tuned for comfort, prioritizing ride quality over sporty handling. The car’s weight of approximately 1538 kg (3390 lbs) contributes to its stable and planted feel on the road.

Market Reception & Comparison

The C5 II Tourer 1.6 HDi 110 FAP was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and fuel-efficient estate car. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and generous cargo capacity. However, some critics noted that the 1.6 HDi engine lacked the power of its larger counterparts. Compared to the 2.0 HDi variants, the 1.6 HDi offered significantly better fuel economy but at the expense of performance. The 1.6 HDi was also generally more reliable than the earlier 2.2 HDi engines, which were known for some mechanical issues. Against competitors like the Ford Mondeo Estate and Volkswagen Passat Variant, the C5 II Tourer offered a unique blend of comfort and practicality, often at a more competitive price point.

Legacy

The 1.6 HDi engine, in various iterations, became a mainstay in the PSA Group’s lineup for many years. While generally reliable, the early versions of the 1.6 HDi, particularly those equipped with a DPF, could experience issues with the particulate filter clogging, especially with frequent short journeys. Today, used examples of the C5 II Tourer 1.6 HDi 110 FAP are relatively affordable and represent a good value for buyers seeking a spacious and comfortable estate car. Maintenance costs are generally reasonable, although it’s important to ensure the DPF is functioning correctly. The C5 II Tourer remains a popular choice for those prioritizing practicality, comfort, and fuel efficiency.