Which Citroen C5 Version Should You Buy?
The Citroen C5 choice depends on whether the priority is performance, fuel economy, or a lighter car. The data covers the first-generation Liftback from 2001 to 2005, its 2004–2008 restyling, and the second-generation Estate 5-door from 2008 to 2017. Among the listed versions, the first-generation 3.0 MT is the performance leader at 207 hp, with 0–100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and a 240 km/h top speed.
The Citroen C5 choice depends on whether the priority is performance, fuel economy, or a lighter car. The data covers the first-generation Liftback from 2001 to 2005, its 2004–2008 restyling, and the second-generation Estate 5-door from 2008 to 2017. Among the listed versions, the first-generation 3.0 MT is the performance leader at 207 hp, with 0–100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and a 240 km/h top speed. The second-generation 2.0 MT diesel with 150 hp is the economy leader at 4.2 L/100 km combined and 110 g/km CO2. Buyers wanting an Automatic can look to the second-generation 2.2 AT diesel with 204 hp, 450 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, and 6.1 L/100 km combined.
Citroen C5 generations and body styles
The first-generation Citroen C5 ran from August 2001 to January 2005 as a Liftback, with 31 modifications in the database. Its listed choices include Gasoline and Diesel engines, Manual and Automatic gearboxes, and outputs from 90 hp to 207 hp. Every listed first-generation version is FWD.
The same generation was restyled for the period from August 2004 to July 2008. It remained a Liftback and has 24 modifications in the database. The listed restyled versions span 109–207 hp and include Manual and Automatic transmissions. Every listed restyled version is also FWD.
The second generation ran from February 2008 to October 2017. The body represented here is an Estate 5-door, with 39 modifications in the database. Its listed engines produce 109–211 hp, while transmission choices include Manual and Automatic units. All listed second-generation versions are FWD.
Citroen C5 engine specs comparison
Duplicate version names are identified by power, fuel, or generation so that each specification remains unambiguous.
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.8 MT, 116 hp | 116 hp | 160 Nm | 1749 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First generation 2.0 MT, 136 hp Gasoline | 136 hp | 190 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First generation 2.0 MT, 140 hp | 140 hp | 200 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First generation 3.0 MT, 207 hp | 207 hp | 285 Nm | 2946 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First generation 2.0 MT, 90 hp Diesel | 90 hp | 205 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First generation 2.0 MT, 107 hp Diesel | 107 hp | 250 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First generation 2.0 AT, 107 hp Diesel | 107 hp | 250 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| First generation 2.0 MT, 109 hp Diesel | 109 hp | 250 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First generation 2.0 MT, 136 hp Diesel | 136 hp | 320 Nm | 1998 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First generation 2.2 MT, 133 hp | 133 hp | 314 Nm | 2179 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First generation 2.2 AT, 133 hp | 133 hp | 314 Nm | 2179 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| First generation 1.8 AT, 116 hp | 116 hp | 160 Nm | 1749 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| Restyled first generation 1.6 MT, 109 hp | 109 hp | 240 Nm | 1560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Restyled first generation 2.0 MT, 136 hp Diesel | 136 hp | 320 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| Restyled first generation 2.2 MT, 170 hp | 170 hp | 400 Nm | 2179 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| Restyled first generation 2.2 AT, 170 hp | 170 hp | 400 Nm | 2179 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6 | FWD |
| Restyled first generation 1.8 MT, 115 hp | 115 hp | 160 Nm | 1749 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Restyled first generation 1.8 MT, 125 hp | 125 hp | 170 Nm | 1749 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Restyled first generation 2.0 MT, 140 hp Gasoline | 140 hp | 200 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Restyled first generation 2.0 AT, 136 hp Diesel | 136 hp | 320 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6 | FWD |
| Restyled first generation 2.2 AT, 133 hp | 133 hp | 314 Nm | 2179 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| Restyled first generation 2.0 AT, 145 hp Gasoline | 145 hp | 200 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| Restyled first generation 3.0 AT, 207 hp | 207 hp | 285 Nm | 2946 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 6 | FWD |
| Restyled first generation 2.0 AT, 140 hp Gasoline | 140 hp | 200 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| Second generation 2.0 AT, 163 hp Diesel | 163 hp | 340 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6 | FWD |
| Second generation 2.2 AT, 204 hp | 204 hp | 450 Nm | 2179 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6 | FWD |
| Second generation 1.6 MT, 150 hp Gasoline | 150 hp | 240 Nm | 1598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| Second generation 1.8 MT, 127 hp | 127 hp | 170 Nm | 1749 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second generation 2.0 MT, 140 hp Gasoline | 140 hp | 200 Nm | 1997 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second generation 3.0 AT, 211 hp | 211 hp | 290 Nm | 2946 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 6 | FWD |
| Second generation 2.0 AT, 138 hp Diesel | 138 hp | 320 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6 | FWD |
| Second generation 1.6 MT, 109 hp Diesel | 109 hp | 240 Nm | 1560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second generation 1.6 AT, 109 hp Diesel | 109 hp | 240 Nm | 1560 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6 | FWD |
| Second generation 2.0 MT, 138 hp Diesel | 138 hp | 320 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| Second generation 2.0 MT, 150 hp Diesel | 150 hp | 370 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| Second generation 2.0 AT, 160 hp Diesel | 160 hp | 340 Nm | 1997 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 6 | FWD |
Power per litre helps separate similarly named choices. The second-generation Gasoline 1.6 MT produces approximately 93.9 hp per litre, compared with approximately 72.0 hp per litre for the second-generation Gasoline 3.0 AT. Among the highlighted Diesels, the second-generation 2.2 AT delivers approximately 93.6 hp per litre, while the economical 150 hp 2.0 MT delivers approximately 75.1 hp per litre.
Citroen C5 performance, mpg and economy
The first-generation 3.0 MT is the quickest listed C5: 0–100 km/h takes 8.2 seconds and top speed is 240 km/h. Its consumption is 13.9 L/100 km in the city, 7.1 L/100 km on the highway, and 9.6 L/100 km combined. The restyled 2.2 MT Diesel is close behind at 8.5 seconds and 222 km/h, yet uses 8.1, 5.6, and 6.1 L/100 km respectively. It therefore cuts combined consumption by 3.5 L/100 km while giving up 37 hp.
Within the second generation, the 2.2 AT Diesel reaches 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and 225 km/h, consuming 8.2 L/100 km city, 4.9 L/100 km highway, and 6.1 L/100 km combined. The 3.0 AT Gasoline has 7 hp more but takes 9.4 seconds, reaches 222 km/h, and consumes 15.7, 7.6, and 10.6 L/100 km. Against that Gasoline version, the 2.2 AT Diesel is 0.8 seconds quicker and uses 4.5 L/100 km less combined.
The second-generation 2.0 MT Diesel with 150 hp records 9.6 seconds to 100 km/h, 211 km/h, and consumption of 4.9 L/100 km city, 3.8 L/100 km highway, and 4.2 L/100 km combined. It also has the lowest stated CO2 figure at 110 g/km. For the second-generation 1.6 AT Diesel and 2.0 AT Diesel with 160 hp, city, highway, and combined consumption are not measured. Acceleration for the 1.6 AT Diesel is also not measured.
Citroen C5 dimensions, weight and running specifications
No exterior length or other exterior dimensions are supplied, so Citroen C5 length is not measured in this dataset. The available comparison covers weight, clearance, tank capacity, and wheels.
First-generation listed kerb weights run from 1290 kg for the 1.8 MT and 1.8 AT to 1560 kg for the 2.2 MT. The first-generation 3.0 MT weighs 1480 kg, equal to about 7.15 kg per hp. By comparison, the 90 hp 2.0 MT Diesel weighs 1360 kg, or about 15.11 kg per hp. Gross weight ranges across the stated first-generation figures from 1810 to 2010 kg; gross weight for the 136 hp, 1998 cc Diesel 2.0 MT is not measured. Ground clearance is 150 mm, the tank holds 66 litres, and stated wheel sizes include 195/65 R15 and 205/65 R15.
The restyled first-generation listed kerb weights range from 1305 kg for the 115 hp 1.8 MT to 1629 kg for the 136 hp Diesel 2.0 AT. The 207 hp 3.0 AT weighs 1590 kg, or about 7.68 kg per hp. Stated gross weights range from 1845 to 2100 kg. Every listed restyled version has 150 mm ground clearance and a 66-litre tank; wheel sizes are not measured.
Second-generation stated kerb weights range from 1542 kg for the 160 hp Diesel 2.0 AT to 1767 kg for the 204 hp Diesel 2.2 AT. Kerb and gross weights for the 150 hp Diesel 2.0 MT are not measured. The 204 hp 2.2 AT carries approximately 8.66 kg per hp, while the 211 hp 3.0 AT carries approximately 8.35 kg per hp. Stated gross weights range from 2178 to 2367 kg. Ground clearance is 150 mm for most listed versions and 165 mm for the 163 hp 2.0 AT Diesel and 204 hp 2.2 AT Diesel. Every listed second-generation version has a 71-litre tank. Stated wheels extend from 225/60 R16 through 245/40 R19, depending on version.
All listed C5 versions use Independent hydropneumatic front and rear suspension, Ventilated disc front brakes, and Disc rear brakes.
Which Citroen C5 version to choose
Choose the first-generation 3.0 MT if the purchase is driven by the strongest performance figures. Its 207 hp, 8.2-second acceleration time, and 240 km/h top speed lead the supplied data. The trade-off is 9.6 L/100 km combined consumption.
Choose the restyled first-generation 2.2 MT Diesel if you want a lighter high-torque Liftback with a Manual gearbox. It provides 170 hp and 400 Nm at a kerb weight of 1490 kg, reaches 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, and returns 6.1 L/100 km combined. The matching 2.2 AT has the same power, torque, kerb weight, top speed, and combined consumption, but its acceleration time is 10.3 seconds—1.8 seconds slower.
Choose the second-generation 2.2 AT Diesel when Automatic performance and torque take priority. Its 204 hp and 450 Nm exceed the 163 hp 2.0 AT Diesel by 41 hp and 110 Nm. It is also 1.6 seconds quicker to 100 km/h, has a top speed 17 km/h higher, and uses 0.1 L/100 km less combined, although its kerb weight is 125 kg greater.
Choose the second-generation 2.0 MT Diesel with 150 hp for the strongest economy case. Its 4.2 L/100 km combined figure is 1.9 L/100 km lower than that of the 204 hp 2.2 AT Diesel, while its 9.6-second acceleration time is only 1.0 second slower. It is also the listed Euro 6 choice, whereas many other second-generation versions are Euro 4 or Euro 5.
Choose the second-generation 1.6 MT Gasoline if power per litre matters more than maximum output. It combines 150 hp with 1598 cc, approximately 93.9 hp per litre, and reaches 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. Its combined consumption is 7.2 L/100 km. For comparison, the second-generation 140 hp Gasoline 2.0 MT needs 11.2 seconds and consumes 8.5 L/100 km combined, so the 1.6 MT is 2.2 seconds quicker and uses 1.3 L/100 km less.
The data contains no price, engine-oil capacity, repair history, fault record, or reliability measurement. Those points are therefore not measured, and they cannot be used to rank these Citroen C5 versions.