Citroen C5

At the time of the C5’s launch, Citroën claimed its then-new Mondeo rival was “Reassuringly German. Unmistakably Citroën.” Considering how deliberately French Citroën has always been over the years, it’s surprising and — and for some a little disappointing — to discover so much influence from Germany’s premium marques within the genes of the all-new C5.

Look closely and you can detect Germanness in most aspects of the car. Not merely in its admittedly handsome looks but also in its marketing thrust, its interior… you name it, the C5 oozes German-ness.

The C5 is a good looking car in a traditional, square-jawed kind of way and, at first glance, appears to be extremely well built, decently equipped and very obviously more premium in feel than its predecessor.