It’s not every day that a car window goes up by itself to protect you from the elements! But this was the case with the latest Citroen car to come my way, the C5 2.0-litre HDI VTR 5-door, with 110bhp.

I’d opened the window to talk to someone when parked at the kerb. Then the rain had started with a vengeance and the window raised itself. Wonderful indeed are the works of modern electronics. And in this case, Citroen’s rain sensitive automatic window closing feature.

The VTR version of the C5 is designed to appeal to younger buyers and company car drivers looking for good space, a high degree of comfort and matching levels of equipment. They won’t be disappointed as this car is packed with a long list of goodies.

The VTR badge also denotes a sportier look to the C5, with dual-7-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, a ‘chrome’ effect lower front mesh grille, and a rear boot spoiler.

I found the car really lovely to drive and to be driven in, and recalled how well it appealed to me when it was first introduced. It’s a nice, manageable size for everyday use. There’s also a certain feel-good factor to being behind the wheel. And as you’d expect from Citroen, the suspension is quite superb.

It was easy to get a good driving position and to have a clear view of all the instruments. The steering wheel simply does not interfere with the view of the speedometer. Very important, that, to someone who is not so tall, and something that quite a few designers still fail to deal with.

While there is great visibility up front, it’s not as good behind due to the coupe-like shape of the car.

On the road, the C5 can read the road conditions and your driving style with its Hydractive 3 suspension system, adjusting its height automatically to improve fuel economy at higher speeds.

The HDi engine is both refined and quiet. Again as you’d expect from the PSA Peugeot Citroen group. Top speed is 119mph and the car can do the 0-62mph trip in 11.3 secs. The return for the combined fuel cycle is around 47mpg.

As there was hardly any mileage on the clock, I did find the gearbox a bit on the stiff side. But this will ease with use.

Like the exterior, the cabin area also comes with a sporty look. Trim includes aluminium effect door handles and gear knob, and a modern tecno look plastic finish around the centre console and doors that complements the colour of the seats. Seats are extremely comfy and come clad in a dark blue/grey upholstery, with matching front armrests.

On another level, the tailgate door is a bit on the heavy side to lift. A woman would certainly achieve ‘fit’ arm muscles just from lifting and closing it every day.
And if the huge boot is not enough to carry all the items you want to take with you, the roof rack can take up to 75kg.

All C5 models have, as standard, ABS with EBD and EBA, air conditioning, six airbags, remote central locking, electric front and rear windows, CD player with remote audio controls, leather steering wheel, trip computer, heated and electrically adjustable anti glare mirrors, height adjustable front seats, five three point seat belts and head restraints, and rear central armrest. The review car also had automatic headlights and wipers.

An anti-theft alarm is also fitted as standard on the C5 VTR.

The Citroen range comes with two years manufacturers warranty, 12 years anti-corrosion warranty and 3 years paint warranty.

The review car retails at €30,250. A 1.8i 16V petrol VTR version is on offer at €26,250. The choice between a petrol or a diesel VTR model boils down to whether you want to go the more practical diesel road or the more zippy petrol one.

The choice is yours!