SECOND-HAND SENSE: French cars tend to be either loved or hated. Curiously designed, idiosyncratically engineered and sometimes downright ugly they are avoided by those who seek familiarity and dependability.
Those who appreciate the French tradition of innovative excellence will not, however, be easily wooed back to mass market motoring. Remember, 30 years ago the Citroën DS had headlights that followed the steering wheel's movements - a system now being introduced by at least one manufacturer as a new idea.
Citroën rather than Peugeot or Renault has generally been in the innovation forefront, although Renault introduced the MPV concept and then to mini-MPV and so on. We can thank Citroën for front-wheel drive and wonderful suspension that floats up and down to suit the momentum.
The C5, the biggest of Citroën and due for a facelift this year, is an example of how the firm's flowers often blush unseen. Big, wide, reasonably powerful and with that wonderful suspension, it replaced the unfortunately named Xantia as Citroën's executive car in 2001.
It's not quite as big inside as it looks from the outside but it's still impressive. Big comfy seats and a big boot are its trademarks, but the estate is truly cavernous. The saloon and hatchback drive well - handling is good but ride is superb.
The interior is dominated by plastic but some models have a wood effect surround to lighten the look. Gearboxes, manual and automatic, can feel a little out of kilter. The 1.8- and 2-litre engines are smooth and efficient but the smaller unit is not exactly inspiring. The 2.2 direct injection diesel is the preferred work horse but not as economical as might have been expected. It does, however, punch above its weight in terms of performance.
The C5 did well in Euro NCAP tests. Curiously, Citroën was allowed to replace the original test car with a modified one after a door opened during testing. Even then the door still moved, without opening. However, the car was said to have a "strong passenger cell . . . providing a safe survival space that remained intact." Worryingly, the driver's chest hit the steering wheel, but the car scored four out of five.
C5s can be well equipped and you shouldn't pay over the odds for one. A 2001 car with a 1.8 petrol engine and 31,000 on the clock and equipped with ABS, four airbags, CD, electric windows and power steering has an asking price at one garage of €14,750 and one would expect to get at least €1,500 off. A similar car just two years old with 28,000 on the clock has an asking price of €16,750. A two-year-old 2.2 diesel with 30,000 on the clock is for sale at €19,950 and, again, one would expect a hefty discount for cash.
There have been two major re-calls - one in 2002 for a faulty ABS unit and another last year for possible cracking of road wheels. There have been a number of persistent complaints, including one of a rattly rear suspension. ...