Citroen C5 Tourer & Berlingo MPV
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We've seen the C5 saloon before, but here in Geneva is the Citroen C5 Tourer.
The saloon, which is based on the same platform as the Peugeot 407, will arrive in the UK in April 2008, with the estate following a month later.
There are three petrol and four diesel engine options. The petrol units are a 127bhp 1.8-litre, a 143bhp 2.0-litre and a 208bhp 3.0-litre V6, which is unlikely to go on sale in the UK. The HDI diesels are a 110bhp 1.6-litre, 138bhp and 173bhp 2.0-litres, and a 208bhp 2.7-litre V6.
Buyers will have the choice of manual or automatic gearboxes on most models.
Styling and suspension
Citroen has set itself the goal of increased fleet sales, so gone is the five-door hatchback, replaced by a four-door saloon.
Buyers can also choose between a conventional suspension set-up or the hydropneumatic suspension system traditionally used on Citroens. This system adjusts to the road automatically, and also has selectable 'soft' and 'sport' modes.
Dimension changes
The new car is 40mm longer than the old C5, and has a longer wheelbase to improve handling and boost cabin space. It is also lower to give it a more dynamic look.
The estate features similar dimension changes, but is actually shorter than the current C5 model to make it look less boxy.
That style change has reduced load capacity, but highlights Citroen's push towards lifestyle buyers rather than those chasing outright practicality.
Styling and safety
Design features include a large front air intake, long headlamps and, on saloons, a distinctive concave rear window, which allows the boot to open more easily and compensates for the lack of a hatchback option.
Safety features include front, knee, side and curtain airbags, with the option of additional rear side airbags. There is also a collapsible pedal assembly that folds up in the event of an accident to protect the driver's feet.
Cruise control, stability control and a speed limiter are standard, while some versions will be sold with Citroen's Lane Departure Warning System, which warns the driver if a car unintentionally crosses lane markings.
Trim levels
Trim levels have not been announced, but are not expected to stray too far from the current LX, VTR, Exclusive and VTX Plus options.
Choices for buyers will include front and rear parking sensors, a parking gap assist system and a driver's seat massage device.
No prices have been released for the car, but estimates suggest they will start from 16,000.
Citroen Belingo Multispace MPV
The second-generation of Citroen's Berlingo Multispace MPV goes on sale this summer.
Improvements over today's model include three individually removable rear seats, overhead storage lockers and an independently opening tailgate window. Additional luxuries will include cruise control, parking sensors and a removable centre console storage box.
Headroom inside the car will satisfy your Irish Wolfhounds, and interior roof bars will be an option for those wanting to transport and store surfboards or skis safely inside the car.
Expect a mixture of petrol and diesel power, with diesel models likely to be the best sellers.
Prices will be announced closer to the car's on-sale date of June. Expect a slight rise over today's car, which costs from 10,180 to 12,555.
The original Berlingo will continue to be sold, badged Citroen Berlingo First Multispace, for those wanting a cheaper and more basic car.
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