SPIED: Citroen C5 at JPJ – to be relaunched by NEM?

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That new C4 Picasso we posted earlier is stunning isn’t it? With Naza Euro Motors (NEM) taking the reigns of the Citroen brand in Malaysia, it’s likely to appear here in the distant future. For now, NEM looks set to add to its current range of DS4 and DS5, starting with the current Citroen C5 sedan.

A grey unit in top-spec Exclusive trim was spotted undergoing type approval testing at JPJ by our perennial spyshot contributor Anol Alias, signalling that a local relaunch is under way. We say relaunch because the car was once sold (silently) under the previous Citroen distributor. Funnily enough, this is not the latest C5 available internationally as it has yet to adopt the newer, softer chevron logo.

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The C5 is a close relative of the Peugeot 508, it sitting on the same platform and sharing the same pool of engines and transmissions. Exclusive to the former however is its unique Hydractive 3+ pneumatic suspension – a Citroen party piece. For our market, expect it to get the THP 155 1.6 litre engine and a six-speed automatic ‘box, mirroring the powertrain offered on the DS4, DS5 and incidentally, the local 508.

Features of note from the pictures are the 18-inch ‘Atlantic’ wheels, LED daytime running lights, fixed steering hub, Parking Space Measurement (gauges if the car can fit into a given space) and leather upholstery.

Now that owning a Citroen is cool again, would you consider this over a Peugeot 508 and other D-segment alternatives?

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Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • seancorr on Apr 02, 2013 at 7:28 pm

    I think I’ll let the brand mature first (more sales & service centers around the country) before I can consider owning one. Citroen does have some stunning models under its sleeve.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 35 Thumb down 1
    • Ugly! why don’t get a Passat or new Accord?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 54
      • _xXx_ on Apr 03, 2013 at 9:41 am

        I think I like the old yellow Swift parked beside the C5 more….

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 4
      • because your idea of “beautiful cars” is a collection of the most boring cars in the world

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
      • kadajawi on Apr 08, 2013 at 10:37 pm

        Because those don’t ride nearly as well as this one does. If you want a comfortable cruiser there is no alternative (ok, there is, it’s called Rolls Royce).

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • V12Kompressor on Apr 02, 2013 at 7:42 pm

    Looks like there’s another hot hatch making its way to Malaysia too… the Swift Sport. :D

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 20
  • blacktop on Apr 02, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    bad RV

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 40
  • Darren on Apr 02, 2013 at 8:44 pm

    Nice addition but hoping to see DS3 to arrive and hit below the RM150k mark:)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 0
    • Darren on Apr 03, 2013 at 8:45 am

      Naza could position Citroen as the Sports alternative to the Peugeot range to enthusiasts who demand for daily drive while retaining the fun factor with more affordable pricing and support. Mainly marketing the DS range only

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
      • kadajawi on Apr 08, 2013 at 10:38 pm

        Typically Peugeots are sportier than Citroens though. The C5 is much more focused on comfort than the 508, and that goes across the range (except for the DS models).

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • 1.sc get matured first or good market first?
    can they open many sc without many cars need their service?

    2.0-100km/h is 9.8, considering its much heavier than ds4. manual version can do faster. ds4 can do 8.8sec

    3.i saw old altis design rear lamp or it’s just me?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 5
  • saw two of this on npe earlier afternoon..one white, one black..with trade plates…look-wise, not bad

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Gavin on Apr 02, 2013 at 9:03 pm

    aren’t they going underwater in Europe already

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
  • ContiGuy on Apr 02, 2013 at 9:43 pm

    Given a choice between this and the Pug 508. I take the Pug. More reassuring at least to me.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • Talking Citroen…reminds me of my Tiara…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 0
    • RCZ…Tiara sold in malaysia was already an outdated model by the time it was sold here. but the Citroen Ax which it was based on was a superb car, a best selling car in europe. A comparison of the Tiara with any Citroen is not relevant encik

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Sam Loo on Apr 02, 2013 at 10:09 pm

    Nice to see according to some french lover,
    Nice to touch according to some french gays,
    Nice to own to be different,
    But once broken,
    You Cry Like Baby…….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 32
    • Anonymous on Apr 03, 2013 at 9:01 am

      If ur Toyota get stolen… please cry like a baby…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 3
      • Sam Loo on Apr 03, 2013 at 11:34 am

        If my toyota stolen, insurance still pay me very good market value.

        If your citroen got stolen, you have to sell your body to cover the loan as your insurance won’t pay market value.

        So, while Toyota owner carry on with life with another Toyota, citroen folks will definately cry louder. Hahahaha

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 11
        • _xXx_ on Apr 03, 2013 at 6:03 pm

          Insurance co will pay u very gd mrkt value?? In ur dream, sam. I think u have nt claimed any in ur life yet…

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
        • jacksonkua on Apr 03, 2013 at 8:17 pm

          Sam, if you are so smart in predicting the insurance claim value,
          Why still worked as Toyota Salesmen?

          Wonder your level of education?

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
        • IhateIdiots on Apr 04, 2013 at 7:43 am

          Sam! Broda! first of all You are right..your toyota might get stolen. Thier level of security might be lower compared to this french marque. Toyota is yesterday’s news la brother! Nissan over took their sales in US..soon the korean’s might do that..

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
        • if i was a toyota owner i will be glad if its stolen cos after 2 years driving it will shake like a tin horlicks – so better to claim insurance than to persuade people to buy it second hand from me

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • blacktop on Apr 03, 2013 at 12:34 am

    Sam Loo…u r awesome…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 5
  • KingPin on Apr 03, 2013 at 7:04 am

    Peugeot shld consider selling citroen away. It has eaten into PSA’s profit and not holding its ground in europe. The suspension supposedly the best in the world will suffer in our pothole laden roads, repairs to suspension will be ultra costly. So y bother with citroen wen u have peugeot well established here in malaysia. Even on peugeot’s worst day i will still pick a pug

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • kadajawi on Apr 08, 2013 at 10:45 pm

      This car is specially made for bad roads. The suspension isn’t expensive to repair, it’s just a steel ball with some fluid inside. A complete set is like RM 1000. For all 4 tyres.

      Peugeot is boring. Peugeot is a me too… why bother with a Peugeot when you can have a VW, Renault, Ford, … Citroen offers something others don’t.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • kingpin- doubt you have ever driven citroen C5 – it will make bad roads feel like billiard table. No car can rival the ride quality of Citroen hydraulics system

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Fagly on Apr 03, 2013 at 7:28 am

    Cheat-roen is famous for insanely expensive spare parts.

    There’s one owner even dumped his ZX on roadside since the gearbox repair cost more than car itself. LOL!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • samuraisan on Apr 03, 2013 at 8:54 am

    The shape is nothing fanstatic. The interior seems like you are in aeroplane. Good for those gadget folks although it might be intidimating for those first timer.

    The saving grace will be the pneumatic suspension which is top notch but could also be its biggest fear for car buyers. Just like how selespeed, dsg, air suspension put fear to prospective car buyers when they talk about reliability and whether our mechanic are capable of solving issues.

    Knowing malaysians tend to keep car longer than other country folks, reliability does take top priority than follow your heart.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • so many buttons on the steering

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Abg Long on Apr 03, 2013 at 9:17 am

    nothing exciting abt this car.. boring.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
    • abg long- thats because you have not being in one nor driven one to know what your talking about-typical of malaysians ignorance

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • look so boring

    how many big citroen u see on the road ^^

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • I test drive this car before and feel that the handling is better than F30.
    But one thing that makes me worried is the sc.
    But now is under Naza, hopefully they will add more sc.
    My personal opinion its an alternative car for those who want to be difference (Not looking for RV)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • frenzyaustin on Apr 03, 2013 at 1:38 pm

    This car’s exterior looks kinda boring. Like designed from year 2001. But this car was launched in year 2008 and arrived in Malaysia after 5 years? I won’t buy this car if I got the money. Maybe this is some stock clearance and Naza bought them at low price then sell at high price.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • frenzyaustin -i doubt you have the money to buy this car as your mentality tells you cannot afford one.Have you seen one in the flesh? no. have you driven one?…no

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Citroen in cantonese mean “RV loss till totally burnt up”

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
    • Baldwin on Apr 04, 2013 at 11:27 am

      “sit toh loong”…hahaha!
      Enough of Citroen reliability…it hit Malaysian market with the ZX during the late 90’s and got all rotten with reliability just after 3 yrs.

      Be a well informed consumer by reading up some ‘reliability articles & forums online’ before committing. Even Europeans stay away from Citroen nowadays.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
      • kadajawi on Apr 08, 2013 at 10:50 pm

        My Citroen is 11 years old. The first time I changed the battery was after 6-7 years. Now 4 years later I’m still on the second battery. It still starts well after 4 months standing around. No problems with the engine, gearbox (manual), suspension… there is some wear and tear, but that’s about it. A rather problem free car, and comfortable to drive.

        (Yes, the car is in Europe, batteries generally last longer, but even there this is quite good).

        Thing is, the times have changed. Toyota isn’t reliable anymore (only the Prius is), and other once unreliable brands are actually reliable now.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • frenzyaustin -i doubt you have the money to buy this car as your mentality tells you cannot afford one.Have you seen one in the flesh? no. have you driven one?…no

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • baldwin -not sure about your level of intellect but Citroen cars has been a reliable in the JD power survey of late, beating many german makes

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Seriously on Apr 03, 2013 at 11:20 pm

    Is it me or have I already seen a few on the road?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Paul Tan on Apr 03, 2013 at 11:44 pm

      The C5 was sold by the previous distributor, Brooklands Motors.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • My aunt drives the old C5, i do sometimes borrow her, did a round trip to Taiping…..fatigueless….

    Since then fall in love with C5…..would consider the new C5 if she falls below 140K…hehe

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Sickandtired on Apr 04, 2013 at 12:26 am

    These pics doesnt do justice to the c5, it looks really good in real life. My friend drives the 2.0 liter model and he hasn’t had any complaints, only praises.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
    • Thanks for your comment. Sometimes, people who have never owned or never even been in a Citroen make the most comments/complaints. Go figure :p

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
      • kadajawi on Apr 08, 2013 at 10:51 pm

        They are just envious and butthurt that they have to drive some lousy Toyota.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • Most commenters here do not actually own a Citroen or hear stories from friends who say they have friends who say they know friends who own a Citroen. And if it were true they are most likely referring to a second or hire hand 1980’s model.
          I have bought 3 brand new Citroen’s for the past 13 years and usually do not post comments on forums about it. Currently awaiting for the new Picasso and hopefully the new SUV DSX to arrive next year to book one.

          Want to know how it feels driving a Citroen?
          Sorry bro’s, you’ve got to be a big boy first before driving a new Citroen.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
          • Andy-true indeed …these idiotic comments are mostly from kapchai drivers – sort of mat rempits who mock at Harley bikers

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • MaxCobMara on Apr 30, 2013 at 10:18 pm

    Bring in the 2.2Hdi and I will buy one!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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