The Citroën C5 I (Phase II), specifically the 2.2 HDi Biturbo 170 hp variant produced between 2006 and 2008, represents a sophisticated evolution of Citroën’s large family car. Positioned as a premium offering within the C5 range, this model aimed to combine comfort, performance, and advanced technology. It built upon the foundation of the X7 platform (also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform), shared with the Peugeot 607, offering a distinctive blend of French engineering and design. The Phase II facelift brought styling updates and refinements to the original C5 I, solidifying its position in the competitive European D-segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | C5 |
| Generation | C5 I (Phase II, 2004) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 HDi Biturbo (170 Hp) FAP |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg, 34.9 UK mpg, 12.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 222 km/h (137.94 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp, 107.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm, 234.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 78 Hp/l |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 1500 rpm (272.9 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 4HT DW12BTED4 |
| Engine displacement | 2179 cm3 (132.97 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.25 l (5.55 US qt, 4.62 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.7 l (11.31 US qt, 9.41 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1576 kg (3474.49 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2055 kg (4530.5 lbs.) |
| Max load | 479 kg (1056.01 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 471 l (16.63 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1315 l (46.44 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 67 l (17.7 US gal, 14.74 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4745 mm (186.81 in.) |
| Width | 1780 mm (70.08 in.) |
| Height | 1476 mm (58.11 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm (108.27 in.) |
| Front track | 1528 mm (60.16 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1495 mm (58.86 in.) |
| Front overhang | 1033 mm (40.67 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 962 mm (37.87 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.43 m (40.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the C5 2.2 HDi Biturbo is the DW12BTED4 engine, a 2.2-liter inline-four diesel. This engine is notable for its use of a sequential twin-turbocharger setup. The smaller turbocharger provides quick response at low engine speeds, minimizing turbo lag, while the larger turbocharger delivers increased power at higher RPMs. This configuration, combined with an intercooler, allows the engine to produce 170 horsepower and a substantial 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque. The engine utilizes a common rail direct injection system, ensuring precise fuel delivery and contributing to both performance and fuel efficiency. The valvetrain is a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with four valves per cylinder. The 6-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing a good balance between fuel economy and driver control.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.2 HDi Biturbo offered a compelling driving experience for a large family sedan. The twin-turbo setup provided strong acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 8.1 seconds and a top speed of 137.94 mph. While not a sports car, the engine delivered ample power for overtaking and cruising on highways. The manual transmission allowed for greater driver engagement compared to the automatic options available on other C5 variants. The gear ratios were well-chosen to maximize the engine’s torque output, providing strong pull throughout the rev range. Compared to the base 1.8-liter petrol engine, the 2.2 HDi Biturbo offered significantly more performance, but at the cost of some refinement and a slightly heavier engine. Compared to the higher-output 2.7 HDi V6, the 2.2 offered a more economical and manageable driving experience, albeit with less overall power.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.2 HDi Biturbo typically came equipped with a generous level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an RDS stereo system. Higher trim levels, such as Exclusive, added features like leather upholstery, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and parking sensors. Optional extras included a navigation system, a panoramic sunroof, and xenon headlights. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on lower trims, with leather available as an upgrade. The dashboard layout was functional and ergonomically designed, with a focus on ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The C5 I featured a comfortable and compliant suspension setup. The front suspension utilized McPherson struts with a coil spring and anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension was a semi-independent coil spring arrangement. This setup prioritized ride comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety and control during emergency braking situations. The C5’s chassis was designed to provide a stable and predictable handling experience, although it wasn’t particularly sporty.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Citroën C5 2.2 HDi Biturbo was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, strong performance, and fuel efficiency. The twin-turbo diesel engine was considered a highlight, offering a good balance between power and economy. However, some critics noted that the interior quality wasn’t quite up to par with some of its German rivals. In terms of fuel economy, the 2.2 HDi Biturbo offered a significant advantage over the petrol engines, achieving around 38.6 US mpg on the combined cycle. Reliability was generally good, although the complex turbocharger system could potentially require maintenance over the long term.
Legacy
The 2.2 HDi Biturbo engine proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant when properly maintained. Today, well-maintained examples of the C5 I 2.2 HDi Biturbo can still be found on the used car market. While not as sought-after as some classic Citroëns, it represents a capable and comfortable family car with a distinctive French character. The engine’s robust construction and relatively simple design contribute to its longevity, making it a viable option for buyers seeking an affordable and practical vehicle. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for turbocharger issues and ensure that the vehicle has been regularly serviced.
