The Citroën C5 II (Phase II), specifically the 1.6 THP 156 horsepower automatic variant produced between 2012 and 2015, represented a mid-cycle refresh of the second-generation C5. Positioned as a mainstream offering within the C5 range, it aimed to balance comfort, fuel efficiency, and performance for the European market. This version slotted between the lower-powered diesel options and the more potent, though less common, higher-output petrol engines. The Phase II updates brought revised styling, improved interior materials, and enhancements to the car’s technology, solidifying the C5’s reputation as a comfortable and technologically advanced large family car.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | C5 |
| Generation | C5 II (Phase II, 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 THP (156 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.5 l/100 km (22.4 US mpg, 26.9 UK mpg, 9.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg, 17.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 169 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.7 kg/Hp, 103 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm, 158.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 156 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 97.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1400 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 1400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 5FV EP6CDT |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.8 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1515 kg (3340 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2026 kg (4466.57 lbs.) |
| Max load | 511 kg (1126.56 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 439 l (15.5 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 71 l (18.76 US gal | 15.62 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 69 kg (152.12 lbs.) |
| Length | 4779 mm (188.15 in.) |
| Width | 1860 mm (73.23 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2096 mm (82.52 in.) |
| Height | 1451-1458 mm (57.13 – 57.4 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2815 mm (110.83 in.) |
| Front track | 1586 mm (62.44 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1557 mm (61.3 in.) |
| Front overhang | 1054 mm (41.5 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 910 mm (35.83 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.7 m (38.39 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this C5 variant is the 1.6 THP (Turbo High Pressure) engine, specifically the 5FV EP6CDT code. This engine is a member of the Prince engine family, a collaborative development between PSA Peugeot Citroën and BMW. It features direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The direct injection system optimizes combustion efficiency and contributes to improved power output and reduced emissions. The turbocharger provides a significant boost in power, delivering 156 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque at a low 1400 rpm. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. Paired with this engine is a six-speed automatic transmission, designed to provide smooth and efficient gear changes. This transmission isn’t known for being particularly sporty, prioritizing comfort and fuel economy over rapid shifts.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 THP automatic C5 offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. While not exceptionally quick – achieving 0-60 mph in around 9.3 seconds – the engine provides adequate power for everyday driving and overtaking maneuvers. The automatic transmission, while smooth, can feel somewhat hesitant at times, particularly when requiring quick downshifts. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine can feel strained when accelerating hard. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the same engine, the automatic sacrifices some responsiveness. Higher-output engines, like the 2.0L HDi diesel, offered significantly more torque and quicker acceleration, but at the expense of fuel economy and refinement. The C5’s suspension, a hallmark of the model, provides a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 THP automatic typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, a CD/radio system with steering wheel-mounted controls, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, such as Exclusive, added features like leather upholstery, automatic climate control, parking sensors, and a more advanced infotainment system. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, and xenon headlights. Interior upholstery was generally cloth on lower trims, with leather available as an upgrade. The dashboard layout was functional and well-designed, though some materials felt less premium than those found in competing vehicles.
Chassis & Braking
The C5 II utilizes an independent multi-link suspension system on both the front and rear axles, contributing to its comfortable ride quality. The front suspension features coil springs and anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension also incorporates coil springs and an anti-roll bar. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, providing enhanced braking performance and stability. The steering is electrically assisted, offering a light and easy driving experience.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.6 THP automatic C5 was generally well-received by critics as a comfortable and practical family car. However, some reviewers noted the automatic transmission’s lack of responsiveness and the engine’s occasional strain under hard acceleration. Fuel economy was considered good for a car of its size, averaging around 32.2 US mpg in combined driving. Compared to the diesel variants, the 1.6 THP offered a more refined driving experience but lacked the diesel’s superior fuel economy and low-end torque. Reliability was generally good, though some owners reported issues with the turbocharger and direct injection system over the long term.
Legacy
The 1.6 THP engine, while generally reliable, has been known to exhibit issues with carbon buildup on the intake valves, particularly if not regularly driven on longer journeys. The automatic transmission, while durable, isn’t known for its sporting character. Today, the 1.6 THP automatic C5 II represents a relatively affordable and comfortable used car option. Its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reasonable fuel economy make it a practical choice for families. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for carbon buildup on the intake valves and ensure the car has been well-maintained. The C5 II, in general, remains a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and technologically advanced large family car at a reasonable price point.
