2005 Citroen C8 Executive review

Citroen C8 Executive review:

The C8, Citroen`s executive people-carrier, has sold more than 85,000 units since its launch in June 2002. With its attractive styling, sliding side doors, equipment and impeccable road manners, it ranks among the MPVs setting the standards for comfort and safety. The five stars obtained in EuroNCAP crash tests confirm its high standards of passenger protection.

The contemporary design lines of the C8 clearly identify it as an executive vehicle. Its prestige looks are underlined by the 16-inch wheels, now fitted on all models, and a new body colour, Fer Grey.

The welcoming cabin with its sliding electric doors can accommodate up to eight people in three rows. A range of attractive interior ambiences are available, including a new option with the first level of trim, featuring dark grey fabric seats with a bamboo finish. The central instrument cluster on the high-tech dashboard is also upgraded. Whether it has three dials, or two dials and a large 7-inch 16/9 colour screen, the cluster gains orange lighting and new screen-printing of contemporary design.

To provide drivers with all the information and assistance necessary for relaxed driving, the C8 gains a wider range of equipment, including: a speed limiter coupled with cruise control, a tyre under-inflation detector showing the wheel concerned, and parking assistance with the vehicle silhouette and detection areas displayed on the multifunction screen.

To provide its occupants with maximum safety, the C8 naturally boasts a full range of active safety equipment including ABS, TCS, ESP, EBA and automatic hazard warning lights. These features are combined with an ultra-resistant structure and a range of protective equipment whose efficiency is reflected by the five stars received in EuroNCAP crash tests.

Concerning the engine range, the C8 will be available from March, depending on the country, with the 120 bhp 2.0 HDi engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The existing diesel engine options remain available: the HDi 109 DPFS mated to a manual or automatic gearbox and the HDi 130 DPFS with a six-speed manual gearbox. The petrol version of the C8 is equipped with the 143 bhp 2.0i 16V engine associated with a manual or automatic gearbox.