Citroen C5 vs Skoda Superb. Big originals

 

Citroen C5. Price: from €30,300. On sale: since 2008
Skoda Superb. Price: from €39,500. On sale: since 2008

Non-standard engineering solutions, memorable appearance, modern developments, a wide range of equipment and a very attractive price. All this is true for both the Citroen C5 and the Skoda Superb. Whose originality will be more convincing, we will try to understand in the course of a direct comparison


Test pilots

Andrey Myazin, 46 years old, editor-in-chief of the magazine, driving experience 26 years, personal car - Mazda CX-7

Igor Kuznetsov, 47 years old, automotive journalist, driving experience 20 years, personal car - Nissan Qashqai




Citroen C5

In the new C5, the hydropneumatic suspension, unlike its predecessor, is no longer offered as standard, but for an additional cost. However, this circumstance does not at all diminish the strengths of the car. As before, it stands out with its non-standard appearance, spacious and cozy interior. Plus — a wide range of power units.

 

 

Skoda Superb

Rich equipment, high-quality trim materials, the presence of a powerful engine and all-wheel drive transmission today will not surprise anyone. The key feature of this model is the incredibly spacious rear sofa and the proprietary TwinDoor system, thanks to which the Superb can turn into either a solid sedan or a practical hatchback.

 

For a long time, both cars did not particularly interest the wealthy public. But then the crisis hit, and people again began to perceive money not as abstract pieces of paper, but as a measure of their real capabilities. It was then that those who are able to replace the familiar "E-class", "5-series" and "6-series" came to the fore. Their main argument is full compliance with their class at a more modest price tag and generous equipment. But no matter how rich the options and attractive the price, in this segment the decisive factor has been and remains respectability. You meet people by their clothes. And here neither the "Frenchman" nor the "Czech" has any complaints: both look elegant and solid, and the national flavor in the design makes them also easily recognizable.

The dimensions also add solidity to the cars. And although the Superb at first glance seems noticeably longer, in fact it overtakes the C5 by only six centimeters, and even loses four in width. The "Czech" also has a smaller wheelbase. However, this strangely not only did not reduce the legroom in the rear, but also allowed it to be significantly increased, pushing the C5 to second position. If we talk about interiors, both cars clearly strive to go beyond their class — both in space and in the quality of finishing.

So, in the Citroen, in expensive versions, leather is present not only on the seats and door cards, but also on the dashboard. The interior of the C5 is certainly more interesting and unusual than that of the Superb: take at least the steering wheel with a fixed hub (you involuntarily think, did you drink too much at dinner yesterday). But over time, design delights will probably give way to ergonomics, and here the Skoda is preferable. The German heritage is felt both in the stricter style and in a more pedantic approach to ergonomics. This was especially evident in the design of the fifth door, which turns the Superb into either a sedan or a hatchback. The French also distinguished themselves, but their originality was limited to the concave rear window. But the C5, unlike the Superb, can boast a hydropneumatic suspension that can change stiffness according to driving style and adjust ground clearance to road conditions. True, compared to the previous model, the adjustment range has noticeably narrowed: the maximum to which the body can be raised is 170 mm. In addition, now such a suspension is an option. As is the parking assistance system. The principle of its operation is as follows: the sensor finds a place sufficient for maneuvering, and a light indicator suggests how difficult the maneuver will be. But Skoda also outdid its rival here: its parking assistant not only finds a place, but also turns the front wheels itself, the driver only needs to press the brake in time. True, this system is more amusing than useful, because for its operation you need such a gap that you can't find in real urban conditions even with a searchlight. So, there is no use from this expensive option. But the less "advanced" Citroen system is much more practical: it allows you to assess the complexity of parking depending on the driver's skills. No less useful in the C5 seemed to us the assistant that prevents the car from rolling back when starting on a hill. It is especially relevant for versions with a manual transmission.

In our case, both the Citroen and the Skoda were equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. Both cars had V-shaped "sixes" under the hood, but their displacement and output differed. The Frenchman had 3.0 liters and 215 horsepower, the Czech — 3.5 liters and 260 hp. Plus the Skoda was all-wheel drive. And this, of course, directly affected the temperament. The dynamics and handling of the Superb, although not shocking, made a strong impression. The car holds its course equally well both in measured driving and at a fast pace.

The Citroen also did not disappoint. The suspension in "comfort" mode works wonders, turning our broken roads into perfect asphalt. Light rocking sets a peaceful mood. Excellent sound insulation also plays a significant role: it is quiet in the cabin even at almost maximum speed. The car is also good in "sport", but the damped gas pedal and not very informative steering wheel blur the picture, and the hand itself reaches for the button to return to calm driving.

 

Citroen C5

 

Driving
Hydropneumatics gives the car enviable ride smoothness, but the low information content of the steering wheel is a clear drawback for a car of this level.

Interior
Spacious and comfortable, made at a high level — both in terms of technology and design.

Comfort
The car is comfortable for both the driver and passengers.

Safety
Quite decent.

Price
Slightly overpriced, which is explained by the rich basic equipment.

 

Skoda Superb

Driving
Ride smoothness improves with speed. All-wheel drive and a sharp steering wheel allow you to keep the car under full control.

Interior
Spacious and well-equipped. But the most advantageous places are in the back.

Comfort
Excellent sound insulation, high ride smoothness and many pleasant little things will brighten up even the longest journey.

Safety
At the level of rivals.

Price
Reasonable.

Our verdict

Both the Skoda Superb and the Citroen C5 — both cars really stand out from the crowd. But each in its own way. The Superb, with its outwardly calm appearance, can surprise with unusually large space in the second row and a non-standard way of opening the trunk. The C5, on the contrary, immediately tries to make an impression, but it also has many interesting solutions in reserve — both in the interior and in the technical part. However, if we evaluate everything in aggregate, the Superb appealed to us more.

 

DATA BANK. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS