Like the C5 saloon, the Tourer has largely faded from view after its high-profile introduction, as Citroen concentrates on smaller cars, MPVs and its DS brand. This is a matter of regret, since the Tourer is a very good, very handsome car which deserves to be more popular than it is.

There used to be a wide choice of engines, but all that's on offer now is a 2-litre diesel available with two power outputs - 148bhp if fitted with six-speed manual transmission or 178bhp with a six-speed automatic.

The styling and equipment levels were revised in the summer of 2012, but there have been no updates since then.

Performance

All C5 Tourer models have very similar straight-line performance, the extra power of the 178bhp engine being almost entirely cancelled out by the automatic gearbox. This is still, however, the quicker car, with a 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds compared with 9.1 for the 148bhp manuals. Oddly, the latter are quoted as being 0.3 seconds quicker on this run than the equivalent saloons, while the automatic is a tenth slower.

Of interest only if you plan to drive flat-out along an autobahn, the manual cars have a top speed of 130mph. The automatic pegs out at 129mph.

Ride and Handling

It isn't particularly sporty, but the ride quality is excellent, and very long distances can be covered in great comfort.

This is where the C5 has always scored well in comparison with other large family cars. It isn't particularly sporty, but the ride quality is excellent, and very long distances can be covered in great comfort. The saloon is better than the Tourer in this respect. The need to deal with possible heavy loads has forced a compromise in the rear suspension which makes the Tourer less enjoyable to drive. But it's still very good.

Interior and Equipment

The C5 was voted Import Car of the Year by a jury made up primarily of Japanese motoring journalists in 2009.

With no hatchback in the range, the Tourer is the C5 to go for if you need to carry a lot of luggage. Its luggage capacity is 505 litres with the rear seats in place, compared with 439 for the saloon, and 1,462 to roof level when they're folded down. The latter figure is less than spectacular considering other cars in the class offer 1,600 litres and more, but it should suit most needs. The interior materials and build quality are of a very high standard, to the extent that Citroen originally marketed the car (without much success) as a serious alternative to the German opposition. The two trim levels are called VTR+ and Exclusive. The less powerful manual-transmission cars are available in both, the automatic only as an Exclusive. The Techno Pack introduced as an optional extra in 2012 is now fitted as standard. All versions have satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers and rear parking sensors. The VTR+ has 17-inch wheels, while the Exclusive has 18s, along with an electric parking brake, Hill Start Assist, a self-dimming interior mirror, electrically operated front seats and front parking sensors. Extra-cost options include 19-inch wheels (on the Exclusive only), a glass sunroof, part-leather upholstery, rear side airbags and any colour other than Polar White.

Cost

Prices range from just over £25,000 for the 148bhp VTR+ manual to just above £29,000 for the 178bhp Exclusive automatic.

Prices range from just over £25,000 for the 148bhp VTR+ manual to just above £29,000 for the 178bhp Exclusive automatic. All the cars are very close on CO2 emissions, the 148bhp ones being rated at 110g/km and the 178 at 114g/k. Vehicle Excise Duty will cost £20 and £30 respectively from year two onwards, while both are in the same Benefit In Kind bracket, rated at 20 per cent now and rising to 26 per cent in 2018-19. Combined fuel economy is in the mid to high 60s for mpg in every case.

Our Verdict

You would have difficulty finding a better-looking estate car of this size, but at least the obvious rivals can actually be found. The C5 is not in the core of Citroen's range and is no longer being marketed strongly, which can't be helping its sales figures. It remains, however, a splendid car, and it will be a sad day when it finally fades out of existence.