The handsome French mid-size saloon has been given a subtle revision, which is just a mild update, but it does give the Citroen C5 a fresh look for the new year. To sum up the visual changes, LEDs have been added under the headlamps. Active day and night and combined with a light guide, they subtly strengthen the car’s light signature. The headlamps retain all the existing functions, including xenon dual-function directional lights and corner lights. At the back, the rear lights get a new “Dark Crystal” treatment with clear glass in the central section.

The main upgrade for the car however, is the addition of a hybrid variant. The Citroen C5 inaugurates the new micro-hybrid technology that will be widely applied to numerous models in the range. Initially it will be available with the HDi 110 DPFS version equipped with the EGS6 electronic gearbox system with steering-wheel paddles and low rolling resistance tyres.

This system includes many innovative features like second-generation Stop & Start system, which retains an alternator-starter, or reversible alternator, and it’s also enhanced in terms other than performance as well. For instance it has less vibration and virtually no noise at all, in comparison to the first gen.

The Citroen C5 e-HDi is also equipped with an optimised watertight battery sized for up to 600,000 restart cycles. Engine suspension has been enhanced on the Citroen C5 for increased comfort during stops and re-starts. The new equipment considerably reduces the Citroen C5’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Over a combined cycle, the diesel model consumes 4.6 l/100 km and emits 120 g/km of CO2. In an urban cycle, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are up to 15% lower.

Other interesting variant of the car is the C5 HDi 200 DPFS featuring a 2.2 liter engine developing 150 kW EEC (204 bhp) at 3,500 rpm and maximum torque of 450 Nm to 2,000 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, the engine provides remarkable performance, with a top speed of 230 km/h (225 km/h for the Tourer), 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds (8.6) and combined-cycle consumption of 5.9 l/100 km (6.1). The saloon emits 155 g/km of CO2 and the Tourer 159 g/km.

You may also go for the Citroen C5 VTi 120 WITH EGS6. This 1.6 litre petrol unit, that’s been developed by BMW, develops 88 kW EEC (120 bhp). Mated to the EGS6 gearbox, with wheel-mounted paddles, combined-cycle fuel consumption is 6.2 l/100 km and CO2 emissions are 144 g/km.

2011 C5 can also be had with the new Citroen eTouch system, which is kinda like GM’s OnStar. It comprises a package of services including the emergency and assistance calls, as well as a virtual maintenance manual and an Eco-Driving service accessible via the MyCitroen personal area on the web.