1.6 HDi 16v VTR 5dr Estate

OK

Had our 58reg C5 1.6Hdi 65Kmiles estate for 6 months now and covered about 5K miles. We have come from a string of A4’s so I’ll try not to compare it with its more expensive predecessor. (The diesel A4 started costing us lots in repairs) On buying the C5 we had the choice of a basic 2.0Hdi or a really smart 1.6. I drove the 1.6 first and it seemed fine. Its only when you drive the 2.0 do you realize the power your missing – so plumped for the smarter 1.6.

Plus points:
Quiet, comfortable and looks great.
Economical 40-50mpg, and 1.6 unit smooth
Seat Fabrics appear high quality. Boot large.
Rides Ok on steel springs. (would prefer a little softer)
Auto wipers/lights great and work really well.

Negative points:
Dash hard to read.
Ventilation controls fiddly and stick in and you’ve really got to turn up the temp to get any heat.
Some trim plastic cheap and doors tinny (door mirrors especially cheap feeling)
Feels larger than it is and the turning circle is poor.
Gear knob wearing away and 1st gear sometimes hard to get into.
Center armrest gets in the way of gear changes.
Radio/CD poor sound.

I don’t notice the light dead steering feel but the fixed center hub is a bit annoying. The 1.6 is only a 5 speed and sounds a bit buzzy at 75mph – may be worth going for the 6speed 2.0 to avoid this. The headlight around corners feature I find distracting and of little benefit. (it flashes on when you turn in)

Faults so far:
Air con not working. (common fault - can’t have lost gas after just 3 years surely?)
Passenger window not working.(seems to be a common fault with PSA)
‘Economy mode’ switches on too soon. (common fault)
(I’m saving up faults to take back to the dealer prior to warranty expire)

Would I buy another? Maybe although the Mrs finds it too big….

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