The all-new Citroën C5 was launched in the Saudi market in a kaleidoscopic ambience at Citroën Showroom in Madina Road on Sunday. In a press conference following the launch, Khaled Bakhashab, general manager of Bakhashab Brothers Holding Company - the exclusive dealer of Citroën in the Kingdom, expressed confidence about the new model of Citroën C5, noting the “satisfaction of clients and consumers due to the high performance of the car.” He said the new Citroën C5 satisfies the requirements of executive vehicle buyers in terms of quality and reliability by setting new standards in development, design and industrial production.” “It is clear that the quality features related to Citroën car manufacturing are matching with the international levels,” he said, adding that the all-new C5 model “has a lot of features that are not available in many of the competing models.” The new C5 is packed with engineering innovations and stylish design. “It is a perfect balance of aerodynamic exterior styling and useful practicality integrally compatible with active dynamic lifestyle. It sets new standards with a surprisingly spacious cabin and interior comfort for all occupants to relax and enjoy the ride.” With prices ranging from SR85,000 for the C5 Standard 4-cylinder engine to SR135,000 for C5 Exclusive full option with V6 engine, the all-new C5 versions establish a strong position in the mid-high range vehicle segment, where the key qualities are appeal, performance, status and quality. “The new C5 combines a strong personality, with dynamic performance, status and quality, respecting the design cues of this segment,” he added. Omar M. Bakhashab, deputy general manager of of Bakhashab Brothers Holding, explaining further the innovative features of the all-new C5, said apart from its distinguished styling and elegant personality, C5's dynamic lines “give it real on-road presence.” It is a car designed for precision driving “offering unparalleled level of driving pleasure and comfort” as its “NaviDrive communications system integrated with GPS satellite navigation matched to a 7-inch color screen brings all information to a central area straight in front of the driver. The all-new C5 has also a unique switch that detects any problem in the engine when pressed. Moreover, it has the innovative parking space measurement system that instantly alerts the driver to parking spaces which are suitable for the car. Designed for optimal comfort, C5 front seats are fully adjustable allowing all drivers to find their ideal driving position. For total driver comfort, a back massage function can be specified that would massage the lower back while driving. A well-designed cabin and premium materials contribute to on-board comfort. Passengers benefit from a prestige design that makes this new road car a vehicle of refinement and distinction. Safety plays the most important role in C5 and doing everything possible to prevent accidents is the key priority not only for the occupants of the car but also for the pedestrians. Tire pressure sensors constantly monitor the pressure of all tires and alerts the driver via audible and visible warnings should any change in tire pressure occur. The all-new C5 has an electronic parking brake that engages and disengages automatically and is linked to the engine torque on application to ensure it is always engaged with the required strength to hold the car. Since avoiding accident is the key to passenger safety, the Citroën C5 is equipped with up to nine airbags - driver, passenger, front lateral, front and rear roof and knee airbags are standard, with lateral rear airbags also available. It is also equipped with a vast array of electronic driving aids, from ABS to avoid the wheels locking under braking, EBD to evenly distributes breaking force between all wheels, EBA to reduce stopping distance under emergency braking, and ESP to maintain vehicle stability in steering maneuvers. Omar M. Bakhashab is optimistic about the demand for the all-new Citroën C5, saying that the company sees 500 units to be sold in a year. With all the innovations in the C5, it is just but fitting to have the “World of Luxury” as its motto. __
