
The differences between the new and old Citroën models mainly lie in the exterior parts such as the dashboard, front and rear bumpers, hood, tailgate, and front fenders. Essentially, these are just the outer shells; the rest of the components remain the same. Turn on the ignition before starting the engine: Before starting the engine, turn on the ignition first—do not start the engine directly. When the ignition is turned on, the vehicle usually performs a self-check, during which all indicator lights will illuminate simultaneously. After the self-check is completed, the lights will turn off one by one. Once the entire process is finished, you can start the engine. This typically takes about 3 seconds. Regularly clean the dust in the engine compartment: After a period of use, the engine compartment tends to accumulate dust. It is essential for car owners to clean it regularly, as excessive dust can hinder the engine's normal heat dissipation. Severe heat dissipation issues may lead to oil leaks from the gaskets. However, since the engine compartment must never be washed with water, it is recommended to take the car to a repair shop where professionals can clean it using a high-pressure air gun. Precautions for cold starts: During a cold start, allow the engine to idle for about one and a half minutes to give it time to warm up. When starting, the engine's internal temperature has not yet reached the normal operating temperature—90 degrees on the coolant temperature gauge is considered normal. The car may shake, the engine noise might be louder, and the tachometer may read slightly higher—typically between 600 to 900 RPM. Starting under such conditions can lead to engine carbon buildup because combustion is incomplete at low temperatures.

As a long-time Citroën owner, I feel there are quite a few differences between the new and old models. I used to drive the older C4, which had a more rugged design with angular lines, a louder engine sound, and a heavier steering wheel when turning. The new C5 is much more comfortable to drive—the steering is lighter, parking is easier, the engine is quieter, and fuel consumption is slightly lower. The interior space has changed significantly too: the old model had stiff seats that caused back pain on long drives, while the new one adds memory functions and feels much softer. Technologically, the old model only had basic gauges, but the new one comes with a large touchscreen for navigation and Bluetooth music, making driving much more convenient. Overall, the driving experience is smoother, and safety features have been upgraded, including a rearview camera. These changes make daily driving much more hassle-free, definitely worth the price.

From a technical perspective, the new Citroën has seen significant optimizations in its core components. Having test-driven both the old and new models for comparison, the older version featured a conventional 1.6L engine with noticeable noise during acceleration and higher fuel consumption. The new model has switched to a turbocharged 1.6T engine, offering quicker response, better fuel efficiency, and smoother highway performance. The suspension system has also been retuned—while the old version had pronounced jolts on bumpy roads, the new one filters out vibrations much more finely. In terms of electrification, the old model's tiny infotainment screen pales in comparison to the new version's full digital dashboard and connected system, which supports wireless CarPlay. The safety gap is even wider: the old model only had ABS, whereas the new one adds lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. These upgrades make driving smarter and more reassuring, though at a slightly higher price point that proves worthwhile in the long run.

The design changes are quite remarkable, and I'm someone who values aesthetics. The older Citroën models had sharp, angular lines, like the split headlights on the C4, which looked classic but a bit dated. The new models, such as the C5, feature smooth, streamlined curves with integrated LED front and rear lights, exuding a strong sense of modernity. Inside, the older models had a more plastic feel with monotonous seat color schemes, while the new ones use soft-touch materials and dual-tone color combinations, creating a warm and contemporary ambiance. The steering wheel has also evolved from a thick, sturdy design to a sleeker, more comfortable grip. Storage space has been optimized too—the older models had a cramped center console, whereas the new ones have significantly widened it. These improvements make getting in much more pleasant and driving out even more impressive.

Focusing on safety and comfort, I've driven two car models and noticed significant differences. The older model had poor seat support and loud noise on bumpy roads, leading to fatigue after long drives. The newer model incorporates ergonomic design, offering better wrapping feel, and the noise-reducing effect of soundproof glass is outstanding. In terms of safety, the older model only had basic airbags, while the newer one comes standard with automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring, making highway driving much more stable. The suspension tuning is also softer; the older model shook violently over potholes, whereas the newer one filters out bumps smoothly. The air conditioning system has seen major upgrades—the older model cooled slowly, while the newer one features fast dual-zone automatic adjustment. These small improvements make driving much easier and more reassuring.


