MORE and more car manufacturers are warming to the idea that being part of the motoring "premier league" is the only way to go.

Just take Peugeot, Honda and Ford for instance. They all promote the fact that they have upped their game so they can now go head-to-head with the Jaguars, Audis, BMWs and Mercedes of this world.

Kia and Hyundai are also making concerted efforts to join the big boys and both marques offer outstanding products which get better with every new model launch.

Citroen shares the same philosophy and has come on leaps and bounds in recent times and in the C5 Tourer, the French giant really does have a gem on its hands.

First of all the exterior design is everything you've come to expect from a company who have never been afraid of being radically different and in this big estate car Citroen got things pretty much just right.

From any angle, the big load lugger looks the part and simply oozes class. It has the same Teutonic-like looks as its saloon sibling, while its sleek and dynamic physique is completed by its beautifully sculpted rear.

As far as build quality goes, for a mass-produced model, this baby takes an awful lot of beating.

Then there's the small matter of comfort. The interior fixtures and fittings are as good as you get, while the upholstery and deep pile carpeting are also of the highest quality.

Out on the road, the C5 Tourer is everything you could wish for from a long-distance runner.

Absolute silence inside the cabin makes for great relaxed cruising, while driving aids such as six-speed sequential gearbox, cruise control, speed limiter and optional lane departure warning system help make life aboard a breeze.

The big car glides along smoothly and effortlessly, so even the very worst of our roads pose no problem thanks to the car's hydractive suspension system with electronically-controlled springing and damping.

Additionally, the height of the C5 Tourer can be raised or lowered at the touch of a button, taking the effort out of hitching a trailer or caravan.

Built on the same platform as the C5 Saloon, the Tourer is kitted out with Citroen's innovative safety technology providing occupants with reassuring levels of protection.

The driver and passengers are protected by no less than nine front, side and curtain airbags, as well as a specially-designed torso-shaped bag made possible thanks to Citroen's unique fixed hub steering wheel.

Electronic safety systems include an advanced braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist and stability control all fitted as standard, while security measures include an advanced alarm system and laminated side windows for added protection.

I absolutely adored the Exclusive-specification 2.7-litre HDI V6 diesel version which has to be something of a bargain when compared with it's German-built competitors.

Production of the car started in 1998 so there's plenty of choice available, but the best of the bunch are to be found in main dealer showrooms.

With its 138mph top speed, 33mpg fuel economy, part leather upholstery and whopping list of on-board goodies and safety features, the flagship C5 Tourer has to be up there with the best.

A 2008 08-plate 2.7-litre HDI V6 Exclusive model will cost between £5,715 for a well-used model to £7,750 for a nice, well-looked-after example from a main dealer, a snip if there ever was one.

Prices for a 2010 10-plate example are still something of a bargain, ranging from £8,475 to £10,860, again depending on mileage and condition.