THINK of C5 and you could possibly think of the dinky, but ill-fated Sinclair electric car (or tricycle if you like) of the 1980s or the huge Lockheed Galaxy transporter aircraft.

You might also think of Citroen's stylish estate.

Many tourers, sportwagons or estates these days are designed with style as much as practicality and sheer space in mind.

This is also the case with the C5, but in terms of size has more in common with the giant aircraft than the electric toy.

Even so, it is still not have the largest stowage capacity in its class, but is clearly designed with comfort in mind, especially when eating up the miles on long motorway journeys.

It is one of the few Citroens to have more mainstream styling, which goes hand-in-glove with the proportions of the car featuring the firm's signature double-chevron grille, chrome inserts and a striking sculpted profile where even the standard roofbars blend seamlessly. The daytime-running LEDs in the striking headlamp cluster also give the car a more premium look.

It has also been designed with a comfortable rather than dynamic drive in mind, with soft suspension, luxurious interior and high quality soft touch finish to fixtures and fittings, putting it in competition with the executive car market, with its luxury finish, but at a much more modest price.

There are some minor niggles particularly in this model with all the bells and whistles. Heated seats are great but the control can be activated when sliding into the seat, as can the massaging feature on the driver's seat.

In fact in the model tested, there are so many features its hard to remember where the buttons and switches are and some are a bit fiddly, but the interior has a comfortable, almost luxurious feel.

A dynamic car it ain't, so if you are after a sporty drive, with matching handling, then maybe look elsewhere. But as vehicle aiming to transport families or business users for long distances in a comfortable and quiet environment, it delivers in spades.

It features refined diesels muted and high levels of soundproofing and accoustic windscreen insulating occupants from the outside world and wind and road noise equally muted.

There is a choice of diesel engines only and all are admirable in terms of performance and economy.

The two-litre 160bhp version has a claimed economy of 55.4mpg, a figure which for once seemed pretty near the mark over an extended run. Add to this CO2 emissions of 133g/km and you have a clean, efficient and refined power unit. If not outright sports performance, it is still pretty respectable, propelling the car to a top speed of 130mph and from 0-60mph in a respectable 9.3 seconds.

The boot area is cleverly designed and easily accessible and includes integrated storage compartments and a 60/40 split rear seat to further increase stowage space from 505 to 1,642 litres. Further bins and pockets are dotted throughout the rest of the cabin.

There are three specification: VTR Techno, VTR+ Techno and Exclusive Techno and all are well equipped with the likes of electric windows and door mirrors, parking sensors, air-conditioning, alloy wheels, cornering lights, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Move up to the range-topper and goodies like powered tailgate, tinted glass, heated and massaging seats and full leather are added.