Station wagons needn't look boring — that's the rationale behind Citroën's C5 Tourer.

The wagon, due in the UK next month, adds a lot more space to the C5 range without compromising the styling. Sharing the same Teutonic overtones as the Saloon, the physique of the Tourer is characterised by its sculpted rear. The high waist-lines of the side profile converge on the design of the car’s boot, suggesting width, convenience and road presence. At 4.83m long and 1.48m tall, the Tourer adds an additional 5cm and 3cm respectively over the Saloon.

The external roof bars, which provide another storage solution, can be finished in black or silver and create a visual contrast against the Tourer’s striking body colours.

Dark tinted rear side and tailgate windows give the Tourer an impression of exclusivity. They also reduce solar glare and thermal penetration for improved passenger comfort and help to mask items that are being transported in the rear for increased protection against theft.

Inside, the Tourer shares the styling of the Saloon with features like the curved lines of the door armrests and the aviation-inspired dashboard.

By taking full advantage of its long roof-line, the Tourer can be fitted with a panoramic glass roof, complete with an electric retractable sunblind, to create a brighter and more spacious cabin environment.

Boot it

Load space is obviously boosted compared to the Saloon, thanks to the 505 litre boot and split folding rear seats, which can be laid completely flat to create volume of up to 1500 litres. Access is eased by the large tailgate.

And the car's signature rear design can be fitted with some smart technology to further aid loading. The Tourer's boot door is available with a motorised electric tailgate that opens remotely from the key fob and closes with the press of a button. When boot access is restricted, users can calibrate the required elevation of the tailgate: when placing heavy items into the car, a button located on the rear lowers or raises the car's suspension, bringing the boot floor to a more convenient height. Closing the tailgate automatically returns the rear suspension to the correct level.

The C5 Tourer is the first car in its class to be offered with a choice of suspension systems — both conventional steel spring and Citroën's self-levelling Hydractive, ensuring the vehicle stays at a constant height, regardless of load.

Safety specs

Built on the same platform as the EuroNCAP five-starred C5 Saloon, the Tourer is equipped with Citroën's latest safety technology. The stiffened body and cabin structure incorporate both upper and lower absorbers at the front to soak up energy released in the event of frontal impact.

Driver and passengers are further protected by up to nine front, side and curtain airbags, as well as a specially created torso-shaped bag that's made possible by the design of the fixed hub steering wheel.

The Tourer includes an advanced braking system with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Braking Assistance, ABS and ESP all fitted as standard. Citroën’s Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) is also available.

The Tourer’s enhanced headlight system improves visibility and safety on corners and junctions at night time, with Xenon dual-function directional headlamps available and a static AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) fitted as standard on all models.

With Isofix anchor points on up to three seats, four one-touch electric windows with anti-pinch function and electric child-safety locks on the rear door and windows, the Tourer is a child-friendly environment.

Cruise control and a speed limiter, air-conditioning, external roof bars, an acoustic windscreen and an adaptive front-lighting system (AFS) are all fitted as standard, whilst most versions are equipped with an automatic electric parking-brake and hill-start assist. The C5 Tourer is also available with front and rear parking sensors, as well as a parking gap assistance system.

The Tourer can also be specified with Citroën’s latest NaviDrive system, featuring a seven-inch colour central display screen and voice activation of the built-in GSM telephone, audio system and satellite navigation.