ONE of the fundamentals of car buying is beware the model loaded with hi-tech wizardry, as the gizmos are often a smokescreen to cover up for some serious shortcomings.

But is this always the case or are there occasional exceptions to the rule?

Citroen's latest offering, the new-look C5 (pictured), certainly sits at the gadget-festooned end of the spectrum. There are so many whistles and buzzers on board that the central control console looks every bit as complicated as the flight deck of the Millennium Falcon.

It features a modern-day version of the hydraulic suspension system first seen on the 1950s Citroen DS, as well as cruise control, a speed limiter and the all-singing, all-dancing Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).

More often than not these technological advances are about as revolutionary as the Breville toastie maker! For example, you would need to be a smart individual indeed to find any discernible difference between the new speed limiter function and traditional cruise control.

However, Citroen may well be on to something with this optional LDWS. It's designed to stop people drifting off to sleep on motorway journeys and veering into the central reservation. When the car crosses a white line at more than 50mph without indicating, sensors under the front valance alert a couple of demented hamsters in the driver's seat bolsters who then run around frantically to get your attention. At least that's what it feels like.

Whether they use rodents or vibrating pads, the system certainly works. It may even discourage people from participating in that most anti-social of pastimes - changing lanes without indicating.

There is one flaw, though. Amid the cornucopia of switches and buttons on the dash is an LDWS on/off switch, which rather defeats the purpose. What's the point in all this nanny statery if you can simply turn it off?

In the metal, the C5 is a vast improvement over its frumpy predecessor. Boomerang-shaped light clusters fore and aft and a rather slick integrated grille make for a modern, sophisticated look. Standard 16-inch alloy wheels and some subtle chrome-effect touches continue the theme.

The hatchback retains the slightly-ungainly rear end that blotted the copybook of its forebear. Estate versions, like the one tested here, are better proportioned and offer an impressive 1,658 litres of boot space.

The C5's interior feels light, airy and spacious, particularly when fitted with a sunroof from the options list. A large windscreen and windows, coupled with a fairly elevated driving position, afford driver and passengers a good view of what's happening outside.

Estate buyers may also wish to purchase the Parking Assistance Pack (front and rear parking sensors), as the larger of the two models is a bit more of a handful when it comes to reverse parking.

The C5 is being strongly pitched at the fleet market and those who cover a lot of motorway miles each week. This is evident in many aspects of the cabin - the wide, comfortable bases of the front seats, conveniently-located cubbies, multi-function on-board trip computer, 12-volt sockets dotted around the place and standard cruise control on all but the base model.

Of the three new additions to the engine line-up, two are oil burners, which tells you something of Citroen's expected sales split. The two-litre HDi powerplant under the bonnet of this VTR estate is a mite noisy at idle, but once up to speed it quietens down and comes into its own.

While not particularly at home on narrow, bending B roads, its 236lb/ft of torque is more than enough for comfortable motorway cruising. Having slotted it into sixth gear, there should be little need for down changes, leaving you to play around with the frenetic rodents lodged in your seat.

The 2004 C5 looks contemporary, comes with lots of electronic jiggery pokery and features some economical and lively PSA engines.

Far from compensating for any glaring flaws, the car's technological wizardry improves an already strong package.

It may not be the most versatile or dynamic car in the class, but it was designed to be a comfortable motorway cruiser and that's exactly what it is.

For more information, call Viking Citroen on 01256 697801.