CITROEN'S new Xantia replacement will be called the C5 when it is launched at the end of the year. The launch of the C5 will herald a new nomenclature for Citroen's model line-up. And the launch of the C5 will be followed by the unveiling of the C3 - the Saxo replacement - and the C6 - the executive sector contender.

The C5 has not been revealed and official sources are keeping tight-lipped about the car, which is expected to make its world debut at September's Paris Motor Show. It will be at the show alongside the world debuts of the new Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat and Renault Laguna.

The new nomenclature is likely to see the replacement Xsara badged as C4 - a significantly restyled Xsara will be launched at October's Birmingham International Motor Show - leaving room at the bottom of the range for a C2 or even a C1 micro car.