By Breda Corrigan
Citroën has launched the facelifted C5 Aircross SUV which has undergone significant design enhancements as part of the product refresh. The new C5 Aircross offers an imposing and rugged design thanks to the newly designed front end which incorporates a new design language and interpretation of the brand logo. Significant changes have likewise been made to the rear taillight design, and lavish new interior seating also enhances the aesthetic appeal of this vehicle. The facelifted version of this C-segment SUV, which has been the best-selling Citroën passenger car in Ireland since 2020, is available with a choice of petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) petrol/electric versions.
Striking New Design.
At first glance the exterior changes to the front end are evident. The new C5 Aircross proudly displays a larger chevron logo set in a black lacquer with chrome surrounds. This logo rests on a newly designed grille that features a chrome and piano black combination, and sits independently from the daytime running lights to offer a more modern and imposing look. This design is further complimented by the new styling of the air intake area which visually widens the front end, echoing the style of the new C4 and C5 X. The facelifted C5 Aircross is available in 6 different colour options including the new Eclipse Blue option, which is a deep blue colour that can change to black depending on the external light exposure. Inside the cabin of the new C5 Aircross, a new 10” touchscreen forms the focal point of a more modern passenger compartment. This new, larger screen improves ergonomics while the air vents are now located below the screen to ensure a higher reading position. In addition, the fully customisable 12.3” digital display provides all essential and customisable information directly in the driver’s eye-line ensuring optimal road visibility at all times. The New C5 Aircross is equipped with the latest generation of Citroën Advanced Comfort® seats offering high-density foam in the core of the seat, with an extra 15mm layer of memory foam featuring a specific design to resist sagging over time.
Trim Options.
The new C5 Aircross is available in entry-level ‘Feel Pack’, mid-spec ‘Flair’, and range-topping ‘C-Series Edition’ trim levels, all of which benefit from a general uplift in overall build quality and cabin comfort. Citroën is particularly proud to present the ‘C-Series’ special edition, as it offers buyers unprecedented customisation options to further enhance the cars’ distinctive design. The C-Series introduces a new Anodised Bronze colour pack, with coloured inserts on the side Airbump™ and bumper scoops, while on the front wings, a special embossed ‘C-Series’ badge emphasises the design of this special edition.
Progressive Hydraulic Cushion Suspension.
The new C5 Aircross retains characteristics that make it stand out in its segment, contributing to an overall experience focused on well-being and ease of use. The ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushions’ suspension (exclusive to Citroën) enhances absorption of imperfections in the road and ensures that passengers travel in absolute comfort, with a real “flying carpet” effect. The C5 Aircross is the only SUV in the segment to offer three individual sliding, reclining and retractable rear seats, allowing MPV modularity in true SUV style. A class-leading boot capacity of up to 720-litres behind the rear seats in the petrol and diesel versions (up to 600-litres in the PHEV variant) ensures that a family of five can travel in ultimate comfort with ample space for their luggage in the boot. With the rear seats folded flat, up to 1,630-litres of useful cargo space becomes instantly available when required. Special attention has been paid to the acoustic characteristics of the laminated front windows to amplify the cocoon effect within the car, and this proves very effective on the move.
Petrol, Diesel or Plug-in Hybrid.
The petrol and diesel engine offerings in the new C5 Aircross both have a power output of 130PS, with the option of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission with both engines. The PHEV version delivers 225PS and is capable of driving up to 55km in full electric mode, with power delivered to the cars’ front wheels via an eight-speed (é-EAT8) transmission. The PHEV version also benefits from a range of online connected services to facilitate delayed charging via a smartphone app and cabin pre-conditioning. Charging is fast, with a full charge completed in less than two hours from a standard wall-box connection. Alternatively, the battery can be charged via a 3-pin domestic socket in around seven hours.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a C5 Aircross PHEV in range-topping C-Series Edition specification. Finished in striking Pearl White metallic paintwork, with a contrasting Black Perla Nera roof and door mirror casings. Designed with emblematic colours, special materials and hi-tech equipment to provide unique comfort and style, the “C-Series” special edition combines every aspect of the Citroën spirit. Key standard equipment includes 19-inch ‘Art’ diamond-cut alloy wheels, black ‘Claudia’ leather and leather-effect cloth seat material with electric driver seat adjustment, Highway Driver Assist, hands-free tailgate with foot operated functionality, and a panoramic glass sunroof with electric interior blind. There is excellent headroom both front and rear, and rear seat occupants also benefit from plentiful leg and knee space behind the front seats. Wide opening rear doors make it particularly easy to get in and out, and this is a feature that parents of small children will love. The new C5 Aircross PHEV offers optimum performance thanks to the electric motor which boosts the internal combustion engine, for a cumulative power output of 225PS, and an impressive 360Nm of torque. This enables a 0-100km/h sprint to be completed in just 8.7-seconds, on the way to a top speed of 195km/h (where permitted). The ë-EAT8 electrified 8-speed automatic transmission optimises gear shifts for a supremely-smooth and pleasurable drive, while the Brake (B) regenerative braking mode boosts the recovery of energy available when braking and decelerating. A drive mode selector is ideally located on the central console, and it enables drivers to choose between Electric, Hybrid and Sport modes to suit their individual driving style. In electric mode, the C5 Aircross PHEV provides a silent, vibration-free and environmentally-respectful drive with zero CO2 emissions. With as little as 1.3-litres of petrol being used for every 100km driven on a WLTP combined driving cycle, the new C5 Aircross PHEV should prove very cost-effective to live with, and an annual road tax disc is just €140.
Verdict, Pricing & Warranty.
The new Citroën C5 Aircross is a highly commendable 5-seat family-focused SUV that combines practicality, versatility, supreme comfort and an effortless driving experience, with a distinctive style that stands out from the crowd. Pricing starts at €39,830 for the ‘Feel Pack’ PureTech 130PS, with my test car specification priced from €49,700 (ex-delivery). All Citroën passenger cars come with a 5-year manufacturers’ warranty as standard, along with a 3-year roadside assistance package.
