Using its expertise in the evolution of suspension and focusing on comfort and practicality, the Citroën attempts to differentiate itself aesthetically and substantially in the mid-size SUV category with the C5 Aircross! The amount of difference we will find out through our weekly symbiosis, as we had the basic version with the turbocharged gasoline PureTech engine of 1.2 liters, with an output of 130 hp.
Late decision
The C5 Aircross name came to the fore in 2017, when Citroën introduced the model initially for the Chinese market. In 2019, the French company took the decision to make it available with all the necessary changes in Europe. The result proved it right, as the mid-size SUV based on the Stellantis EMP2 platform reached 260,000 sales in just three years, anointing it the best seller, proving that the late decision to launch it in Europe was a mistake! Aesthetically and technologically updated in 2022, fully aligned with Citroën's new design identity, the car looks forward to the remaining years of its life cycle with the confidence that it will continue to claim a significant share of sales, thanks to its affordable price and multi-faceted character!
Cubist aesthetics
Stylistically, the car has its own unique character, giving it an easily recognizable silhouette, sealing its true design identity!
Starting from the front we find the most and sharpest changes. It features a new larger and more vertical grille, which accommodates a more austere view of Citroën's "gears". New headlamps with graphic Led lights that mentally join together to form the V. The bonnet is distinguished by the characteristic dips along its length, at the height of the headlights!
The profile captures the cubist silhouette, incorporating most design features, such as the large lower bumpers that show off an adventurous orientation and the freestanding roof that seems to be fitted to the rest of the body, highlighting the beautiful curves and muscular surfaces!
The vertical rear end features new 3D headlamps with LED graphics, a low loading sill that reveals the practical orientation of the model. At the same time, the dual exhaust tailpipe at the ends of the bumper attempts to add a sporty touch!
Overall the car leaves the cubist aesthetics of the visual current, prominent Picasso!
Plenty of space
The interior image is upgraded on all levels, especially in terms of material quality and assembly. At the same time the finish leaves a good tactile feel!
Aesthetically they have chosen simple and simple lines, as Citroën is used to for the cabin. Centrally on the dashboard dominates the 10-inch trapezoidal touchscreen of the multimedia system, compatible with Android Auto and Apple AirPlay. While behind the serious-looking steering wheel is the prominent 12.5-inch digital instrument panel, which provides all the necessary information for the driver!
The armrest in the centre console features a large, refrigerated glovebox, while the designers have made the most of the available space, with plenty of compartments for small items. Ergonomically, the switches are in the right places, without making it difficult for the driver.
However, Citroën's aim was to create an extremely welcoming cabin for passengers. In order to achieve this, in addition to managing the available space, they focused on the seats.
Starting from the rear, it has three independent, reclining and 15 cm sliding seats. The front ones provide excellent lumbar support, while the driver's seat is quite high, providing very good peripheral visibility! Both front and rear passengers have plenty of space at their disposal.
All five seats feature "Advanced Comfort Control" technology which provides an additional 15 mm thick foam material, giving the feeling of a comfortable and precise armchair, raising the bar in this field of comparison!
The huge volume of luggage ranges from 580 to 780 litres depending on the position of the rear seats, which when folded reach 1,630 litres!
Marginal downsizing
Citroën's engineers have placed at the base of the C5 Aircross range that we had at our disposal the well-known three-cylinder turbocharged 1.2 litre petrol engine of the PureTech family, producing 131 hp at 5500 rpm and 230 Nm at 1750 rpm, which is mated to an 8-speed EAT8 dual-clutch automatic transmission and drives the front axle. Due to the weight of the bodywork this is a daring and borderline downsizing!
Special
A mid-size SUV with the Citroën brand and distinctive features is always of particular driving interest! It is therefore imperative to get to know it in every possible condition and network!
In the city the 4.5-metre-long mid-size SUV will have a hard time getting around. However, the high driving position, with large glass surfaces achieve excellent peripheral visibility.
In the mountain and rural network the car reveals all its aspects! The feeling is very special, as the car will either make you love it or leave you indifferent. The reason is the very soft suspension setup, which provides the ultimate in comfort without letting the bumps in the road surface enter the cabin. Citroën uses hydraulic-stop shock absorber technology, in its optimum version, to achieve this special effect! As the French company seeks, the sensation is like flying! It turns safely, despite the body leaning due to the soft adjustment and height. The engine struggles to move the heavy bodywork, however the excellent gearbox smoothes out the situation, delivering the appropriate torque, operating at the right time.
On the motorway is characterised by excellent rolling quality and high levels of sound insulation. It also focuses on comfort, offering an interesting driving experience, even at high speeds!
General the car has 6 Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes for on-road driving, changing the engine mapping depending on the choice! The other three programs are for off-road driving and include driving in sand, mud and snow, improving front wheel traction depending on the conditions! The car remains impressively comfortable even on demanding rough dirt roads, leaving a pleasant impression. The three-cylinder petrol engine does not fit the 1,420 kg body weight, resulting in increased engine consumption, which we have found in other cars of the group to be highly economical. As far as the C5 Aircross is concerned, the average combined consumption reached 9.0 litres per 100 km! Finally, it is worth noting that loaded and with people, it has a better driving feel and becomes more pleasant and noticeably more stable!
On the burdens of the family
The Citroën C5 Aircross is ideal for family men and women with three children who need a car that can carry the family's weight. But also for those who need plenty of space without compromising on comfort and safety!
Highly tempting
Citroën offers the C5 Aircross with the 1.2 litre engine at the very attractive price starting from from 27.000€ including VAT in the introductory armament version "YOU". The equipment version of our test "MAX" starts at 35.800€ including VAT.
Technical characteristics
| AMAXOMA | |
| Press | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| CONSUMPTION - EMISSIONS - SUBSIDIES | |
| Average combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 6.5-6.7 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 147-151 g/km |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h | 10.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 188 km/h |
| Exhaust Gas Specifications | Euro 6d |
| Weight/power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp, 92.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight/torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm, 162 Nm/tonne |
| ENGINE | |
| Power | 131 Hp @ 5500 rpm. |
| Power per litre of displacement | 109.3 Hp/l |
| Rated motor torque | 230 Nm @ 1750 rpm |
| Engine layout | Forward, transverse |
| Engine model/code | HN05 |
| Engine casing | 1199 cm3 |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | In series |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct spraying |
| Engine suction | Turbocharger , Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l |
| HEIGHT AND WEIGHT | |
| Weight | 1420 kg |
| Maximum payload | 540 kg |
| Minimum volume of luggage space | 580 l |
| Maximum volume of luggage space | 1630 l |
| Fuel tank capacity | 53 l |
| Permissible towing capacity with brakes (12%) | 1300 kilos |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Length | 4500 mm |
| Width | 1969 mm |
| Height | 1689 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2730 mm |
| Front track | 1579-1601 mm |
| Back trace | 1608-1630 mm |
| Forward prop | 917 mm |
| Back prop | 853 mm |
| Distance from the ground | 230 mm |
| Minimum turning diameter (turning diameter) | 10.7 m |
| ARCHITECTURE | |
| Movement | On the front wheels |
| Number of ratios and type of gearbox | 8 speeds, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent McPherson type |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent suspension with springs |
| Front brakes | Ventilated trays |
| Rear brakes | Discs |
| Auxiliary systems | ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) |
| Type of address | Management chukrania (with teeth) |
| Wheels | 225/55 R18 ή 205/55 R19 |
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