Restyled Citroën C5 Aircross SUV: which one to choose?
This Citroën C5 Aircross is a real family car that started its career in 2018. Recently redesigned, it has lost none of its modularity with three individual, sliding and reclining rear seats. No change, however, for the legroom, which would have deserved an increase. But in a restyling it is not a matter of disturbing the technical characteristics of a model that is too appealing. That’s why Citroën was content with a facelift, which is by no means easy, since the front of the vehicle has been radically revised. If the view is still two-tiered, the spotlights are slimmer and form an elongated “X”. The grille was redesigned, as were the chevrons. This gives this large 4.50m SUV a more serious look. At the rear, the lights have also been modified, while new 18-inch diamond wheels appear.
A new screen but still the same interface
If the habitability of this vehicle has not changed, this does not apply to the furniture on board. Thus, the central part of the dashboard has been modified with a new larger multimedia screen, now displaying 10 inches, it equips the versions with GPS with internal combustion engine (from Shine finish) and entry-level hybrid (from Feel finish). Too bad the UI of this screen is always a bit slow. There are also new aerators and a center console that evolves in particular thanks to the new shifter for the EAT8 automatic gearbox, it is an e-toggle gear selector that, given its small size, gives up enough space to fit a large storage compartment. This offers space for 2 USB ports and wireless charging for smartphones (standard or optional), powered by induction.
Comfortable, a real Citroën
What many people look for in a Citroën is comfort and in this respect the C5 Aircross is well placed with its suspension with progressive hydraulic stops, its three individual rear seats that are the same width. But also with the new generation of its heated and massageable Advanced Comfort front seats. As for the volume of the trunk, it is still just as spacious with 580 liters for the petrol versions, the plug-in hybrid version is content with 460 liters, the battery has to be housed somewhere and in this case it is below that trunk floor.
Only three engines
As for the engine, the redesigned Citroën C5 Aircross retains the same blocks as before but removes one, the 1.6-liter 180bhp petrol unit. So essentially we have a 1.2 PureTech with 130 hp, which can be mated to a six-speed manual or an EAT8 automatic gearbox. There is also a 130 HP 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engine, also available with BVM6 or EAT8, and a 225 HP hybrid rechargeable engine that allows an electric range of 55 km according to the WLTP homologation cycle (maximum speed in electric mode is 135 km /H). . Whichever engine you choose, the Citroën C5 Aircross is not a dynamic vehicle and will behave like a silent father, allowing you to take advantage of the driving comfort of this model, which turns out to be a good level.
The plug-in hybrid engine retains its bonus
The finishes are five in number (Live, Feel, Feel Pack, Shine and Shine Pack) and if the entry level is already well equipped, we will appreciate the Citroën C5 Aircross more from the second level of finishes. Prices range from €28,850 to €48,250. To these prices we must add environmental penalties ranging from €310 to €1,074 for the petrol versions and from €75 to €380 for the diesel versions. The chargeable hybrid motor continues to benefit from the government subsidy of €1,000 until January 1, 2023 (vehicle ordered before January 1, 2023 and delivered before July 1, 2023).
Compared to a more dynamic Peugeot 3008, a Renault Austral that will be launched from this autumn, the redesigned Citroën C5 Aircross can highlight its driving comfort, its slightly lower price (and a discount of 4 to 6%, always possible at the dealer in the How it compares to its two competitors (although Austral prices are yet to come, we know the entry level should be showing at €32,000).
The redesigned Citroën C5 Aircross in ten points
- Compact SUV on EMP2 platform, market launch 2018, restyling 2022
- Dimensions (L x W x H in meters): 4.50 x 1.97 (mirrors down) x 1.67 (with roof bars)
- Turning circle: 10.7 m
- Minimum trunk volume: 580 to 720 liters (depending on the position of the sliding bench seat) except Hybrid 460 to 600 liters.
- Maximum trunk volume: 1,630 liters for versions with combustion engines
- Petrol engines: 1.2 PureTech 130 HP BVM6 or EAT8
- Diesel engines: 1.5 BlueHDi 130 HP BVM6 or EAT8
- Plug-in hybrid engine: 225 hp (55 km electric range)
- Two-wheel drive but Grip Control system and specific tires optional with the EAT8 gearbox and in the Feel Pack, Shine and Shine Pack versions.
- Price: from 28,850 euros (diesel: 31,600 euros). Plug-in Hybrid: €42,750.
