Citroen C5 Aircross

When developing the C5 Aircross, Citroën faced two challenges. First, the demand for SUVs is high and it is unwise to ignore the voice of the customer. Second, Citroën is part of Stellantis, which also includes Opel, Peugeot and Fiat. Therefore, to be competitive, it has to use technology from the parent company, but that makes it harder to give the car its own character.

Because the demand for SUVs is so high, the Citroën C5 will not return as a sedan or crossover (Citroën C5 X) for the time being. Citroën has opted for the SUV, which is why the bodywork is not elegant or refined, but tough and angular. In doing so, Citroën also ensures that the look is very different from that of the technically identical Opel Grandland and Peugeot 3008 / 5008.

To give the C5 Aircross a distinctive look, Citroën has done something unique. As a rule, aerodynamics come from rounded shapes and sheet metal parts that gradually blend together comes into play. For the C5 Aircross, Citroën instead opts for straight lines because this would give the manufacturer better control over airflow. In doing so, parts that influence wind flow are clearly visible. The clearest evidence of this are the rear lights, which protrude slightly from the bodywork. This shape was so important to Citroën that the manufacturer first developed the shape and then sought technology to fit it. According to Citroën, this unique shape provides 30 km extra range on the highway.

A more traditional method of arriving at a streamlined bodywork is the wide bottom and narrower top of the car.

Space

On the inside, the C5 Aircross is at least as quirky. Here, a living room has been taken as inspiration, which is why the dashboard is not covered in hard plastic, but in fabric. Where leather has been used, it is vegan leather. Speakers protrude slightly at the ends and accents are done in a contrasting colour.

As usual with Citroën, the seats are of the "Advanced Comfort" type. This means that several types of foam are combined to give a seat a good fit while still making it soft. Even so, the C5 Aircross' seats have been found to be firmer than those in other models (notably the C5 X). However, they are still very pleasant on longer journeys. Space up front is average, with a high seat for the mighty feel that comes with an SUV.

This second generation of the C5 Aircross is longer than the first, and 51 mm of that benefits legroom in the rear. Since the highest point of the roof is right above the rear seat, rear passengers also have good headroom. Luggage space is also decent for a car of this size.

Equipment

The central display screen is positioned vertically and runs like a waterfall from just above the dashboard to the centre console. Running on this is an in-house (read: by Stellantis) developed infotainment system that scores on all points. The unbranded audio system has a commercial sound that will appeal to the masses but may appeal less to hi-fi lovers.

Good to know: there is a privacy mode that temporarily prevents information from being shared with the manufacturer. Since a "black box" is mandatory in cars these days, the transmission of information is automatically reactivated when the car is restarted.

The many active safety features, as in almost all new cars, have been found to be annoying. Most warnings are unjustified because the computer does not correctly assess the traffic situation (reading signs for other lanes or turns, missing exceptions). Fortunately, thanks to the clear menu structure of the on-board computer, the unwanted assistants can be easily switched off.

Plug-in hybrid

A feature of all modern models from Citroën is that they are available as hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric cars. According to Citroën, the hybrids are mainly intended for Eastern Europe, where charging is still a challenge. Therefore, only the all-electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) could be tested.

The PHEV impresses with a harmonious interplay between the two engines. It can be heard and felt when the petrol engine kicks in, but this was not perceived as disturbing. Only when driving briskly, the petrol engine makes itself heard. The character of both engines is the same, so the behaviour of the car hardly changes when the petrol engine or, on the contrary, the electric motor takes care of propulsion.

Citroën is moving with the times by giving the plug-in hybrid a long range (but unfortunately no possibility of fast charging). This allows longer and more frequent electric driving, making it easier to drive economically. During the test under favourable weather conditions, the C5 Aircross PHEV was able to cover 126 km all-electric.

Electric car

Citroën placed emphasis on the electric car during the development of the C5 Aircross and that is what was driven mainly for this test. The electric C5 Aircross comes as "Standard Range" and "Comfort Range" for a range of 519 km for the latter. Although Citroën says the C5 Aircross is aerodynamic, it was noticeable during the test that consumption increases disproportionately at high speeds. This indicates an unfavourable streamline.

The electric C5 Aircross drives like an average electric car with reasonable performance, excellent smoothness and an inaudible powertrain. Since the wind is also barely audible, only the tyres (depending on the road surface) create noise. Like almost all electric cars in the Stellantis group, the C5 Aircross Electric does not offer single-pedal driving and power is always built up gradually to protect the driver from himself. Also unfortunate: the C5 Aircross has no "autohold" (preventing the car from rolling when the brake pedal is released).

Driveability

Because the C5 Aircross is designed for a variety of powertrains, the suspension can be easily adapted to varying loads. Regardless of the engine chosen, every C5 Aircross therefore has the same character. This is determined by shock absorbers that are stiffer or softer depending on the speed. In theory, this ensures comfort in the city and stability at high speed.

In practice, however, this does not hold true in all situations. It therefore takes some time to be able to predict how the car will react. Once the driver senses that, the dual character no longer causes surprises, but allows them to control the car even better.

Conclusion

Does the second generation of the Citroën C5 Aircross combine wit and quirkiness? Yes, definitely. Despite its technical similarities with similar cars from its parent company, the C5 Aircross has a look all its own. That applies not only to the exterior, but certainly also to the interior. This "geekiness" does not come at the expense of functionality or ergonomics, as the C5 Aircross is spacious and thoughtful.

The driving characteristics are less pronounced, but thanks to fine tuning, the Citroën C5 Aircross does have its own character. Thanks to shock absorbers that are stiffer or softer depending on speed, the C5 Aircross is dynamic and comfortable at the same time. Don't expect too much of this, though: the operation is highly situation-dependent and the technology is similar to that of other Stellantis SUVs.

The C5 Aircross is available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric motors. In all cases, a tame character has been chosen. That way, switching from a conventional car is easier and the Aircross lends itself ideally to comfortable driving.