A High Five For Citroën’s new C5 Aircross.

French manufacturing giant Citroën have launched their new C-Segment SUV, the C5 Aircross, which sets the bar for comfort in its segment thanks to the standard fitment of its Progressive Hydraulic Cushion (PHC) suspension across the entire range. All models come equipped with three individual sliding, folding and reclining rear seats for extra practicality, thereby allowing the SUV to claim best-in-class boot space of 580-litres to 720-litres with the rear seat backs in the upright position. However, when the rear seat backs are dropped, the C5 Aircross provides cavernous van-like space.

ConnectedCAM Technology;

ConnectedCAM®, a factory fitted dashboard camera from Citroën is also standard across the range. This innovative system consists of a HD camera that records your best road trips in complete safety. With a single click, take a photo or record a 20-second video and share it with all your friends directly on the social networks. Located just behind the interior rearview mirror, the Citroën ConnectedCAM® records the highlights of your trips in 120° wide-angle full HD with 2 million pixels.

Generous Dimensions;

Measuring 4.5m long, 1.7m high and 2.1m wide, the broad and imposing front end of the new C5 Aircross is paired with a two-tier lighting signature, and an assertively designed grille. The upper lights, which comprise of the daytime running lights and indicators, extend out from the iconic chevrons on the front and stretch across the entire width of the vehicle for a modern and expressive look. The body features wheel-arch extensions and lower body panels with a classic SUV look. Airbump™ panels are also available with personalised coloured inserts along with front, side and roof bars for extra modernity and personality.

Trim Levels;

Four trim levels are available in the new Citroën C5 Aircross – Start, Touch, Feel and range-topping Flair. Entry-level ‘Start’ trim level includes features such as an 8” touchscreen display, cruise control, active safety brake, and air-conditioning. The ‘Touch’ edition adds items such as 17” alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, folding mirrors, and Android Auto & Apple CarPlay™, while the ‘Feel’ model benefits from 18” alloy wheels, front parking sensors, rear privacy glass, wireless phone charging, and Active Blind Spot Detection. Step up to the ‘Flair’ specification and also included are 19” alloy wheels, Citroën Connect Navigation, Keyless Entry & Start, a panoramic sunroof with interior LED ambient lighting, and various Driver Assistance Systems such as Park Assist, Active Lane Departure Warning, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Highway Driver Assist is also standard on Flair models coupled with the EAT8 automatic transmission. This feature combines Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Lane Departure Warning, and a Stop & Go feature to manage driving semi-autonomously in specific driving conditions.

Engine & Transmission Options;

The C5 Aircross comes with a selection of two petrol and two diesel engines. The popular PureTech petrol engines are made up of a 1.2-litre with 130bhp (6-speed manual only), and a 1.6-litre with 180bhp, which comes with the choice of a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Blue HDI diesel engines available are a 1.5-litre with 130bhp (manual or automatic), and a 2.0-litre automatic with 180bhp. Early next year, Citroën will launch a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) edition of the new C5 Aircross, with low Co2 emissions and a range of 50km in fully electric mode promised.

Test Car;

My test car was a Citroën C5 Aircross ‘Flair’ 1.2-litre PureTech (petrol) 6-speed manual, which attracts annual road tax of just €200. All versions of the new C5 Aircross are equipped with Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushion™ suspension which delivers peerless comfort and the ‘magic carpet ride’ effect for extra occupant comfort. On the road, the C5 Aircross can absorb road imperfections with ease, and cruise over speed ramps effortlessly, while advanced soundproofing reduces both road noise and wind noise exceptionally well. With 130bhp and 230Nm of torque available, the refined and sweet-revving 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 10.5-seconds, achieve a top speed of 187km/h (where permitted), and can consume as little as 6.8-litres of petrol for every 100km’s driven on a combined driving cycle (based on strict new WLTP testing procedures). The cabin of New C5 Aircross SUV is spacious and stately. It incorporates generous and flowing shapes, while remaining attentive to functional aspects. It features a robust dashboard with a horizontal layout. On the driver side, the display screen offers a configurable digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch screen, which displays the selected driving information in the driver’s field of vision. The wide and tall central console, and the inviting seats set high, give you a feeling of control over the road, and the choice of colours and materials all add to the impression of personalisation and refinement given by the interior. Personalisation options include 30 exterior combinations, with seven body colours (Polar White, Nera Black, Platinum Grey, Steel Grey, Volcano Red, Tijuca Blue, Pearl White) and three anodised Colour Packs (Silver, White and Red). Exterior colours can be combined with a Perla Nera Black roof. The personalisation extends to the interior, with three ambiences that play on light, warmth and refinement. In addition to the standard ambience, there’s also Metropolitan Grey and Hype Brown interiors.

Verdict & Pricing;

With 19 driver assistance technologies, 6 connectivity technologies, and a combination of practicality and style, the new Citroën C5 Aircross truly is a next-generation SUV. For total peace-of-mind motoring, all Citroën passenger cars come with an amazing 5-Year unlimited mileage warranty as standard (T’s & C’s apply). Pricing for the new C5 Aircross starts at just €26,495, with my test car specification starting at a very reasonable 33,695.

Visit www.citroen.ie for further information.