The French continue to put their own stamp on the sports utility vehicle segment, with the latest SUV to have the Gallic charm wand waved over it being the Citroen C5 Aircross.
According to the manufacturer, comfort is the byword here, with the first Australian outing for Citroen’s all-new Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension developed under the Citroen Advanced Comfort Program.
With its roots in the company’s storied history in rallying and endurance events, the all-new PHC system claims to make the all-new C5 Aircross one of the most comfortable cars in the SUV segment.
Citroen Australia, says the C5 Aircross, with two variants, Feel and Shine, priced from $39,990 and $43,990, respectively, brings Citroen’s modern interpretation of comfort to life.
Comfort comes across in more than one way with unrivalled seating and carrying capacity through individual sliding, folding and inclining rear seats and class-leading cargo space.
Both variants are powered by PSA Groupe’s proven 121 kW, 240 Nm, 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine, mated with a full-fluid, six-speed automatic transmission featuring steering column-mounted paddle shifters.
An array of standard comfort, safety and technology features cap off key specifications. On test was the Shine variant.
STYLING
At 4.5m long and almost two wide, the C5 Aircross sticks to traditional SUV body styling with excellent ground clearance of 230mm, the vehicle stands firm on 18-inch (Feel) or 19-inch (Shine) alloy wheels featuring sharp styling.
The C5 Aircross announces itself from the start as a Citroen with hallmark chevrons and a high-tech, two-tiered, full-LED light set-up on an imposing grille. Citroen tells us the long, high bonnet is designed to underscore the robustness and durability of an SUV. Width is highlighted by stylish side vents.
Coloured inserts, similar to those on the recent Citroën C3 and C3 Aircross, gee-up the front end. The rear-end is high and wide.
INTERIOR
It’s all about wellbeing here, from high-set driving position combining style, visual quality and a relaxed atmosphere, the spacious and prestigious environment is meant to make occupants feel protected.
Full-width cabin styling features a dashboard with a thermo-coated strip and a coloured strip on the upper part of the seats, marking the waistline at the base of the glazed surfaces and adding a further touch of refinement and differentiation.
INFOTAINMENT
The instrument panel is set into the soft insert and comprises a 12.3-inch customisable Thin Film Transistor digital screen featuring three configurations, putting driving information directly within the driver’s field of vision.
In the centre of the dashboard, air vents and an 8-inch touchscreen use a touch-strip control which forms a integrated unit.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSION
The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine features an intercooled turbocharger. It has variable inlet valve timing. Power output is 121 kW at 6000 rpm and torque output of 240 Nm from a nicely low 1400 rpm.
The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission co-developed with Aisin. Driving the front wheels, the transmission has column-mounted paddle shifters and a ‘Sport’ mode.
The engine is claimed to use 7.9 litres/100 km on the combined urban/highway cycle. The test Shine recorded 10.5 in the city and 6.5 at motorway speeds.
SAFETY
A comprehensive suite of safety features is headed up by autonomous emergency braking that detects obstacles (pedestrians or vehicles) and brakes automatically if there is any risk of collision.
This is backed up by lane warnings, collision risk alert, traffic sign recognition and recommendation, cornering lights, hill start assist, reversing camera and park assist.
Driver attention alert warns of decreased vigilance behind the wheel, while coffee break alert suggests drivers take a break after two hours travelling at speeds above 70 km/h.
DRIVING
The all-new C5 Aircross SUV cabin immediately suggests comfort, with a high-set driving position for a commanding view of the road and a spacious and prestigious environment in which occupants feel protected,
Don’t say this too loud, but Citroen says the seats have been inspired by modern bedding and its use of ‘memory materials’, including foams of different densities and hardness depending on the role – support or cushioning – of the component.
Hopefully, the driver has not been made too comfortable and in danger of nodding off.
Behind are three individual sliding, folding and inclining rear seats (each with IsoFix) and best-in-class cargo capacity of 580 litres, expanding to 720 litres when the sliding rear seats are moved to their forward-most position.
All-new C5 Aircross features advanced soundproofing with reduced road and wind noise by using double-laminated front windows, while attention has also been paid to the engine compartment’s soundproofing.
The steering wheel, with built-in controls, is particularly comfortable, featuring a thick rim with a flat base paired with a gloss black and satin chrome finish and, on Shine variants, two-tone full-grain leather.
PSA’s EMP2 platform, 95 kg lighter than its predecessor, delivers balance between mass, strength and functionality on all levels.
Advanced Grip Control system is standard on all C5 Aircross Shine variants, offering all-wheel-drive-like capability on low-grip surfaces – snow, mud, sand, ESP off – through the vehicle’s traction control system.
SUMMING UP
Performance aside, Citroen styling, classic comfort and carrying convenience, plus a nowhere-near premium price, the C5 Aircross Shine presents an attractive ownership prospect.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
C5 Aircross Feel $39,990
C5 Aircross Shine $43,990
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Citroen dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Citroen C5 Aircross Shine 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, 6-speed automatic)
Capacity: 1598 cc
Configuration: 4cyl inline
Maximum Power: 121 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 240 Nm @ 1400 rpm
Fuel type: Petrol 98 RON
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 7.9 litres per 100 km
CO2 emissions: 179 g/km
DRIVELINE:
Drivetrain: 6-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4500 mm
Width: 1859 mm (excluding mirrors)
Height: 1690 mm
Wheelbase: 2730 mm
Turning circle: 10.8 m
Tare weight: 1402 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 53 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Disc
WARRANTY:
5 years / unlimited kilometres
