Citroen C5 Aircross review: Classy, comfortable and slightly annoying
Nobody is as comfortable and practical as Citroen. For many of us, the Xsara Picasso gave us our first taste of this delicate recipe that offered space, versatility and, most importantly, affordable family car.
It wasn’t until two decades later that the MPV succumbed to the rise of SUVs, and with it came the C5 Aircross.
It burst onto the scene in 2017, bringing a fresh look to an ever-growing segment.
The massive bonnet with double grille and headlight arrangement fired the imagination, as did red housings around the air scoops in the lower apron and pockets at the bottom of the doors.
The interior was lavish in the Gallic sense, with brown watch strap leather, brushed aluminum and piano black finish on the upper fascia.
The cabin was airy and spacious and proved more than adequate for a growing family.
face lift
Halfway through its life, the C5 has undergone a facelift and a number of tweaks to make it even better.
Most notable is the front, where the double chevron takes pride of place in the center and transitions into the larger LED headlights. Color-coded airscoops have been raised to emphasize the vehicle’s width, while the aluminum skid plate gives the feel that you can go anywhere and do anything.
Thick rubber panels around the wheel arches, lower sills and diffuser add to the rugged look, as do the two-tone 19-inch wheels.
The taillight signature has also been redesigned with darkened glass to highlight three individual LED lighting modules with a 3D effect.
Inside is a redesigned 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (My Citroen Drive), included as standard from the second trim level, which connects to your phone, apps and music.
Close
One of the main interior changes is a new 10-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system
The touchscreen itself is what you might call “undersensitive,” and you really have to poke at it to get anywhere – a bit irritating when you’re changing radio stations and bloody annoying when the windscreen fogs up.
This new offering is packed with safety tech, including highway driver assistance. This level two autonomous driving system combines adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function in traffic, while the active lane departure warning system makes motorway driving easier.
Relaxing
Speaking of rest, the cabin’s lounge atmosphere is relaxing and the new advanced comfort seats are luxurious.
The extra layer of high-density foam (15mm) at the core of the seats provides extra support and pays off especially on longer journeys.
This comfort carries over to the rear, where the C5 Aircross is the only SUV in the segment to offer three sliding, reclining and retractable seats.
The trunk is also class-leading, with 580-720 liters of luggage space in the petrol and diesel versions and up to 600 liters for the hybrid.
Drive-wise, we tested the diesel offering, which sees a 1.5-liter unit mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. This combination produces a decent 130PS, and while it won’t set the world on fire (0-100km takes 10.2 seconds), it’s proven most at home cruising the M1.
It glides effortlessly on smooth surfaces like the legendary “magic carpet”. On more demanding roads, the suspension becomes stiffer and is more likely to bottom out than over rough surfaces.
It’s hard not to be impressed with how fuel efficient the C5 is. Considering its mass, it puts back more than 5.1 litres/100 km, or 55 mpg in old money.
When it comes to comfort, practicality and economy, the C5 Aircross is hard to beat. Prices start at €39,830.
Better late than never… Enyaq Coupé is here
Almost 12 months after its international launch, the all-electric Skoda Enyaq Coupé is finally here. The invasion of Ukraine combined with the global shortage of microchips put the project on hold, but Irish order books are now open.
Like its chunkier sibling, the sleek Fastback offers an intoxicating blend of space, comfort and versatility. Depending on the specification, the coupe has a range of up to 545 km.
There is a choice of two battery sizes, rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, and outputs from 132 kW to 195 kW. Prices start at €56,710 including a three-year maintenance and tire plan.
The slimmer body has a subtle, sporty front apron and side skirts in the body colour. It sits on super sexy 19 or 21 inch rims, has piano black inserts studded around the body and a dark tinted panoramic glass roof as standard.
It is also available with Crystal Face (option), where the vertical ribs of the distinctive grille are illuminated by 131 LEDs.
https://www.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-reviews/citroen-c5-aircross-review-classy-comfortable-and-mildly-infuriating-42332984.html Citroen C5 Aircross review: Classy, comfortable and slightly annoying
