Lastly, it’s au revoir with the previous and bonjour with the brand new for the Citroen C5 Aircross.
Regardless of its sharp styling and well-appointed cabin, the unique was hamstrung by its questionable worth in opposition to the institution.
This facelifted mannequin retains its premium positioning, however has made inroads in most areas to be a extra aggressive left-field providing in comparison with an array of rivals – together with its personal Peugeot mum or dad.
Highlights of the brand new 2023 Citroen C5 Aircross – now supplied in only a single variant – embody a extra highly effective turbocharged petrol engine, a brand new transmission with extra gears, the most recent driver help tech the corporate has to supply, a bigger infotainment show with newer software program, in addition to developments to Citroen’s Superior Consolation options.
For followers of French automobiles the Citroen appears as full as ever, however this new one remains to be priced in opposition to the most costly variations of section favourites.
Has Citroen accomplished sufficient to be a worthy various to the mid-size SUV institution?
How a lot does the Citroen C5 Aircross Sport value?
The one-variant vary now opens from $54,990 earlier than on-road prices and choices – figuring out to only over $60,300 drive-away primarily based on a Melbourne postcode.
That’s a reasonably minor $2690 premium over the 2022 model when you think about the upgrades – together with contemporary appears to be like, an upgraded drivetrain, extra options, and far improved expertise.
Citroen’s worth places the C5 Aircross in opposition to high-spec variations of the Mazda CX-5 Akera (from $51,500), and sits it between the bottom Attract and mid-spec GT variations of the Peugeot 3008. A possible left-field various lies within the similarly-sized Skoda Karoq which, in fully-optioned 110kW Fashion guise is available in at round $58,000 drive-away.
It’s price noting the Australian C5 Aircross is aligned with a fully-optioned instance out of someplace just like the UK. Specifying a UK-spec C5 Aircross petrol (96kW as our 133kW powertrain isn’t supplied there) to the identical stage because the native model works out to only below £34,000 or round A$64,200.
It’s additionally almost $3000 extra reasonably priced than the associated, if admittedly barely bigger C5 X crossover ($57,670).
2023 Citroen C5 Aircross pricing:
- Citroen C5 Aircross Sport: $54,990
Value excludes on-road prices
What’s the Citroen C5 Aircross Sport like on the within?
The C5 Aircross could not have the plush trimmings of its Peugeot 3008 cousin, but it surely’s nonetheless a fairly good place to sit down.
One of many first belongings you’ll discover when hopping into the motive force’s seat is simply how comfortable and supportive the entrance pews are – it’s nearly like sitting on a sofa at residence.
Citroen’s Superior Consolation seats have been refined additional for this new iteration of C5 Aircross, with an additional 15mm of high-density foam within the development and adjustments to make sure the seats don’t sag over time.
The seats are additionally completed in a stunning ‘Paloma’ perforated Nappa leather-based which is comfortable and easy to the contact, however doesn’t really feel so delicate that it’ll shortly be ruined with fixed use.
Citroen has additionally added contrasting blue accents for the higher backrests and headrests which properly praise our tester’s Eclipse Blue hero paint end, and there’s cool stitching and quilting particulars – together with chevrons stitched into the backrest.
The motive force’s seat is electrically adjustable and contains a helpful therapeutic massage perform, whereas the entrance seats are each heated.
For the facelift, the dashboard has been redesigned with a higher-set 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system instead of the extra built-in 8.0-inch unit of the previous automobile, and revised switchgear.
The brand new display screen affords greater decision and snappier load occasions than the pre-facelift mannequin’s pretty dated interface, although it’s not the model’s newest era of infotainment with linked companies such as you’ll discover within the C5 X and Peugeot 308, which is kind of disappointing for a automobile launching later than each.
Nonetheless, it covers most bases in providing wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (not wi-fi, by way of USB-A), DAB radio in addition to embedded satellite tv for pc navigation with 3D mapping. Bear in mind the up to date C5 Aircross was revealed in early 2022, and has taken some time to roll out to right-hand drive markets from Australia.
It seems the UK market will get an analogous system to ours however with added connectivity, however it could have been good to see Citroen constantly roll out its new system throughout all new launches from the C5 X.
The format and interface will likely be acquainted to present Citroen or earlier Peugeot house owners, however readability and pace are clear developments over the previous one. Whereas the local weather controls stay touch-based, there are bodily shortcuts switches for air recirculation and accessing the HVAC menu, which assist.
The motive force is confronted with a big 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster – bigger than the C5 X’s, oddly – and whereas it affords a stage of customisation that enables for varied views together with maps, it’s typical Citroen in that it has a left-field design with a squircle motif and unconventional parts.
Deciding on ‘dials’ gained’t get you precise dials like a Peugeot, as an alternative citing three squircle pods that show pace, journey laptop and which gear you’re in. You may as well choose ‘Driving’ for a driver help format which has some good graphics, and the ‘Navigation’ view brings maps to the entrance even if you’re not navigating.
The tachometer is an old-school bar on the high and is at all times in view, which is a type of throwback. The chunky steering wheel with its easy leather-based rim and large buttons is sweet to carry too, and has a particular feel and look that’s not like anything.
Storage is first rate up entrance although has its drawbacks, with huge cubbies within the centre console across the toggle-style e-shifter that may stow telephones and wallets and keys – there’s a wi-fi charger forward of the shifter too – and there’s an enormous cubby below the centre armrest with rubberised base for bigger bottles and the like.
Nonetheless, the thin door bins gained’t match bigger bottles, and the plastic lining means issues rattle round a bit. At the very least the toothed cupholders are massive sufficient and maintain issues in place.
One of many C5 Aircross’s distinctive parts within the second row is its three particular person seats, clearly nicked from the bigger Peugeot 5008 SUV-MPV. They’re trimmed in the identical Nappa leather-based because the entrance, and are elevated in a stadium-style association to offer youngsters and shorter adults a greater view out entrance and thru the aspect home windows.
They every slide fore and aft independently, in addition to recline to a good diploma. The problem? There isn’t an enormous quantity of leg- and knee room construct into the C5 Aircross’s cabin to completely make the most of this cool characteristic.
At round 6’1 I used to be fairly cosy behind my very own driving place with the rear seats of their rearmost place. On the passenger aspect you possibly can slide the entrance seat just a little additional ahead to unencumber extra space, however in the event you’re a leggy legend like me you would possibly discover any shuffling about would possibly see you knock the entrance seatback along with your knee.
At the very least headroom is alright, even with the usual panoramic sunroof. The ground can also be fairly flat, which implies the center occupant doesn’t need to knock outboard passengers to compete for foot and toe room, and facilities like rear air vents, a USB cost level on the rear of the centre console, netted map pockets behind each entrance seats, and extra skinny door bins.
In case you’ve acquired younger youngsters, they’ll be very happy within the rear, and there are ISOFIX anchors on the window seats in addition to top-tether factors behind all three rear seats.
Whereas rear seat house isn’t fairly up there with the perfect at school, the C5 Aircross affords fairly a giant boot. Citroen quotes 580 litres with the rear seats in place, increasing to 1630L with the second row folded.
That’s the identical five-seat determine quoted by a Toyota RAV4, whereas a Kia Sportage quotes 543L-1829L. That’s regardless of the C5 Aircross measuring simply 4500mm lengthy – 100mm shorter than a RAV4, and 160mm shorter than the Sportage. It’s even 75mm shorter than a Mazda CX-5, which solely affords 438-1340L of bags capability.
Below the boot ground, there’s a space-saver spare wheel.
What’s below the bonnet?
Energy within the new Citroen C5 Aircross comes from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, which drives the entrance wheels by way of a brand new eight-speed computerized transmission from Aisin.
Outputs are rated at 133kW (5500rpm) and 250Nm (1650rpm), in comparison with the pre-update mannequin’s 121kW and six-speed computerized. Zero to 100km/h takes a claimed 8.2 seconds, with high pace rated at 219km/h.
The engine is Euro 6-certified, claims mixed gas utilization of 5.7L per 100km. CO2 emissions are rated at 130g/km.
Whereas not obtainable within the Australian market, the C5 Aircross additionally affords a 165kW 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid abroad, just like the PHEV drivetrain supplied in native Peugeot merchandise, and coming quickly to the C5 X.
The newest C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid quotes 66km of vary from an upgraded 14.2kWh lithium battery pack, and CO2 emissions of simply 29g/km. The PHEV is into consideration for the Australian market, however at that is stage unconfirmed.
Trying on the UK market, the 96kW 1.2-litre turbo petrol from the Peugeot 308 is obtainable too, alongside a 96kW 1.5-litre turbo-diesel.
How does the Citroen C5 Aircross Sport drive?
From the get-go, Citroen makes no secret about its deal with outright consolation over engagement.
Except you’re completely set on shopping for an SUV that offers you reminiscences of driving a sporty hatchback, the C5 Aircross actually delivers on its Superior Consolation promise. The sunshine steering, softly-sprung suspension, and relaxed powertrain calibration makes for a soothing and easy commuter and tourer.
The suspension advantages from the model’s hydraulic bump stops on either side of the shock absorber – one for compression and the opposite for rebound – to soak up and dissipate forces transmitted by bigger bumps to gradual suspension actions after huge hits.
It claims to supply a ‘magic carpet impact’ – however whereas the C5 Aircross is impressively snug even on 19-inch alloy wheels, it’s no Rolls-Royce. The massive wheels are liable to selecting up high-frequency imperfections and harsher hits, however whereas these are felt within the cabin, they aren’t essentially transmitted by the seat.
Drive it more durable and it leans a bit and doesn’t provide you with an important diploma of suggestions, so it doesn’t actually put the ‘Sport’ in Sports activities Utility Car – the tremendous comfortable trip setup comes on the expense of dealing with, because the top-heavy physique and eco tyres don’t encourage you to drive this tough or have a little bit of enjoyable up a winding B-road. Good and regular is the way in which right here.
It’s very easy to manage round city, but it surely’s additionally planted and safe on the freeway.
Outward visibility can also be nice, due to the tall glasshouse and restricted blind-spots – aided by blind-spot monitoring must you lose an approaching automobile in your aspect mirrors or neglect to do a head-check.
I’ve beforehand criticised nearly each Citroen I’ve pushed in my tenure as an automotive journalist to this point for the usually awkward tune of the Aisin computerized. The C5 Aircross is definitely the perfect one I’ve tried but.
Having not too long ago had a stint within the C5 X, it’s disappointing Citroen nonetheless hadn’t ironed out among the awkward shifts and lurching in visitors. The C5 Aircross hasn’t utterly eradicated these traits, but it surely’s noticeably higher – although its tendency to roll backwards as you come off the brakes when cease/begin is engaged is usually a little alarming if it occurs abruptly on a steeper incline.
Acceleration is linear and easy, with the eight-speeder providing snappy and intuitive shifts up the ratios, and settling into a pleasant cruise when you’re at pace.
The little 1.6-litre turbo is a keen little factor, and revs fortunately which can appease those who miss the free-revving nature of naturally-aspirated models of previous. What I’ll say, is that the buzzy engine word isn’t notably interesting to the ears, and there’s a bizarre buzzy-ticking noise that comes into the cabin everytime you contact the accelerator.
Flick it into Sport mode and it positively will get a transfer on and is noticeably extra responsive, however like talked about earlier you’re higher off driving this in a extra relaxed and sedate method – but it surely’s good to realize it’s acquired some muscle in the event you ever want it.
It’s in any other case not too vocal below load, so whereas the unattractive sound is current it’s not deafening.
Talking of noise intrusion, the C5 Aircross does a ok job at holding the cabin insulated from the skin world, although it’s not as whisper quiet as section benchmarks.
There’s just a little little bit of tyre roar on rougher stretches of blacktop, however wind noise is impressively suppressed even at greater speeds.
I additionally just like the extra calming tones and sounds from the automobile’s techniques, e.g. the indicator sound that’s harking back to a xylophone, and the audible warnings for driver help techniques are equally nice – a far cry from among the incessant chimes elsewhere.
The C5 Aircross’s help suite has been bolstered with this facelift, with Freeway Driver Help now normal due to the addition of the eight-speed auto – the semi-autonomous characteristic has beforehand not been suitable with the outgoing six-speeder.
As we’ve present in autos just like the Peugeot 308 and 508, this method is fairly intuitive and isn’t overzealous about holding you proper within the centre of your lane.
It has the behavior of stopping undertakes like a Volkswagen, and will be fairly conservative with following distance so it often brakes sharply in the event you interact adaptive cruise management whereas following a automobile nearer than the automobile likes.
The Citroen’s normal blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert techniques work as you’d count on, although the reversing digital camera with top-down view is disappointingly sub-par. The grainy decision and stitched feed in an try to create a static 360-degree view as you reverse won’t ever be a stand-in for correct encompass cameras.
What do you get?
C5 Aircross Sport highlights:
- Freeway Driver Help
- Adaptive cruise management incl. cease/go
- Lively lane centring
- Panoramic sunroof
- LED headlights
- Reflector-type
- Completed in gloss black
- Twin daytime operating mild signature with LED indicator
- Practical air curtain
- LED tail lights
- Black Pack
- 19-inch black alloy wheels
- Shiny black door/aspect mirror shell
- Matte black roof rails
- Black roof
- Black color pack (Airbumps and fog mild surrounds)
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wired)
- Wi-fi smartphone charger
- Acoustic laminated entrance home windows
- New Hype Black inside
- Blue highlights
- Black Nappa leather-based trim, incl. perforated Nappa leather-based seats
- Blue stitching for sprint, door, central armrest, centre console trim
- Superior Consolation Seats
- Superior Consolation Suspension
- Progressive Hydraulic Cushions
- Heated entrance seats
- Driver’s therapeutic massage perform
- Driver’s seat electrical adjustment
- e-Toggle model gear selector
- Grip Management
MORE: 2023 Citroen C5 Aircross worth and specs
Colors
Normal
Premium: $690
- Pearl White
- Artense Gray
- Platinum Gray
- Nera Black
- Eclipse Blue
Is the Citroen C5 Aircross Sport protected?
The pre-facelift Citroen C5 Aircross wears a four-star ANCAP security score primarily based on 2019 testing.
It scored 87 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 88 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 58 per cent for weak street person safety, and 73 per cent for security help.
The important thing barrier for the C5 Aircross in its preliminary security evaluation was that Australian fashions had the essential AEB package deal that carried out weakly almost about defending weak street customers.
It’s unclear whether or not the up to date mannequin will likely be retested in an effort to have its score adjusted with its upgraded security suite.
Normal security options embody:
- 6 airbags
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration alert
- Emergency brake help
- Freeway Driver Help
- Adaptive cruise management incl. cease/go
- Lively lane centring
- Lane departure warning
- Street edge detection
- Velocity limiter
- Velocity restrict advice
- Visitors signal recognition
- Tyre strain monitoring
How a lot does the Citroen C5 Aircross Sport value to run?
The C5 Aircross is roofed by the model’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee in Australia.
There’s additionally 5 years of roadside help thrown in, in addition to a five-year Service Value Promise program.
Scheduled upkeep is required each 12 months or 20,000km – whichever comes first – and there are pre-paid servicing plans for three- and five-year durations. The three-year service pack prices $1100, whereas the five-year package deal lists for $2000.
By way of real-world gas consumption, the C5 Aircross returned an indicated 6.9L/100km after every week of blended driving situations, together with each day high-traffic commuting with each freeway and concrete roads thrown in.
For a non-hybrid petrol SUV, that’s fairly spectacular, if just a little off Citroen’s 5.7L/100km declare. It’s truly about nearly as good as I’ve gotten from numerous diesel-powered rivals, and never far off Nissan’s X-Path e-Energy collection hybrid.
Whereas environment friendly, the C5 Aircross’s EU6 powertrain requires 95 RON premium unleaded, so these gas financial savings are barely offset by demanding dearer gas.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Citroen C5 Aircross Sport
The C5 Aircross now has extra panache to match its chevron moustache.
It’s a unusual various to the mid-size SUV institution that may be very stress-free to drive and has one of many greatest boots in section – on the expense of rear seat house. The improved drivetrain and tech are additionally notable enhancements over the earlier mannequin.
Nonetheless, its excessive pricing and a few clean containers on the spec sheet in comparison with key rivals and certainly its C5 X stablemate will little doubt be boundaries to wider attraction, as will a again seat that’s finest described as ‘cosy’.
The dearth of an all-wheel drive (AWD) choice can even be a deal-breaker for a lot of at this worth level, and a few buying at this finish of the market will seemingly be after a bit extra grunt.
However for these wanting one thing just a little completely different, who admire a comfort-focused trip and are keen to spend just a little extra for the exclusivity, the C5 Aircross will likely be just about excellent for that very particular slice of the market that so loyally observe the storied 100-year previous French model.
Like most Citroens, its funky but flawed.
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