Read Caroline’s Citroen C5 Aircross review for everything you need to know about buying Citroen’s new compact SUV in Ireland.
The first generation of the C5 Aircross went on sale in 2019, and it marked Citroen’s entry into the five-seat, family SUV market. It’s a very important car for Citroen, and the brand’s bestselling model in Ireland.
This year Citroen has been reinventing its line-up of cars, including new generations of the C3 supermini and C3 Aircross, as well as an updated C4 and C4 X.
But the C5 arguably gets the biggest glow-up, reflecting its flagship status in the Citroen range. The brand has big ambitions for this car and wants to be a big player in the compact SUV segment.
I travelled to Majorca with Citroen Ireland to test it out.
Design
The C5 Aircross has had a massive upgrade. Built on an all-new platform, it’s available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full battery electric.
It’s longer than before with sharper lines that are a contrast to the softer, curvier styling of the previous one. It’s clearly grown-up and looks more sophisticated than ever.
At the front, it gets the new family face of the Citroen brand, just like the smaller C3 and C4. It wears the brand’s new logo for the first time, along with new signature three-point lighting.
The designers insisted on big wheels for the C5 Aircross: up to 20-inch possible and they fill the arches well.
A lot of attention was paid to aerodynamics so the C5 has special features like the plunging nose of the bonnet, inlets and air deflectors around the wheel arches to smooth air flow around the car.
At the back, the signature ‘Light Wings’ give the C5 real distinction.
Citroen C5 Aircross Interior
The glow-up continues inside with a radical transformation that makes the C5 Aircross feel right up to date. The design is clean and minimalist with a focus on creating a lounge-like feel. A textured fabric finish has been applied to the doors and dashboard, which lifts things. There are some harder plastics, but the overall feeling is one of a well-finished cabin that is a step up from the previous one. Citroen’s Advanced Comfort Seats also feature with thicker foam.
The new ‘Waterfall’ touchscreen is perched in the centre and its large interface and clear layout make it easy to use. Ventilation controls are in the screen however they sit at the bottom all the time so adjusting them doesn’t require too much fumbling around.
The digital driver display is clear and easy to navigate, while an excellent head-up display is also available.
Irish trim levels and equipment have not been finalised yet.
Practicality
Sitting on a longer wheelbase than before reaps dividends for interior space. It feels brighter and roomier, with more legroom and headroom. Rear seat passengers can even recline the seats a little.
There are some amenities like pockets in the back of the front seats, two USB-C ports, 12-volt socket, climate vents and an armrest with cupholders.
However, family buyers may be disappointed to find there is no longer Isofix fixtures on the front passenger seat; just on the outer two rear seats. The C5 Aircross has also lost some of its modularity; it used to have three individual seats in the second row, now just a bench seat. But the seat backs can still split fold 40:20:40.
Boot space has improved once again with all versions getting 651 litres, even the plug-in hybrid and electric version. There is underfloor storage and handy features like a two-position boot floor and a 12-volt socket.
A powered tailgate is also available.
Citroen C5 Aircross Engines and Powertrains
There is no more diesel in the C5 Aircross range, with the focus now on hybrid and electric.
The entry into the range will be the new Hybrid 145 based around a 1.2 litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol with a small battery and electric motor, paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox and producing 145hp. With no plugging in or charging required, it’s likely to appeal to buyers seeking a convenient hybrid with the benefits of lower emissions and better fuel economy than a traditional petrol engine
Citroen has also introduced a new generation of its C5 Aircross Plug-in hybrid with 33% more range than its predecessor. Based around a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and using a seven-speed automatic, the 21kWh battery means range has improved from 55 kilometres in the outgoing one, to 86 kilometres in the new one along with a healthy 195hp. Charging takes just over five hours with a 7.4kW wallbox.
The all-new C5 Aircross Electric comes with the choice of two battery sizes: a 73kWh with up to 520 kilometres (210hp) or a 93kWh with up to 680 kilometres (WLTP). There’s also 11kW AC charging or 22kW optional, and DC fast charging up to 160kW. Vehicle to load charging will also be available from 2026.
Driving the C5 Aircross
The new C5 Aircross is built on an all-new platform that also underpins Stellantis Group stablemates like the Opel Grandland and Peugeot 3008.
The previous C5 was one of the most comfortable family SUVs on sale and the new one aims to continue that with Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort Suspension’ with progressive hydraulic cushions. However, this time the car feels more composed through bends with firmer steering and increased grips levels.
Citroen has uniquely tuned the suspension of each variant. On the launch I tested both the hybrid and electric, with the latter feeling firmer. The plug-in hybrid has a softer and more cushioned ride quality that is very pleasant, while still displaying sharper handling through bends. Refinement is excellent, with a well-insulated cabin making for a serene driving experience.
The plug-in hybrid feels super smooth and responsive, with no notable transitions between the car’s hybrid and electric engines. There are three drive modes – hybrid, electric and sport – with the latter offering a sprightlier drive.
Verdict
The new C5 Aircross moves the game on for Citroen in the compact SUV segment with sharper styling, more spacious interior, upgraded digital technology and a great choice of electrified engines.
If Citroen wants to be a big player in the compact SUV class, the new C5 Aircross gives them a fighting chance. Expect to see it in Ireland before the end of the year, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year