Introduction
Citroen entered the popular mid-size SUV segment in 2018 with the Nissan Qashqai-rivalling C5 Aircross, and while it might not have sold in such huge numbers as that best-seller, the French firm has still delivered more than a quarter of a million examples.
But Citroen is already back with a mid-life update to address some of the model’s previous weaknesses. The marque hasn't made a significant number of updates, but the bulk of them focus on this SUV’s interior. It gets a new, larger touchscreen running on new software, while the centre console has been redesigned to help free up space.
Design changes are a bit ‘look hard or you’ll miss them’ but include new LED headlights with a sharper designer signature, as well as new colours and redesigned alloy wheels. Do these changes add up to an improved package, however?
Performance
Citroen offers a good amount of engine choice on the C5 Aircross, with one petrol, one diesel and a plug-in hybrid offered. All are front-wheel-drive too, so you’ll need to look elsewhere if you need that greater four-wheel-drive ability.
Kicking off the line-up is the engine in our test car – a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 129bhp and 230Nm of torque, which gets a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Accelerating to 60mph takes 10.3 seconds, with Citroen claiming up to 49.5mpg, with CO2 emissions of 140-155g/km.
Those doing a lot of miles should look at the diesel – a 1.5-litre unit that produces 129bhp and 300Nm of torque. Performance is similar to the petrol (0-60mph takes 10.2 seconds), though it’s more efficient, returning up to 60.8mpg with 129g/km CO2 emissions.
As for the plug-in hybrid, it pairs a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 222bhp. It can travel up to 38 miles on electricity, with Citroen claiming up to 200mpg and 32g/km CO2 emissions.
Ride and handling
Behind the wheel, the C5 Aircross is a model that majors on ease of use. There’s no hint of sportiness here, but instead, there’s a relaxing lounge-like interior and light controls that make it simple to manoeuvre. It’s largely comfortable, though can get unsettled by potholes, unlike other Citroens. Visibility is very good, too.
This 1.2-litre petrol engine isn’t the finest choice, feeling lacking in power if fully loaded with passengers, and it can sound gruff. The diesel and plug-in hybrid might therefore be better choices.
Interior
All of the main changes on the C5 Aircross stem around the interior. The redesigned centre console is an improvement and feels more modern with no chunky gear selector cluttering the place. The quality, while not premium, feels solid and hard-wearing, which is important for a family car. The ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats are also fantastic for those that struggle to get comfortable in a car, and are certainly worth trying.
There’s no shortage of space with the C5 Aircross either. All the rear seats slide individually, and provide plenty of head and legroom, even for adults. At 580 litres, the boot is a generous size as well.
Equipment
There’s a choice of three trim levels with the C5 Aircross – Sense Plus, Shine and C-Series Edition.
Even the entry-level model gets plenty of equipment included, though, such as keyless entry, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and the brilliant new 10-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and smartphone mirroring.
The Shine trim brings a Drive Assist Pack, adding blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, while part Alcantara seats are also fitted. At the top of the range, the C-Series Edition gets larger 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery and electric boot.
Cost
Prices for the C5 Aircross are right on the money compared to rivals, with the range starting from £26,930, though if you want an automatic, it adds more than £2,000 to the price.
With prices starting from £35,835, the plug-in hybrid model is surprisingly good value next to rivals, with models such as the Ford Kuga PHEV and Vauxhall Grandland PHEV both costing noticeably more.
Verdict
Citroen’s C5 Aircross was already a very capable family crossover, but these small updates have improved things further. The interior is now more modern, while the touchscreen is much clearer and easier to use as well.
Combined with generous equipment levels, competitive pricing and a practical interior, the C5 Aircross is an SUV that ticks all the boxes that matter.
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