Citroen C5 Aircross review: Classy, comfortable and mildly infuriating

Published on 8 February, 2023

Overview

Nobody does comfort and practicality quite like Citroen. For many of us, we got a first taste of that delicate recipe with the Xsara Picasso which offered space, versatility and above all, cheap family motoring.

Fast forward two decades, and the MPV succumbed to the rise of the SUV and with it came the C5 Aircross.

It stormed onto the scene in 2017, bringing a fresh look to an ever-expanding segment.

The massive bonnet featuring a double grille and headlight set-up captured the imagination – as did red housings around the air scoops in the lower apron and pockets at the bottom of the doors.

Inside was lavish in the Gallic sense, with brown watchstrap leather, brushed aluminium and piano-black finish in the upper dash.

The cabin was airy and spacious and proved more than enough for a growing family.

Facelift

Now halfway thought its life span, the C5 has been treated to a facelift and a series of tweaks to make it even better.

Most notable is the front where the double chevron takes pride of place in the centre and bleeds out into the larger LED headlights. The colour-coded airscoops have been elevated to accentuate the car’s width, while the aluminium skid plate gives a “go anywhere, do anything” feel.

Thick rubber cladding running around the wheel arches, lower sills and diffuser adds to the rugged look, as does the two-tone, 19-inch rims.

The rear light signature has also been redesigned with darkened glass to highlight three individual LED lighting modules with a 3D effect.

Inside there’s a newly designed 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (My Citroen Drive) which comes as standard from the second trim level and links with your phone, apps and music.

The touchscreen itself is what you might call “under sensitive” and you really have to stab at it to get anywhere – a bit irritating when you are changing radio stations and bloody infuriating when the windscreen is misting up.

This new offering is loaded with safety tech including highway driver assist. This level-two autonomous driving system combines adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go function in traffic, while the active lane departure warning takes the stress out of motorway driving.

Relaxing

Speaking of calm, the lounge-like feel of the cabin has a relaxing effect and the new advanced comfort seats are sumptuous.

The extra layer of high-density foam (15mm) in the core of the seats offers added support and really pays dividends, especially on longer journeys.

That comfort carries into the rear where the C5 Aircross is the only SUV in the segment to offer three sliding, reclining and retractable seats.

Boot space is also class-leading with 580-720 litres of luggage room in the petrol and diesel versions and up to 600 litres for the hybrid.

Drive-wise, we tested the diesel offering which sees a 1.5-litre unit hooked up to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. That combo generates a decent 130bhp and while it won’t set the world on fire (0-100km takes 10.2 seconds),it proved to be most at home cruising on the M1.

It glides along effortlessly on smooth surfaces like the legendary “magic carpet ride”. On more challenging roads the suspension gets stiffer and crashes through rather than over uneven surfaces.

It’s hard not to be impressed by how frugal the C5 is. Considering its bulk, it’s returning in excess 5.1 litres/100km or 55mpg in old money.

For comfort, practicality and economy, the C5 Aircross is hard to beat. Prices start at €39,830.

Better late than never ... Enyaq Coupe is here

Almost 12 months after its international launch, the all-electric Skoda Enyaq Coupe is finally here. The invasion of the Ukraine coupled with worldwide shortage of microchips put the project on ice, but Irish orderbooks are open now.

Like its chunkier sibling, the slick fastback offers a heady mix of space, comfort and versatility. Depending on specification, the Coupé has a claimed range of up to 545km.

There is a choice of two battery sizes, rear and all-wheel drive, plus power outputs ranging from 132kW to 195kW. Prices start from €56,710 inclusive of a three-year maintenance and tyre plan.

The sleeker body features a discrete sporty front apron as well as body‑coloured side skirts. It sits on super sexy 19 or 21 inch rims, has piano black inserts peppered around the body and a dark tinted panoramic glass roof as standard.

It also comes with Crystal Face (option) where the vertical ribs of the striking grille are illuminated by 131 LEDs.