Launched in China in 2017, just last year the Citroën C5 Aircross arrived in Europe — somewhat belatedly, in a segment that was on the boil — coming to occupy the place left vacant in the range by the C-Crossers and C4 AirCross.
Developed based on the EMP2 platform, the same as the “cousins” Peugeot 3008 or Opel Grandland X, the Citroën C5 Aircross presents itself with a very unique and typically Citroën style.
Therefore, it presents itself with the famous “Airbumps”, with split headlights and replaced the edges and creases that characterize the design of its “cousins” and many competitors, for smoother and rounded surfaces.
The end result is a model with a robust and adventurous look but, at the same time, friendly and without being aggressive, as seems to be the norm. Personally, I must admit that the recipe applied by Citroën pleases me, and it is always positive to see a brand choose a “different path”.
Inside the Citroën C5 Aircross
Pleasant and welcoming, the interior of the C5 Aircross has an airy style, highlighting the progressive reduction in the number of physical controls in the cabin.
As we have seen in other PSA Group models, the C5 Aircross also has climate control controls integrated into the infotainment system, accessible via the 8″ touchscreen.
If in terms of use, especially when on the move, it is not the best solution, on the other hand, Citroën provides — and right — shortcut keys below the screen that allow quick access to the main functions of the infotainment system, such as the air conditioning, avoiding “browsing” through the system menus looking for the appropriate function.
The 8'' screen is easy to use.
The interior reveals a robust assembly and, although the materials oscillate in terms of its visual and tactile pleasantness, the overall result is positive, especially when choosing the Metropolitan Gray interior environment of the unit we tested.
SUV or MPV? The two, according to the C5 Aircross
Finally, it's time to tell you about two of the biggest bets on the Citroën C5 Aircross: the space and flexibility . Starting at the end, the flexibility and modularity of the C5 Aircross is one of its strongest arguments.
In fact, the French brand's efforts in this direction ended up giving this SUV a set of characteristics that we soon associate with MPV — a type of vehicle that seems to be heading towards certain extinction, due to the dominating success of vehicles like the… C5 Aircross.
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Take a look at the second row of seats on the C5 Aircross: it has three individual seats, all identical in size, all sliding (along 15 cm), and all with reclining and folding backs — clearly designed with families in mind — features that are often acclaimed in the best MPV's.
It's true that the tape measure says that there are proposals with better shares of rear habitability in the segment. However, aboard the C5 Aircross, the feeling we have is that there is space to give and sell, being possible to transport five adults without anyone complaining.
Hotkeys are an ergonomic plus.
In addition to all this, the Citroën SUV also has the largest luggage compartment in the segment (in the five-seater SUV), with this offering between 580 and 720 liters — thanks to the sliding seats — and plenty of storage spaces.
At the wheel of the Citroën C5 Aircross
Once seated at the wheel of the Citroën C5 Aircross, the comfortable “Advanced Comfort” seats and the large glazed surface prove to be good allies when it comes to finding a good driving position.
Already when we put the 1.5 BlueHDi to work it reveals itself willful and refined (for a Diesel). Well supported by the EAT8 eight-speed automatic transmission, the 130 hp tetracylinder allows you to print relatively lively rhythms without triggering consumption.
By the way, speaking of fuel consumption, these proved to be one of the best qualities of the C5 Aircross, traveling between 5.5 and 6.3 l/100 km without much effort.
Finally, with regard to dynamic behavior, the Citroën C5 Aircross is guided by predictability and safety, presenting itself more filtered than models such as the SEAT Ateca, Hyundai Tucson or even the Skoda Karoq Sportline.
Instead, the bet of the C5 Aircross is clearly comfort, an area where it proves to be a reference. Able to easily absorb most of the imperfections of our roads (and unfortunately there are not a few), the road character of the Citroën SUV reveals a preference for calmer rather than hurried paces.
Is the car right for me?
After spending about a week behind the wheel of the Citroën C5 Aircross, I must admit that I like the different way in which Citroën decided to “attack” the SUV segment.
Spacious, (very) versatile, comfortable and economical, the C5 Aircross is one of the SUVs that is more clearly oriented towards the families of the segment, fulfilling in a competent way the “duties” that are expected of a family model — of all SUVs it's the one with the most MPV genes it seems to have.
On the other hand, Citroën left behind dynamic or sporting whims and created an SUV that, in my opinion, stands out as one of the best options to consider in the segment, especially for those with children.
That said, if you are looking for the ideal family car, the Citroën C5 Aircross has to be one of the main options to consider.