Citroen C5 Aircross

The C5 Aircross prioritises a comfortable driving experience first and foremost. 

2.0L Diesel Engine

The power source in the car is a 2.0-litre diesel engine that delivers power of around 174 bhp and 400 Nm through an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The engine is quite powerful in the middle ranges, and cruising in traffic is effortless. On the road, the power is delivered steadily. It is not very fast from a standstill, but it becomes effortless when moving on the highway.

Driving Modes & Performance Tech

Features like the Eco and Sport modes, along with the Grip Control system, help adjust traction on varied types of terrains such as snow, sand, and mud. Although there is no provision for 4x4 in the C5 Aircross, these features make it better compared to other FWD SUVs.

The C5 Aircross is designed to provide comfort and ease while driving, especially on rough roads.

City Driving

In urban environments, the vehicle is effortless to handle considering its large size. The transmission works seamlessly, and there is adequate torque in the engine to manage traffic situations without frequent gear changes. The most outstanding factor in this vehicle is its suspension system, which handles potholes and bumps on the road very effectively, providing a smooth, almost floating ride experience.

Highway Driving

On highways, the C5 Aircross performs exceptionally well. The car maintains stability at high speeds, while the diesel engine ensures smooth cruising at triple-digit speeds. The suspension continues to absorb road irregularities, resulting in improved riding comfort even during longer journeys. Nevertheless, this type of suspension is not suitable for hard cornering, since it sacrifices handling for ride comfort.

A one-variant strategy has been adopted by Citroen C5 Aircross in the Indian market.

Shine (Now the Only Variant)

There is just one core variant called Shine that is offered by the brand in monotone or dual-tone options. It comes packed with all the amenities, such as a panoramic sunroof, 10-inch touchscreen system, digital instrument cluster, and automatic tailgate. The fact that there isn’t any lower variant means that buyers get the complete package as standard, but they have to pay more for it.

The fuel economy of the C5 Aircross is decent for a big SUV running on diesel. The car works well on the highways, where its diesel engine offers impressive fuel efficiency during long-distance driving.

Its styling is unique and somewhat unconventional rather than aggressive.

Front Profile

The facelift brings an enhanced look at the front with a larger grille and chrome details with LED DRLs that connect to the Citroen badge. It appears to be less quirky than the previous model but is distinct from other SUVs.

Side Profile

When viewed from the side, the car presents an impressive look owing to its bulky design featuring large claddings, together with 18-inch alloy wheels. At a ground clearance of about 230 mm, the car is able to traverse tough terrain and speed breakers easily. Styling features such as the 'C' shaped chrome window trim line and roof rails contribute to the luxury appeal of the vehicle.

Rear Profile

Its rear design is straightforward, featuring new LED tail lamps at the rear and maintaining a solid, wide stance. It does not attempt to be menacing but rather proportional in its appearance.

The design is centred around comfort, spaciousness, and the quality of materials used, instead of being focused on aesthetics.

Front Row

The first row is spacious and well-cushioned and is made for long-distance rides. Citroen has increased the cushioning, which makes them very comfortable to use and gives them an almost sofa-like feel. 

Second Row

This is where the C5 Aircross becomes unique. It comes with three separate rear seats, each of which can be individually slid, reclined, and folded. This feature really makes an impact when put into practice; three people can easily fit in the rear comfortably, something that is uncommon in this class.

Storage & Practicality

There is also ample storage room in the car, including spacious door pockets, cup holders, and deep centre armrests. The luggage room is one of the best aspects, boasting a capacity of 580 litres that can hold 3-4 big suitcases. When the rear seats are folded completely, it can be increased to as much as 1630 litres.

Instead of having technology just for the sake of having it, the C5 Aircross comes with useful and essential technology. With the 10-inch touchscreen, the navigation system is easy to read, and it is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It is, however, not the quickest system out there.

Panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and a powered tailgate make it more usable on a daily basis. Yet, the car lacks some features, such as ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, and connectivity, which have become standard for this class of vehicle.

The car features an excellent safety system centred around stability control and driver aids, although some modern technologies have been left out.

Active Safety

Among the safety features are the ESP system, traction control system, hill descent assist, and various Grip Control systems that ensure traction on various road surfaces. Systems like blind-spot monitoring and parking assistance are included to increase driver awareness when cruising on highways and parking.

Passive Safety

The design of the SUV is quite robust, while it has received a 4-star rating from Euro NCAP regarding passenger safety. The safety aspect is reinforced with the availability of six airbags, ISOFIX mounting systems, and tyre pressure monitoring. In contrast, it does not have any of the latest ADAS applications like autonomous emergency braking or lane keep assist.

The C5 Aircross falls into a niche market because it is all about providing.

Skoda Kodiaq

The Kodiaq is a strong contender, providing a higher-grade interior, all-wheel drive, a powerful petrol engine, and seating for seven. On the other hand, the C5 Aircross impresses with its better ride quality and driving comfort, particularly on rough roads.

Jeep Compass

The Compass caters to the needs of enthusiasts and light off-roading because of its four-wheel drive system. In comparison, the C5 Aircross is definitely more comfortable and better suited for long-distance travel.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan provides sharper handling, a feeling of luxury, and it also comes equipped with AWD. However, the C5 Aircross places more emphasis on ride quality and passenger comfort.

Let us see how the C5 Aircross fares in real-world applications.

The Citroen C5 Aircross will suit buyers who consider comfort, ride quality, and spaciousness as more important. This car would be most appropriate for those who take long highways regularly and need to handle rough roads, where the suspension system would come into play.

In addition, it would be an excellent option for those who prefer a more sophisticated and European-style driving experience, with the emphasis on minimising exhaustion during long drives. The seating arrangements in the back row further increase its desirability as a family-oriented SUV.

However, it may fail to attract those seeking an SUV packed with features, various choices of engines, and high branding. In case you need a vehicle that can make driving as comfortable as possible for you, be capable of being used for long-distance travel, and provide you with an exclusive experience, you can choose the Citroen C5 Aircross among others.