Louth Motors: Citroen C5 Aircross brings comfort and excellence

Back in 2019 when I initially reviewed the C5 Aircross from Citroen I said if I were in the market for an SUV, I would be in the C5 Aircross – unquestionably.

Last week I said that the best car in the world was the Range Rover and believe me, it is.
It was with a heavy heart I returned that car having reached that conclusion and next up was the C5 Aircross.

Here’s where things start to get strange. I was driving the 225hp, 1.6l petrol PHEV model that costs €49,700 or less than a third the price of the Range Rover.

The entry model starts at €39,470. So, for sure we are not comparing apples and oranges here but, in terms of comfort these two, judging by my comfort senses, absolutely can be compared. I had moments in the C5 Aircross where I still thought I was driving the Range Rover.

OK, I was not seated as high, or the interior styling and finish are not comparable, but for eradication of road imperfection ability, it felt the same. It is by far the most comfortable from the group that contains the likes of the Kia Sportage, the Hyundai Tucson, the Mazda CX-5 and the Ford Kuga.

All accomplished performers but that Citroen expertise of delivering super comfortable cars sets the C5 Aircross apart. Key to achieving that super comfortable ride is the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions Citroen use for the suspension.

The magic they do delivers what Citroen claims is a magic carpet ride and it sure is. My hankering for the Range Rover I just handed back disappeared as soon as I drove off in the C5 Aircross.

This new model is a facelifted version with the main changes occurring at the front where the split lights have gone in place of a single unit, lower and larger air intakes in the front bumper, different rear light clusters and of course a bigger, 10-inch infotainment screen.

The new drive selector is like the one found in a lot of other cars in the Stellantis group. Here’s the thing though, I prefer the look of the previous model which was very distinctive and eye-catching.

The interior vents were particular to the car and the helicopter like drive selector suited the car better than the flick switch one used now. The new one is fine and will not deter you, but sometimes leaving well enough alone is the better option.

Being a PHEV there is 55kms of all-electric range available from the 13.2kWH battery that will take two hours to recharge using a 7kW AC charger. So, for minimum effort, your first 55 kms every day will be using electricity only.

A quick check on the trip meter of the car’s economy performance between myself and the previous drivers showed an average of 6.5l/100kms which is mightily impressive for what is a substantial car.

It will get to 100 km/h in 8.7s. Rear passengers will be pleased that they get an amazingly comfortable ride but will be less impressed with the headroom and knee space.

They can, however, get their personal optimum setting as the rear seats are split 40:20:40 allowing maximum flexibility.

Boot space remains the same at 460-580 litres depending on the rear seat setting and position with access, depending on the trim chosen, via an electric tailgate which really are a must have these days.

If you are in the market for an SUV then height is your preference for sure, otherwise you would be in a much better handling saloon/estate/hatchback. So having made that compromise you cannot complain or moan about the ride.

The car is at home on motorways and dual carriage ways but when the bends arrive is does lean a bit and being a Citroen there is always a bit of understeer that can appear sooner than you would like.

The feel from the steering wheel is anesthetize making no connection between what the wheels encounter and feeding this back to your hands.

But this only adds to the sense of comfort keeping the imperfections at bay. If you own anything made by Sparco then this is not the car for you.

But if you prize riding comfort and quietness there is nothing to touch it in the SUV car park apart from, the three times the price Range Rover the orange to the C5 Aircross’s apple.