Launched a few years in the past, the Citroen C5 Aircross was a welcome addition to the extremely aggressive mid-sized SUV market dominated by the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga, Kia Sportage and Peugeot 3008.
Priced from £24,355, the C5 Aircross vary was initially powered by a powerful vary of environment friendly PureTech petrol and BlueHDi diesel engines, paired with both a six-speed guide or eight-speed computerized gearbox.
Now, Citroen has added a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model. Beginning at £34,360, it prices a very good deal greater than its conventionally powered stablemates, however it has its benefits as a result of it’s kinder to the planet, and your pocket in on a regular basis working prices.
On paper, it’s able to as much as 168mpg, CO2 emissions are rated as little as 32g/km and it will possibly journey for 34 miles in pure electrical mode, for those who’ve totally charged the battery.
On the coronary heart of the C5 Aircross PHEV is a 178bhp 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine paired with an 80kW electrical motor powered by a 13.2kWh battery, giving a mixed 222bhp.
An eight-speed computerized gearbox sends drive to the entrance wheels, leading to a 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds and a high pace of 140mph. Charging takes two hours utilizing a 7.4kW wallbox or seven hours by way of a three-pin plug.
In concept, it signifies that for those who solely use your automobile for a mean of round 30 miles per day, you possibly can run on electrical solely. The price of house charging varies relying in your electrical energy charge, however a full cost might value simply £1.66, which works out at 5.76p per mile.
Extra importantly for firm automobile drivers, the advantages of working a plug-in hybrid could make a major annual tax saving.
Three drive modes can be found – Electrical, Hybrid and Sport – and there’s one other ‘e-Save’ button which lets you maintain the battery cost, so it may be used while you enter an city space. You may as well interact it to cost the battery on the transfer.
Other than taking a slight hit on boot house in comparison with the petrol and diesel variations, the C5 Aircross Hybrid is way the identical, which is not any dangerous factor as a result of it’s each bit pretty much as good because the opposition when it comes to drivability, practicality and construct high quality.
It’s additionally blessed with daring styling and a critical quantity of consolation – a high quality Citroen has rediscovered lately (the ‘Superior Consolation’ seats are definitely properly padded and comfortable).
From the entrance, the C5 Aircross is unmistakable, that includes Citroen’s trademark two-tier gentle signature and there are airbumps embellishing the underside of the doorways. Nevertheless, with its raised trip top and basic profile it’s very a lot a traditional SUV.
Inside it’s very Citroen with a lovely mixture of cool design, consolation, house and know-how. Outfitted with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster forward of the driving force and an 8.0-inch HD touchscreen within the centre console as normal, it’s obtainable in two trim ranges – Shine and Shine Plus.
Normal security and driver help applied sciences embrace autonomous emergency braking (AEB), Energetic Lane Departure Warning and Energetic Blind Spot Monitoring.
It’s sensible too with loads of small storage areas dotted across the cabin, plus three particular person rear seats that slide, fold and recline.
On the street, particularly at greater speeds, it glides and floats over bumps, because of Citroen’s ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushion’ suspension system. The moment torque from the electrical motor means straight-line efficiency is surprisingly good and it feels sooner than the official figures counsel.
The automated gearbox works easily, whereas the swap from electrical to engine energy and vice versa is seamless.
Contemplating the additional weight of the battery and electrical motor, the C5 Aircross Hybrid handles properly and feels assured. Extra sprinted drivers may wish to flick it into Sport mode, to sharpen up the responses, whereas physique roll in sooner corners is stored in examine. Sadly, like most PHEVs, the brakes are on the spongy facet.
The steering is gentle and the visibility from the commanding driving place is sweet, making it simple to drive on the town – and whisper quiet in EV mode. Cruising at greater speeds is a pleasantly refined expertise.
As with all plug-in hybrids, they run most effectively when the battery is stored topped up. After all, there’s regenerative braking alongside the best way to assist with the recharging, however on longer journeys the petrol engine will likely be doing a lot of the heavy lifting.
It’s at this level that your gasoline financial system will calm down across the late 30s/early 40s MPG mark.
One last observe. The C5 Aircross Hybrid is just not obtainable with four-wheel drive, so don’t count on it to handle something too adventurous off-road.
Verdict: Should you’re on the lookout for a mix of financial system, consolation, house and practicality in a trendy SUV, the graceful new Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid might be proper up your road.
