SUVs are all over the place as of late, and in case you don’t have one, nicely you could be seen as a little bit of a weirdo. The Citroën C5 Aircross is a late (very late) contender to the bigger SUV set, however affords one thing completely different to the standard bathroom normal SUV model and design.
The 2020 model is obtainable in two variants, the entry degree Really feel and the vary topping Shine. It’s the latter that we’re placing by way of its paces. It’s quintessentially French, with a unusual, head-turning design.
Its look, inside and outside, rejects the orthodoxy that mainstream crossovers usually comply with and brings a freshness and distinction to the market. That’s particularly so in shiny orange, Volcano Orange to be exact, which undoubtedly helps to show heads.
Luckily, the cabin of the C5 Aircross has simply as a lot character as the outside, due to it’s distinctive finishes and a recent and neatly styled format. It truly brings a pleasant sense of event, and feels ethereal and spacious.
Contemplating that the C5 Aircross is in the identical league because the Toyota RAV4 or Hyundai Tucson, the C5 feels greater. And as anticipated, on the within it actually doesn’t comply with the final design language we all know because the norm, nevertheless it works for the Citroën.
It options a good selection of textures too, particularly the combination of leather-based and textile on the seat upholstery. However there are a few drawbacks, the primary one being the unusually designed gear selector and its virtually ‘again of Bourke’ location.
It feels simpler for the entrance passenger to function, relatively than the motive force. Consequently, it virtually appears as if Citroën has skimped out a little bit on the appropriate hand drive conversion and never moved every little thing to be ergonomically appropriate.
That apart, the remainder of the cabin is nice. The digital driver’s display screen and eight.0-inch infotainment display screen are sharp and have every little thing you want on the contact of a button. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are normal.
Native satellite tv for pc navigation, digital radio and Bluetooth smartphone performance, together with wi-fi smartphone charging are additionally on provide. Gadgets will also be plugged in at one of many two USB sockets or two 12-volt retailers.
Nevertheless it doesn’t cease there, the C5 Aircross Shine additionally grabs keyless entry, push button begin, twin zone local weather management with rear air vents, energy folding mirrors, roof rails, digital tail gate with kick to open management, and laminated acoustic glass.
The seats are comfy too; delicate however supportive, which is especially good on lengthy journeys. It does miss out on heated and cooled seats, and contemplating the value level, we although this is able to have been included as a normal characteristic, however that’s a small quibble.
Outward visibility is nice over the excessive bonnet line, however these entrance parking sensors are incomes their maintain in consequence. The rear digital camera has adaptive pointers, and is a little bit clearer and fewer distorted throughout the day time.
At evening although, it’s virtually ineffective, which is a very disgrace. It’s nonetheless higher than some programs fitted rival SUVs although. Driving on 19-inch alloy wheels, the C5 Aircross sports activities a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine producing 121kW and 240Nm or torque.
It’s mated to a 6-speed computerized transmission and is front-wheel drive. The little 1.6 is keen in response and surprisingly stout in full-throttle acceleration, however does really feel prefer it’s being confused.
The torque converter computerized works nicely 95 per cent of the time, with easy upshifting, whether or not that’s round city or collaborating in some spirited driving. The transmission can, nonetheless, make errors with its downshifts.
Fast dabs of throttle will cling up the automated for a second as it really works out what simply occurred. It could even be good to see the extra highly effective engine and 8-speed auto provided in Europe make its strategy to Australia.
The Citroën might be an actual competitor on that foundation. The French carmaker claims an official gas consumption of seven.9-litres/100km, however we solely managed to see 8.4-litres/100km with a mix of city, freeway and a few spirited driving.
With a historical past of distinctive and revolutionary suspension designs in Citroën’s historical past, the most recent darkish horse is Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, which nonetheless makes use of a coil spring and shock absorber.
Steering is impressively mild at low speeds, and features a pleasant weight and really feel as soon as shifting alongside. It handles nicely, too. Physique roll is nicely managed regardless of the supple suspension, and understeer isn’t obvious, until maybe when driving a bit too spiritedly.
Security smart, the 2020 Citroën C5 Aircross has you, and your loved ones, lined. Autonomous emergency braking, ahead collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and 6 airbags are all normal inclusions.
Different security know-how consists of cruise management, traffic-sign recognition, entrance and rear parking sensors, computerized headlights and wipers, and driver-attention alert.
It’s a genuinely good automobile, and affords sufficient goodness and substance to be thought-about worthy of shortlisting in your new SUV purchasing listing.
The 2020 Citroën C5 Aircross Shine is priced from $46,990 (plus on-roads) and is obtainable is seven colors, together with Bianca White, Nera Black, Platinum Gray, Artense Gray, Volcano Purple, Emerald Inexperienced and Pearl White.
Every color is paired with an anodised silver, or anodised pink, highlights bundle.
Our take a look at car was provided by Citroën Australia. To search out out extra concerning the 2020 Citroën C5 Aircross, contact your native Citroën supplier.
