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CITROËN C5 AIRCROSS
It’s Citroën’s Centenary year, and the car maker famed for giving motorists some of
the most innovative
automobiles that have ever taken to our roads has produced a bold mid- size SUV that gives its competitors a bit of a worry.
Firmly in the Audi Q5, BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60 league, the recently launched C5 Aircross flaunts distinctive styling with impressive comfort and a seriously good ride quality that out-performs its rivals. Sharing the platform with the acclaimed Peugeot 3008 and larger 5008 in addition to the DS7, the substantially proportioned Aircross features Citroën’s all-new design of suspension which delivers outstanding controlled springing even over the poorest roads. While the suspension is conventional with its MacPherson struts at the front and trailing arms at the rear, the progressive hydraulic cushions bolster and soften the ride to make for a truly class- leading drive.
Thanks to its sensible height, wide-opening doors and excellent seat configuration, the Aircross is one of easiest cars to enter and exit; there are well-placed grab handles too, which means for most people any avoidance of
tumbling down, or
clambering up, into the cabin. The lavishly upholstered seats in Citroën tradition are probably the most comfortable to be found on any vehicle, including the most prestige,
INFO@THECOCKERMOUTHPOST.CO.UK Citroën C5 Aircross Interior
and those on the top-of-the-range test car can be infinitely adjusted to afford the best driving position.
The C5 Aircross’ traction is exemplary even though the car does not have four-wheel drive. Employing Citroën’s optional console-mounted Grip Control dial, it’s possible to select all-terrain adhesion when traversing dirt tracks, wet grass, sand, snow and mud. All-season tyres come as standard when specifying the Grip Control option to give the Citroën its off-road capability as well as added security for winter driving and coping with challenging conditions.
Testing the top-of-the-range Flair Plus model over some five hundred miles throughout the Lake District and the Scottish Borders proved its competence over all types of surfaces. Moreover, its build quality, generous equipment and quietness signals this as being a fine cross- country tourer. With light and direct steering incorporating a surprisingly tight
turning circle which makes for easy parking, well-positioned controls and a spacious and well-appointed cabin affords tireless driving facilitated by excellent all-round visibility.
The test car’s 1.5-litre diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that’s standard with the Grip Control option offers exceptional economy, but for anyone intending
towing, the 2.0-litre diesel will be the optimum choice. There are also two petrol versions in the form of the three-cylinder 1.2-litre with its six-speed manual transmission, and a 1.6 litre which comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
A raft of equipment includes a retractable panoramic glass roof, automatic tailgate opening, smart headlight beams plus one of the best navigation and infotainment systems to be found on any car. Rear seat passengers are cosseted, and when it comes to carrying capacity, the three rear seats individually split and fold to increase the 720-litre boot space to a remarkable 1,630 litres. Nice one Aircross!
*
Price range starts at £23,225; vehicle as tested £30,825. Dimensions (L/W/H): 4,500mm/2,099mm over mirrors/1,670mm. Fuel economy 48-56mpg.
Malcolm Bobbitt
www.wheelspinautomedia.co.uk Photographs by Malcolm Bobbitt
ISSUE 431 | 23 MAY 2019 | 46
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