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Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid : a French alternative

Considered the flagship of the brand with the chevron, the Citroen C5 Aircross hybrid is the vehicle that heralds Citroën’s revival. Even if it is not as popular as its cousin the Peugeot 3008, it enjoys a royal comfort. That’s why many customers have chosen it.  

The Citroën C5 Aircross hybrid: A vehicle unlike any other

Despite the fact that Citroën has decided to invest in electric vehicles, it should be noted that the brand with the chevron has only one hybrid. This is the Citroen C5 Aircross hybrid. Presented at the Paris Motor Show in 2018, the C5 Aircross has managed to make its way to fame.

So much so that it is considered a reference. Even if its sales are below those of the Peugeot 3008, this compact SUV is very popular. In fact, nearly 250,000 units have been sold since its launch. 

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A design that has everything to please

In terms of design, the Citroen C5 Aircross hybrid is very easily identifiable. Indeed, its stylistic codes are based on two very remarkable elements which are large wheels and a rather high hood.

Dimensions

At 4.50 meters long, 1.97 meters wide and a total height of 1.67 meters, the C5 Aircross hybrid is a vehicle you’ll really appreciate, as it is spacious. Moreover, with a wheelbase of 2.73 meters and large wheels, you will not go unnoticed.

Note that other elements allow it to distinguish itself from other SUVs on the market, including its hood, its beltline that is horizontal and parallel to the road, its 360-degree window and its quarter windows that almost merge with the rear window. The front end has been widened.

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Lighting and lines

In addition, it features the brand’s new lighting signature with a dual-stage full LED lighting system that is grafted onto an imposing grille. The rear lights are made of beautiful 3D oblong LED modules. The result is simply magnificent.

As for the bumper of the Citroën C5 Aircross, it is made in fluid lines and especially very thin, which provides a special charm to the vehicle. Always with the aim of bringing out the adventurous side of the car, the wheel arches and the rocker panels are highlighted by the Airbump, which has a rather special color.

Interior

As for the interior, it is one of the most beautiful in the segment. Indeed, the Citroen C5 Aircross has a horizontal dashboard. As for the seats, they are generous and above all very enveloping. You will have no trouble driving hundreds or thousands of kilometers in this car.

The center console is wide and high enough so that you don’t have to move your head too much. As for options, you won’t be disappointed either, because you’ll have heated seats that can also massage you. Plus, you’ll enjoy better air quality thanks to the presence of a purifier.

What is the value of hybridization at Citroën ?

Under the hood of the C5 Aircross hybrid, you’ll get the same block that is offered on the Peugeot 3008 hybrid and the Opel Crossland X hybrid.

A common block

However, the Citroën will only get the 180 horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine plus a 110 horsepower electric motor. Unlike the other vehicles, the electric motor of the Citroen C5 Aircross hybrid is housed in the EAT gearbox, which has 8 speeds.

Compared to the 100% thermal version, the C5 Aircross hybrid weighs 340 kilos more, which makes its curb weight 1770 kilos. Today, the majority of people who buy plug-in hybrids do so in order to reduce their fuel consumption.

Consumption reduction

However, to see a real decrease, it is important that your batteries are constantly charged. On a household outlet, it will take you a minimum of seven hours to charge your battery. If you plug your vehicle into a wallbox or any other public outlet, the charging time can be cut in half.

Depending on the type of finish you choose, Citroën says its Citroen C5 Aircross hybrid can travel between 53 and 55 kilometers in 100% electric mode. The vehicle is also equipped with several options that will allow you to save energy, including the e-Save function, which will keep between 10 and 20 kilometers of autonomy.

If the figures provided by the manufacturer are a bit inflated, in reality, you will only be able to cover about 30 kilometers before the combustion engine is engaged. When you don’t practice eco-driving, the Citroën C5 Aircross, which is advertised by the manufacturer at 1.5 L/100 km, consumes nearly 4.5 L/100 km.

However, you may pay a high price if you don’t recharge your batteries often. In fact, when only the combustion engine is used to move this heavyweight, consumption is 8L/100 kilometers.

What about the comfort of the Citroën ?

On the road, the C5 Aircross hybrid has nothing to envy its competitors. In fact, the vehicle stands out from the others by its comfort, which is worthy of a magic carpet, because its suspensions are of the hydraulic stop type.

Note that the acoustics of the vehicle have also been reworked. Engineers have also reworked the noises that occur when switching from electric to thermal power. From now on, the transition will be smooth and quiet.

The Citroen C5 Aircross hybrid offers you a driving pleasure that is beyond reproach. Indeed, no matter how fast you drive, nothing will disturb you, not even the roughness of the road. The presence of the electric motor allows you to enjoy rather frank accelerations, but also a better dynamism.

Despite the fact that it’s not the most powerful vehicle in existence, the Citroën C5 Aircross hybrid will allow you to practice departmental roads, the highway, but also trips in the city center. Moreover, when you own this car, you don’t have to worry about driving in zero emission zones.

Always with the aim of improving occupant comfort, Citroën engineers have made a few changes to the interior. Depending on the finish you choose, you’ll get cushioned seats.

These are made with high density foam. You’ll also get a better driving position. The backrests are very wide and their support has been reinforced. In the back, the vehicle still has three independent seats that recline and slide.  

What are the engines and finishes in which the Citroen C5 Aircross hybrid is available ?

As for engines, the vehicle has two petrol engines, a three-cylinder 130 hp engine and a four-cylinder 180 hp engine. In diesel, the Citroen C5 Aircross hybrid also offers 130 and 180 horsepower. In addition to these different engines, there is also a plug-in hybrid model with 225 horsepower.

Today, when you want to buy a Citroen C5 Aircross, you have the choice between four trim levels that are: Live, Feel, Shine and Shine Pack.

The Live finish

In 2020, Citroën is cleaning up its act and has decided to do away with the Start trim. This is in favor of the Live trim, which is now the new entry level.

If these changes lower the price of the Live finish, it is stripped of parking assistance, automatic dual-zone air conditioning. But also the fog lights with static intersection lighting.

The Feel finish

Just like the previous one, the Feel finish becomes less expensive. It should be noted that this one also loses quite a few options. Such as access to the vehicle and start without keys, rearview camera, Citroën connect Nav technology, Citroën Connect Box with assistance, electrically folding door mirrors.

But also the blind spot monitoring system and tinted rear window. Note that if you opt for the Feel finish with a hybrid engine, you will still benefit from all of this equipment.

The Shine finish

If you’re looking for the top of the range at Citroën, you’ll have to look at the Shine and Shine Pack trims. As for the new Shine trim, which is now sold for 550 euros less, you should