It is not unusual for the large multinational car makers to create China-only models. What is rare though, is for one to launch a car in the Far East only to bring it to Europe a year later; something that’s about to happen with the C5 Aircross.
The C5 Aircross uses the same EMP2 platform as the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, as well as the Vauxhall Grandland X and recently-launched DS7 Crossback. It’s one of the most distinctive Citroens for some time, and furthers the expressive design language first seen with the C3 Aircross late last year.
Outwardly, the C5 Aircross stands out from the crossover crowd – but despite its big wheels and rugged body detailing there’s no four-wheel drive option. Still, that’s a trait we’ve become used to on PSA’s latest SUVs and for most that simply won’t matter.
Our early drive took place in China, where engine choices are limited to 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol turbo units. European models should gain a diesel option. The Chinese C5 Aircross is available in four trim levels and our 1.8T came in range-topping ‘Flagship’ specification.
While the C3 Aircross comes with 85 body and roof colour combinations, there are just five paint options for the Chinese-specification C5 Aircross. On our white test car it was jazzed up slightly by the addition of red highlights on the front bumper, air intakes, roof rails, and Airbumps.
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Inside, it is visually attractive with numerous brown inserts offsetting the charcoal grey Claudia leather seats. The materials aren’t as plush as in rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan or even the Renault Kadjar, though, feeling more on par with cheaper models like the MG GS. Hard touch plastics dominate, and the leather doesn’t feel particularly premium, though it’s likely European cars will see an improvement in this area.
Thanks to an opening panoramic sunroof, the cabin feels light and airy. Rear passengers are treated to plenty of headroom, although legroom could be better with the front seats set back. Unlike in the C3 Aircross, the rear seats neither slide nor recline. They do though feature an easy release mechanism for folding them down, and the boot floor can be raised to offer a flat floor. The boot itself is a sturdy and a capacious 516 litres, trumping the Ford Kuga’s 406-litre load bay. An electric tailgate featuring foot activation allows easy opening when carrying loads, too.
On the road the Citroen’s setup for comfort soon becomes apparent. Progressive hydraulic cushions ensure a soft ride, which seems at odds given the hard seating. While it does a good job of soaking up bumps, attempting a slalom manoeuvre at speed saw the car wallow from side to side. There are five settings for the traction control including snow, wet and off-road.
With over 200bhp on tap the engine should provide spirited performance, but ultimately it fails to excite. Hampering the engine’s effort is the six-speed automatic gearbox, which is the only transmission offered on Chinese models. Whilst initial acceleration is reasonable, it becomes particularly sluggish at mid-range speeds with the 50-70 mph jump taking forever. Addition of a manual gearbox for European models should go some way to rectifying this problem.
Road and engine noise are kept at bay, but there is a shudder from the stop-start as the engine kicks back into life. Visibility is reasonable thanks to the large acreage of glass, but we failed to gain any meaningful vision from the rear view mirror – meaning we were even more reliant on the blind-spot warning indicators. The Flagship trim boasts twelve driving aids including active cruise control and PSA’s AEBS2 active safety braking system – designed to stop the car in emergency situations.
Citroen fans will note the nod to the past with the representation of a rolling speedometer reminiscent of that seen in the 1980s-era Citroen BX, shown as part of the instrumentation’s 12.3 inch digital display. Unfortunately Citroen quirkiness fails to extend much beyond that.
The map displays in the instrument panel in considerable detail, which seems superfluous as it also appears on the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment unit. Some of the red text is difficult to read against the background, while and voice input for the navigation system failed to recognise destinations, too.
Generous equipment levels help with the appeal of the package, however. Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function are complemented by a massage function – activated by a button on the seat but adjusted using the touchscreen. Citroen Connect also features, which gives real time information on traffic, parking, and fuel prices. Apple CarPlay and Mirrorlink help with smartphone connectivity, as well.
- Model: Citroen C5 Aircross Flagship
- Price: £26,670 (RMB236,700)
- Engine: 1.8-litre turbo 4cyl petrol
- Transmission: Six-speed auto, front-wheel drive
- 0-62mph: 9.0 seconds
- Top speed: 134mph
- Economy/CO2: 40.9mpg/N/A
- On sale: Late 2018
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