Citroen C5

Expert Review by Maxabout

Introduction

The Citroen C5 Aircross is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by the French carmaker Citroen. Launched in the Indian car market in April 2021, the Citroen C5 Aircross was brought to our shores via the CKD route and has been assembled here since then. It was the first product by the brand in our country and it attracted the attention of Indian car lovers with its design and technology. However, it was not easy for any new brand to give intense competition to already established carmakers in the segment. The C5 Aircross has made significant sales in the country and has emerged as one of the most popular SUVs. Let’s dive in to find all the features and specifications of the car.

Citroen C5 Aircross Design and Style

In terms of design, the new Citroen C5 Aircross is unmistakably French. The SUV has a distinctive and unique design that draws everyone's attention. The SUV boasts a muscular bonnet, split headlamp units with the LED DRLs situated on top. The LED DRLs are also combined with a pair of chrome bars with the Citroen insignia in the middle. The projector units are combined with three horizontal slats in the black grille. Moving down to the front bumpers, the C5 Aircross retains the brand's iconic "AirBump" protection panels with the air inlet in the core. Together with air bumps are LED fog lamps that also serve as cornering lights.

Turning to the side profile, the SUV looks muscular from the sides as well, with C-shaped chrome components. The C5 Aircross's rear end is kept simple, with only the 3D LED taillights standing out. The SUV also has a roof-mounted spoiler with an LED stop lamp. The boot lid sports the Citroen emblem between the tail lamps, with the 'C5 Aircross' badging beneath. As for the body dimensions, the car is 4500mm in length, 2099mm in width, and 1710mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2730mm.

Citroen C5 Aircross Engine and Gearbox

Powering the new Citreon C5 Aircross is a 1997cc, 4-cylinder, DW10FC, diesel engine which is combined with 8-speed automatic transmission and is capable of churning out 177 HP at 3750 rpm and 400 Nm at 2000 rpm.

Citroen C5 Aircross Interior, Instrument Cluster & Boot Space

When you go inside, 2023 Citroen C5 Aircross greets you with a luxurious interior and a well-organized dashboard. The Metropolitan Grey interior finish adds to the premium appeal. There is a large silver-finished steering wheel with mounted audio controls, call alerts, and other switches. The main central console between the front seats houses a quirky gear lever that allows you to choose between the P, N, R, and D modes. There is also an "M" option for manual gear shifting using the previously stated paddle shifters.

The upholstery is a blend of leather and fabric. The driver's seat is electrically adjustable, while the co-passenger seat comes with a 6-way manual adjustment. Both the front and rear seats are comfy and get ample headroom and legroom. The three rear seats are individual full-size seats with sliding and reclining functionality. The 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster displays a wealth of information and can be customized as per the driving modes selected. The SUV comes loaded with ample boot space of 580 litres and can be extended up to 1630 litres by folding the rear seats.

Citroen C5 Aircross Brakes, Suspension & Tyres

In the new C5 Aircross, braking duties are handled by disc brakes on both front and rear. While the suspension is assigned to Macpherson Strut Suspension With Double Progressive Hydraulic Cushions - Compression And Rebound at the front and Twist Beam Axle With Single Progressive Hydraulic Cushions - Compression at the rear. The SUV rides on 18-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels which are clothed with 235/55 size tyres. The offered spare wheel is also of the same size.

Citroen C5 Aircross Key Features

The French carmaker has loaded the SUV with a plethora of features including all-LED lighting, 3D LED taillamps, LED turn indicators on ORVMs, alloy pedals, satin chrome inside door handles, central 20.32cm capacitive touchscreen (with Bluetooth & USB slot), six speakers, smartphone connectivity, keyless entry, push-button start-stop, electric tailgate, lumbar support front seats, rear AC vents, puddle lamp, 12V socket in front of the cabin and in boot compartment, gear shift indicator, 2 USB ports, illuminated glove box, trunk hooks, trunk light and more.

In consideration of passenger safety, there are six airbags, ABS with EBD, hill descent control, hill-start control, blind spot information system, coffee break alert, electric parking brake, electronic stability programme, reverse camera, ISOFIX, electric child lock, auto door unlock on a crash, front and rear parking sensors to mention a few.

Citroen C5 Aircross Top Speed, Acceleration & Mileage

2023 Citroen C5 Aircross accelerates from 0-100 kmph in 9.6 seconds and delivers a top speed of 195+ kmph. As far as mileage is concerned, the SUV offers 9-11 kmpl in the city traffic and 12-14 kmpl on the highways. However, the ARAI certified fuel efficiency is 18.6 kmpl.

Citroen C5 Aircross Variants & Colour Options

There are two variants are on offer: Feel and Shine. While the colour scheme includes Pearl White, Cumulus Grey, Tijuca Blue, Perla Nera Black colours. Also, there is an option of a dual-tone roof with Pearl White, Cumulus Grey and Tijuca Blue.

Ex-showroom Price & On-Road Price

The current ex-showroom price for the SUV starts at Rs 32.74 lakh and goes up to Rs 36.67 lakh for the top-end variant. Understanding the distinction between ex-showroom and on-road pricing, the ex-showroom price of an automobile is the sticker price that excludes the costs of road tax, insurance, and registration. The on-road pricing, on the other hand, covers the above-stated charges as well as the prices of Insurance, RC, one-time road tax, extended warranty, and any car accessories. It is worth noting that in our country, on-road price varies widely from state to state.

Citroen C5 Aircross Competitors

In the Indian car market, the Citroen C5 Aircross rivals the Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier, VW Tiguan and the MG Hector.

Verdict - Should You Buy Citroen C5 Aircross or not?

2023 Citroen C5 Aircross is without a doubt a stylish SUV with a myriad of sophisticated features and a luxurious interior, but the ride and handling are not as comfortable as expected by the French automaker. Also, the car comes with a sole powertrain, so if you are looking for multiple powertrains, you will be disappointed. If budget isn't an issue and you want a car with a lot of features and style, the Citroen C5 Aircross could be a good choice.