Different. That's what cars these days are not. Platform sharing, engine sharing, same infotainment system etc, means that cars slowly are losing their sense of individuality. The SUV that you see here though is different and will certainly make your neighbour/office colleagues jealous. Just be prepared to explain how to pronounce the name! The Citroen C5 Aircross then is a breath of fresh air into the SUV space and above all has a personality that is different from others. It also makes you stand out from the crowd with a distinct French design. Just look at the way the logo is blended together with the grille and also the headlamps plus those unique inserts below. The same inserts are also on the side. The C5 is a big SUV with a length of 4.5m but looks compact in the images. There is a lot of gloss black detailing plus a floating roof along with a cool dual-tone clook further makes it stand out. There is thick cladding and roof-rails all around which adds a muscular touch while the 18-inch wheels are nicely fitting. In short, you will not lose it in a car-park.
Inside, I loved how different it is from the sea of beige that I am normally used to seeing. The materials are all top quality while the interior looks/feels great. There is a special grey leather being used along with cloth while chrome is also put in here generously. Also notice how intuitive the large buttons are to use on the steering to the unique design of the air con vents. There is enough technology of course with an 8-inch touch screen and a 12.3 inch TFT digital cluster. The instrument cluster is simple in design but works well while I like the touch controls below the centre screen for quick access. There are plenty of features on offer but that is what you expect for this kind of (expected) pricing. There is a powered driver's seat (dual powered seats would have been nice?), LED headlamps, panoramic sunroof, hands-free tailgate opening, front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, hands free parking, dual-zone climate control, puddle lamps, tyre pressure monitoring system, air quality system and more. Citroen also says that the rear seats which are individually adjustable is unique and it is true plus it adds a touch of practicality. Special mention must go to the seats which are very comfortable while overall space is alongside class standards.
The driving experience is refreshing and different because Citroen does not claim that the C5 Aircross is "sporty" as instead it is a nice, relaxing SUV to drive in. The steering wheel has a thick rim and is nice to use while overall the steering is light but not too light. India gets only one engine option and that is the 2.0 diesel which delivers 177hp and 400Nm while the only gearbox being offered is an 8-speed automatic. There is no four wheel drive but this SUV isn't about that. What it's about is comfort. The suspension on the C5 Aircross comes with hydraulic cushions and they do what they say as the potholes/speed-breakers impact is absorbed very well with a superb ride. For our roads or no roads in many places, the C5 Aircross with its comfortable ride quality is something which buyers would like and gravitate towards.
The diesel engine is decent and well suited while the automatic gearbox is very smooth and relaxing. The only thing we would say is that the engine is a bit on the noisy side when driven at higher speeds and a petrol engine should have been offered. Else the C5 cruises really well and you will get roughly 13-15kmpl which is very good for an SUV of this size. At first the C5 Aircross would be sold through special 'La Maison' dealerships which are in 10 locations while a mobile showroom will be there for those cities where there isn't one. The C5 Aircross is a first taste and a starter for things to come from the Citroen brand. It is a brand builder of sorts and does that very well. It also looks unique inside out and the comfort levels on this SUV is what will sell it. We hope pricing is competitive to some extent but more than anything, if you like a "different" sort of SUV then the C5 Aircross could be your cup of tea.
Pros- Looks, interiors, space, comfort, ride quality
Cons- noisy diesel engine, no petrol offered
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