We’re just around the corner from the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show where Citroen is planning to unveil their C5 Aircross to the world, the French marque’s small crossover equivalent to their sister company Peugeot’s 3008.
However, a recent leak that originated from a French forum have put a damper on their big (and official) reveal. Prior to this, Citroen have put forth a draft of what the final car could look like with the creation of the original Aircross concept back in 2015, and from what we’re looking at here they have done a good job of melding the funkier elements of the chunky Aircross with a design that conforms to real world mass production constraints.
Those expecting a more daring, even outlandish exterior could be a little disappointed, though, as 2015’s Aircross was had its own bold appeal, and would mark a refreshingly brave departure from the rather staid visual conventions we see across today's popular crossover segment.
That said, Citroen did temper those stray expectations by revealing a series of sketches of what could be point as a half way point between the original 2015 concept to this more realistic production version, which they revealed as the C-Aircross at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, though that was meant as a preview to the smaller next-generation C3-based high rider.
Aside from leaked images of the C5 Aircross’ exterior, we do get a peek at the its 5-seat interior too. It looks rather plush with plenty of sculpted leather upholstery and inserts, adopting the visual style that Citroen have been using for their most recent cars, utilising vertical air conditioning vents, a somewhat oval steering wheel, a widescreen infotainment units, and a digital instrument cluster within the binnacle.
The C5 Aircross, when it does debut, should sit on PSA’s EMP2 platform and is planned to enter production in early 2018, with manufacturing most likely concentrated around their facility in Rennes, France. It’s also quite likely that Citroen offers it with a hybrid powertrain option.
For more on Citroen vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
