The C5 Aircross marks the entrance of a significant model for the French automaker Citroen, as is the telling location for that reveal. The car itself will be a competitor in the lucrative compact crossover market, rivalling the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Qashqai, and Hyundai Tucson.
Also, and importantly, it will be the first Citroen to be offered as a plug-in hybrid. Due in 2019, it will join the line-up of conventional petrol and diesel-powered versions that would have begun filling showrooms in late 2017, starting in China.
While the exact break down of variants have not been detailed, we expect the engine and transmission offering to follow the new 3008 from sister company Peugeot quite closely. The plug-in hybrid, though, will use a powerful turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors to produce a combined output of roughly 224kW spread over all-four wheels.
Naturally, exhaust emissions and lowered fuel economy are the main advantages of this powertrain, necessary to appeal to more buyers and especially to those who live in China where car prices and taxes are often subject to engine size and CO2 figures, hence the venue of its reveal.
The design takes a number of cues from the 2015 Aircross concept as well as the marque’s latest generation of production cars. As such the Airbumps first seen on the C4 Cactus return here to protect lower side of the body and contrasting black exterior elements will play against some of the new colour options. Also like the 3008, it’s built upon PSA’s EMP2 platform and is rather large for the segment it will occupy, measuring 167cm tall, 450cm from nose to tail, and 184cm wide with a 273cm between the front and rear axels.
The C5 Aircross’ name also denotes its novel suspension system that debuts here which they call Progressive Hydraulic Cushions. Citroens have been known to have developed some of the most comfortable vehicles in the mass market, and they’re keen to emphasise that hallmark once again.
On either side of the car, two hydraulic stops each have been added to manage rebound and compression, mimicking the effect of an air suspension system and should make for a dramatically more cushioned ride.
That plays nicely into the car’s interior which looks to be very well appointed and modern. Leather is seen to be draped on the dashboard and centre console in addition to the seats. Meanwhile, an 8-inch touchscreen is mounted centrally and an 12.3-inch digital cluster replaces an analogue dials.
On higher grades, it will be equipped with a panoramic sunroof, wireless inductive smartphone charging, heated seats with massage function, and even a sophisticated HVAC filtration system to manage the cabin air quality. Safety will play a big part of Citroen’s appeal to customers too, with lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, 360-degree camera, and adaptive cruise control will be offered depending on spec chosen.
Following its initial sales availability in China, European markets should follow that with an early to mid 2018 regional debut. Landfall into other markets, including Australia, could come as early as that, or later next year at latest.
For more on Citroen vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
