The European version of the Citroën C5 Aircross has been unveiled with a claim that it will be an ‘ultra comfortable’ SUV.
The big sister to the recently-launched C3 Aircross, the C5 variant appears a year after being first revealed for the Chinese market, and will go on European sale at the end of 2018.
Citroën is making bold claims for the C5 Aircross, which will assume flagship status in the range. It is promised to be the most comfortable SUV in its segment, making use of the brand’s Advanced Comfort programme, Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension and Advanced Comfort seats.
Versatility will be offered by three individual sliding, folding and reclining rear seats, and boot space that is claimed to be best in class. The trend for personalisation will be answered by a choice of 30 exterior colour combinations.
Autonomous tech
Technology highlights will include 20 driver assistance systems, among them Highway Driver Assist, effectively a semi-autonomous system combining adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go (keeping the car at a set distance from a vehicle in front and both stopping and pulling away again if needed).
Also included will be an Active Lane Departure Warning System. This not only warns a driver of vehicles in their blind spot but applies force to the steering wheel if they try to pull out into an occupied lane.
The Grip Control traction control system will be specified, a means of maintaining traction on slippery surfaces without going the full four-wheel-drive route.
Six connectivity technologies will be on offer to buyers, based around an eight-inch touchscreen and including wireless smartphone charging.
The C5 Aircross will also be the first Citroën to offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain – this will appear at the end of 2019, around a year after the launch models and promise low CO2 levels and an all-electric driving range of 37 miles.
Traditional powertrain choices will range across two petrol models and three diesels. The petrol versions will be a 130hp unit combined with a six-speed manual transmission and a 180hp variant with the latest eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Diesel buyers can choose between a 130hp unit with six-speed manual or eight-speed auto transmission and a 180hp with the auto ‘box.
