Citroen C5 Aircross SUV delivers value, comfort, versatility and car maker’s first hybrid

WE all know Citroen has a long history of quirky, offbeat cars.

Think of old favourites like the 2CV, DS, SM and more recently the Picasso, Berlingo and C4 Cactus.

5

But Citroen, like many of the big players, is now fighting for its long-term survival after years of falling sales.

Its slow adoption of hybrid technology hasn’t helped. Toyota has been doing it since 1997.

Citroen’s first hybrid goes on sale this summer, a petrol/electric version of its range-topping C5 Aircross SUV.

Its first pure electric model ­— a family hatchback — will hit showrooms next year.

5

Every Citroen will be electrified by 2025.

It makes sense to use the C5 Aircross as the first hybrid because it delivers in spades what Citroen does best — style, comfort, versatility and relative affordability.

Let’s start with the looks.

Not only do those colour-coded plastic air bumps catch the eye, they protect the bodywork from car park dinks. It’s super-comfy, too. The wide sofa-like seats combine with progressive hydraulic suspension to smooth out the bumps and potholes that literally make our cheesegrater roads such a pain.

5

And the Aircross is a proper five-seater for adults — a sliding rear bench adding to the practicality of a 720-litre boot with two floor heights.

That increases to 1630 litres with the back seats folded down flat, which is the best in class.

There are lots of family-friendly cubbyholes — the centre console can store a 1.5-litre bottle — and the interior quality will stand up to the wear and tear caused by a young family.

Driver tech includes adaptive cruise control and the 8in touchscreen has all the phone connectivity you would expect, for maps, music and more.

5

You will not be entertained with driving thrills because this is just a family SUV to transport you from A to B.

But the 2-litre diesel is quiet enough at speed, the automatic gearbox is buttery-smooth and you get the economy bonus of 40mpg-plus.

Another practical touch is the Grip Control system, which should keep you moving in winter when conditions get sticky.

Then there’s the feet-off-the-pedals Hill Descent mode that allows the car to ease itself slowly down a hill, on and off the brakes, as you just steer.

5

MOST READ IN MOTORS

WARMING UP

'Portable garage' kit stops frost & foggy windows without wasting money on fuel

ROAD'S END

British car brand to stop selling ALL new motors this month before EV revival

PARK OFF

Abandoned £18M car park dubbed ‘playground for ASBOs’ taken over by ‘boy racers’

TOP RIDE

Top 10 most fuel efficient cars of 2024 which could save you £100s at the pump

The Sun tested this on the UK’s steepest street, with a gradient of 28.6 per cent — Ffordd Pen Llech, in the town of Harlech, Snowdonia — and it handled the challenge with considerable ease.

To sum up, then, the C5 Aircross is a strong contender for families who value comfort and versatility. The hybrid version will only add to its appeal.

• GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]