Citroen C5 Aircross Is Betting On Comfort And Design To Attract Buyers

Ever since last year, Citroen has been trying to lure European customers away from other compact crossovers with their C5 Aircross.

It’s a tad larger than the Hyundai Tucson, costs a bit more in the UK and uses the same EMP2 platform as the Peugeot 3008, 5008, DS7 Crossback and Opel/Vauxhall Grandland X.

The funky exterior is joined by a stylish cabin, which features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a wireless charging pad for mobile phones, as well as leather upholstery in higher specs models.

Furthermore, the new C5 Aircross is probably the most comfortable crossover in the compact segment. It uses ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushions’, which ensure a magic carpet-like ride and make it a very good long-distance cruiser. But surely, not everything is hunky dory, right?

As it turns out, ParkersCars, who drove the range-topping Flair Plus version, made a few interesting observations. First, that comfortable suspension comes at the expense of outright cornering abilities, so drivers won’t feel confident to put their foot down on a twisty road.

Second, the cabin has some cheap plastics and the infotainment system was described as being temperamental and not easy to use, especially on the go. Moreover, the 8-speed automatic gearbox, which in this case is linked to the PureTech 180 PS (177 hp / 132 kW) petrol engine, is slow to respond.

Depending on how one chooses to look at the ups and downs, the C5 Aircross could be either the ideal family cruiser or never making it to their buyer’s list. Still, it’s hard to deny that Citroen chose to do things differently and only time will tell if their bet has paid off.