Citroën C5 Aircross: The SUV Designed to Conquer Singapore’s Bumpy Streets
Citroën has unveiled its latest family-friendly SUV, the C5 Aircross, a vehicle engineered not just for style and comfort, but specifically to tackle the imperfections of modern road surfaces. While its assertive lines, practical features, and spacious interior are noteworthy, the true showstopper lies beneath the surface: a sophisticated, hi-tech suspension system designed to mitigate the impact of even the roughest terrain.
Priced from £30,495, this sharply styled newcomer promises to glide over bumps and cracks with remarkable ease, offering a driving experience that feels exceptionally smooth and composed. Its distinctive exterior, complete with anti-dazzle LED lighting and Art-Deco-style rear lights that aid in aerodynamic efficiency, has already garnered significant attention.
A Haven of Comfort and Technology
The contemporary styling extends seamlessly into the cabin. The interior is designed to be calm and unfussy, featuring a refined use of quality fabrics. Central to the dashboard is a generous 13-inch touchscreen, complemented by a handy wireless phone charger and a stylish flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Adding to the sense of refined comfort are the sofa-like seats, creating an ambience akin to a well-appointed living room on wheels. Practicality is not overlooked, with a decent-sized and flexible boot offering ample storage for family adventures. Overall, the C5 Aircross is engineered to be an intuitive and user-friendly vehicle.
Innovative Suspension: The ‘Flying Carpet’ Effect
The C5 Aircross is available in three trim levels: You, Plus, and Max. Its groundbreaking feature is the use of ‘progressive hydraulic cushions’ within its suspension. This innovative technology works to reduce sudden jolts and impacts, creating what Citroën describes as a ‘flying carpet’ effect. The aim is to deliver superior comfort without compromising on stability, making it a truly smooth operator on the road.
Citroën’s chief designer, Pierre Leclercq, a Belgian designer with a distinguished career at BMW, Kia, and Great Wall Motors, has been instrumental in transforming the brand’s aesthetic since 2018. He highlighted that the C5 Aircross is not merely about striking looks; there is significant engineering substance behind its stylish exterior.
The advanced suspension system is the key to the C5 Aircross’s exceptional performance on uneven roads. By absorbing road imperfections, it provides a smooth, cushioned ride. This was evident during testing on some of the most notoriously potholed and bumpy roads, where the C5 Aircross barely registered the usual jarring impacts.
How the ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushions’ Work
Citroën has trade-marked its ‘progressive hydraulic cushions’ system, which integrates with the vehicle’s advanced comfort suspension. These additional cushions provide extra damping, specifically designed to manage the extreme effects of compression and rebound. When the car’s suspension encounters a bump or pothole, acting like a loaded spring, these cushions help to control the ensuing movement.
Citroën explains that these cushions work in conjunction with traditional springs and dampers. Their role is to reduce jolts and contribute to the ‘flying carpet’ effect, resulting in exceptional comfort and stability. This system effectively filters out both minor road imperfections and larger impacts, fostering a relaxed driving experience.
This new system represents a significant advancement over traditional suspension setups. Conventional systems, relying on fixed mechanical limits, can transmit harsh impacts to occupants on uneven surfaces. They often present a trade-off between comfort and handling: softer setups improve ride quality but can reduce stability, while firmer setups enhance control but feel less smooth. Citroën’s approach aims to overcome this compromise.
A Legacy of Comfort-Focused Engineering
Suspension has long been a hallmark of Citroën’s engineering philosophy. The brand’s iconic, back-to-basics Citroën 2CV, designed to traverse rough terrain with a farmer, his family, and eggs, is a testament to this heritage. In a further demonstration of their suspension prowess, a post-war Citroën system proved so effective that Rolls-Royce adopted it for their luxury limousines.
Powertrain Options and Availability
The C5 Aircross is available in several configurations:
Hybrid: A 145hp petrol-electric hybrid model is available from £30,495. This version combines a 1.2-litre turbo engine with an electric motor, powered by a battery located under the driver’s seat, and is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It achieves 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds and has a top speed of 125mph. Citroën estimates that it can operate in electric mode for up to half the journey, contributing to a claimed fuel economy of up to 43.6mpg.
Fully Electric (e-C5 Aircross): A feisty all-electric 210hp e-C5 Aircross is also available, accelerating from 0-62mph in around 9 seconds. It boasts a claimed range of 322 miles, sufficient for a substantial journey.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): A high-spec plug-in hybrid version, offering an impressive electric-only range of 53 miles, will be available from £38,885.
A more powerful 230hp Long Range electric version, promising an extended range of 421 miles, is slated for future release.
The C5 Aircross comes with an eight-year warranty, and first deliveries are expected around the New Year.
Specifications and Considerations
- Wheel Options: Wheels are available in 18, 19, and 20-inch sizes.
- Optional Features: Enhancements include a head-up display and a panoramic glass roof.
- EV Grants and Discounts: Potential buyers considering the electric model are advised to check for available EV grants and any in-house discounts or finance deals.
The C5 Aircross Hybrid 145hp Automatic MAX in Ruby Red is priced at £35,775 on the road. The C5 Aircross range starts from £30,495.
Key Dimensions and Weights (Hybrid 145hp Automatic MAX):
- Length: 4,652mm
- Width (mirrors folded): 1,936mm
- Width (mirrors unfolded): 2,108mm
- Height: 1,688mm
- Wheelbase: 2,784mm
- Kerb weight: 1,554kg
- Gross weight: 2,100kg
Hybrid System Details:
- Engine: 3-cylinder 1.2-litre 136hp turbo engine plus EV motor & battery
- Total power: 145hp
- Top speed: 125mph
- 0-62mph: 11.2 seconds
- Fuel economy: Up to 43.6mpg
- Transmission: 6-speed Dual Clutch Auto
- CO2 emissions: 126g/km
Practicality:
- Boot space (seats up): 565 litres
- Maximum with seats folded: 1,668 litres
- Maximum towing weight (braked): 1,000kg (1,200kg with towbar option)
- Unbraked towing weight: 750kg
With its advanced suspension technology and focus on driver and passenger comfort, the Citroën C5 Aircross presents a compelling option for those seeking a family SUV that can adeptly handle the challenges of everyday driving, particularly on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
