Citroen models are still synonymous with comfort. Thus, the C5 Aircross remained the softest in its class, and in the process of redesign it received improvements related to both comfort and safety.
It is not rare to hear in conversation that all cars are the same today. There is indeed a basis for such an attitude, especially since globalization has led to the phenomenon of car manufacturers joining together and jointly developing components in order to save money. So it happens that the same mechanical platform is shared by several different brands. It’s no secret that PSA group models share many components, but it must be admitted that “citroens” are completely different in terms of comfort and smooth driving. It is commendable that the tradition of avant-garde design has been maintained. Maybe not to the extent that it was before, but the fact is that “citroens” are different. One example of this is the redesigned C5 Aircross. In the redesign, it received new headlights with full LED technology, with the fact that the medium and high beams have reflector technology and not projectors. The redesign is not difficult to recognize even from the back, with the new 3D graphics of the lights.
The interior is even more elegant, with a subtly integrated enlarged multimedia display with a diagonal of ten inches. Unlike its predecessor, it now has the appearance of a free-standing screen, while previously it was integrated into the dashboard. Approximately, this is perhaps the biggest change in the interior, which was elegant and practical anyway. There are still digital instruments in the form of a large display with a diagonal of 12.3 inches, but with slightly different graphics. The design is not overly innovative, but minimalism dominates. Of course, the most attractive appearance is when the display map is displayed on the instruments.
Unlike other models, what we like about the Citroen C5 Aircross is that it retains a larger number of hardware buttons, which have to be physically pressed. Among them is the start-stop system button, for which in other cars of the PSA group you have to enter the menu and deactivate the option to turn off the engine when the vehicle is stationary.
Although the diagonal is much larger, the graphics and layout in the menu is more or less similar to the previous one. This means that the “climate” controls are still on the display and you have to enter the menu to access them. Android Auto connection is only possible via cable. There are still a lot of settings, starting with the personalization of the instrument display, over the possibility of turning off automatic braking, and up to the way you want the central locking to work. Speaking of which, the test sample has contactless unlocking and engine start, as well as the ability to open and close the trunk electrically with a swing of the foot. However, we noticed that there is no button for opening the trunk in the cabin. Also, we would like Citroen to include a menu in Serbian, given that Croatian and Slovenian are available.
One of the items by which “citroens” stand out from other cars are certainly the traditionally soft seats-armchairs with the effect of memory foam, although it is somewhat less pronounced in combination with Alcantara. Don’t expect pronounced lateral support here, because comfort is put before sports characteristics. Larger people will be comfortable, and a massage can be ordered if desired. In any case, he sits in the most natural possible position with his legs bent at the knees. Such a position minimally tires the body even on long journeys. In addition to all that, the driver’s seat allows for the adjustment of the inclination of the lower part, which provides a slightly rotated and reclining position ideal for long journeys.
Citroen C5 Aircross is one of those cars in which not only the passengers in the front, but also those in the back seats will be satisfied. These are three individual seats, each of which can be individually moved lengthwise. This is convenient not only for possibly increasing the already large trunk, but also if you want the child to be closer to you in the child seat. Otherwise, it is good that the three separate seats in the back allow three adults to be accommodated without pushing, but you should keep in mind that the left and right seats are right next to the door. In any case, there is plenty of room for the knees.
That the Citroen C5 Aircross is a real family car is also proven by its huge trunk. Even in the position when all the rear seats are moved as far back as possible, it has a volume of 580 liters, which is one of the highest values in the class and beyond. It has a double bottom compartment and straight side edges. When the seats are folded down, the floor is almost completely flat.
There were no major changes in terms of mechanics. This is one of the last cars that can be bought with a diesel engine. And not just any kind. Under the hood is a more than proven 1.5 HDI with 130 hp, which fights brilliantly with not so little weight. Acceleration is good not only in the city and on the highway, but it can also pull well on the highway at high road speeds. At 130 km/h, it “spins” at around 2,200 revolutions and consumes only six liters. It should be borne in mind that we took a brand new car for the test and that consumption will decrease over time. Even in these circumstances, the “C5 ercross” consumed 7.2 l/100 km in the city with an average speed of 19 km/h.
A great share of low consumption also has a great eight-speed automatic transmission. The transmission ratios are optimally divided, so that the engine is always at almost ideal revolutions. It changes gears intelligently in automatic mode and reacts very quickly to a stronger squeeze of the gas by going down a gear or two. As before, there are two options for manual gear shifting. The first is when you click on the controls behind the steering wheel and it’s just a momentary manual mode, for example, when you want to brake the engine. If you do not touch the speed change button for ten seconds, it will return to automatic mode by itself. Another option is to click the “M” button next to the shifter “lever”, and then the manual mode will be active until you manually turn it off. By the way, Citroen has specific levers for manual gear changes. These are, in fact, buttons on brackets behind the steering wheel, which do not turn with it, but are fixed. Also, count on no double-clicking; if you want to choose two levels lower, after the first click, wait for it to switch, and only then you can click for the next level lower.
Yes, these are definitely not sporty features, but general comfort and convenience are at an extremely high level. This is thanks to the famous progressive airbags that create a feeling similar to the old “bombs” when driving. There is no hydraulic system, oil and complex maintenance here, but rather independent elements on each wheel individually. Softly absorbs small bumps, for example, when driving on macadam or cobblestones. Effectively neutralizes bumps on the road, as well as passing over combs. Wherever you’d expect the body to bounce, the C5 Aircross will just float gently. Because of this, he is not a big fan of sharp maneuvers with the steering wheel, because trying to calm the body will create a rocking effect.
It may not be a sports car, but it is certainly one of the most comfortable cars you can buy. We should not ignore the very rich equipment, with semi-autonomous driving of the second level. Finally, for some customers, a big plus is the diesel engine, which is slowly but surely disappearing from the offer of an increasing number of car manufacturers.
The price starts at 28,740 euros for the Feel equipment package and a 1.2 turbo gasoline engine with 130 horsepower. A test copy with a lot of additional equipment and a promotional discount of 2,000 euros costs 38,350 euros including VAT.
Aleksandar Bursać
Improved sound insulation
Among the novelties that have arrived in the redesign are acoustically insulated front windows. After the windshield, the front side are also laminated. The result is far less noise in the cabin even at high travel speeds.
Cooled compartment
We were surprised that the large compartment in the front armrest has cooling. It cools down seriously, which is a real thing in the summer. Considering the size, it can easily fit several cans of drinks.
Reduced possibility of jamming
Citroen C5 Aircross is available exclusively with front-wheel drive. Precisely because of this, the option of paying extra for the “grip control” system, which is actually an electronic differential lock, is offered. It costs only 330 euros and ensures that, if one of the drive wheels does not have optimal adhesion, the power is transferred to the other, which would otherwise stand still without this system.
There are several choices of ground types such as sand, mud and snow. A standard part of this system is help when going down slippery and steep slopes, where the car itself maintains the walking speed and brakes each wheel individually, so that the rear part does not drift. It is up to the driver to hold the wheel and steer.
Citroen C5 Aircross 1.5 HDI Max
Motor: volume 1499 ccm, power 96 kW (130 hp) at 3750 rpm, max. Fr. torque 300 Nm at 1750 rpm, automatic transmission, 8 degrees
Dimensions: L/W/H 4500/1859/1689 mm, intermediate axle. distance 2730 mm, trunk 580 l, tank 53 l, weight 1675 kg, tires 235/55 R18
Performance: max. speed 189 km/h, acceleration 0-100 km/h 10.6 s, consumption 4.6-5.9 l/100 km, CO2 emission 139 g/km (WLTP)
Source: www.magazinauto.com
