The new Citroen C5 Aircross arrives in SA with changes inside and out

Serving as the Citroen’s flagship model in South Africa, the 2022 Citroen C5 Aircross comes with a fresh look and revised cabin. The premium compact crossover SUV offers greater comfort, space, versatility, strength, and refinement.

There are only minor changes when you compare the front of the new Citroen C5 Aircross with the previous model. The French automaker has revised the headlamps with a unique dual-horizontal signature. The lower areas of the bumper boast purposeful air dams and SUV-like trimming. The lighting now uses LED technology, whereas the double chevron emblem amplifies the fascia’s aesthetics. The rear gets a mild update, and the 18-inch rims are the same as the previous model.

Citroen offers the new C5 Aircross in just two trim levels – Feel and Shine – both powered by the well-known 1.6-litre turbo petrol motor generating 121kW and 240Nm of torque. This power goes to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

The automaker claims a 0 to 100 km/h run in 10.5 seconds with a top speed of 189 km/h. Citroen rates the fuel economy at 7.9 litres/ 100 km. The class-leading 230 mm of ground clearance and, notably, the hydraulic cushion suspension optimize driving comfort.

Apart from the updated exterior design and fresh 18-inch Diamond-Cut alloys, the relatively sizeable French SUV gets a revised cockpit, boasting a new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system for the Shine model. The brand’s new-production Advanced Comfort seats are also part of the package.

Speaking of individual amenities, the Feel comes equipped with black and grey cloth seats, as well as a six-speaker, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 12-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, rear park distance control, and Drive Mode Select.

In addition to a bigger 10-inch touchscreen, the Shine includes an automated, foot-activated tailgate, a reverse camera, an auto-dimming cabin mirror, Pollen & Active Odour Filter, and a push-button start.

After seeing the safety and security feature list, we think the new Citroen C5 Aircross is one of the safest SUVs on the market.

Here is a complete list of the available amenities for the entry-level Feel:

• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) with Automatic Activation of Hazard Lights in Emergency Braking

• Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)

• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

• Traction Control Assist (TA)

• Hill-Start Assist

• Driver and Front Passenger, Curtain, and Side Airbags

• Anti-Theft Alarm System

• Central Locking with Automatic Drive-Away Locking System

• Dual Stage Lock

• Tyre Pressure Monitor

• Speed Reading

• Electric Child-Safe Locking System

• ISOFIX Child-Seat Attachments – 1 x Front and 2 x Rear

• Driver Unfastened Seatbelts Warning

The Shine shines brighter with additional features like Driver Attention Alert, Active City Brake and Electronic Parking System, and ConnectedCAM Citroën & Blindspot Monitoring.

The new Citroen C5 Aircross Feel costs R633,900, while the range-topper goes for R683,900. Both models come with 5 Years / 100,000 km Service Plan, 5 Years / 100,000 km Warranty Plan, 5 Years / 100,000 km Roadside Assistance, and 12 Years Anti-Perforation & 3 Years Paint Warranty. (Prices correct at time of publication.)

If you’re looking for a new car, do lots of online research before deciding. Start right here on the MotorHappy blog. In our reviews section, we share our opinion of the latest cars to hit SA’s roads.

Please note the imagery supplied in this blog was taken off www.carwale.com