Citroen’s flagship for India, the C5 Aircross, is a novel, flavourful tackle the 5-seater premium crossover section, competing with the Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan. For 2022, the C5 will get a facelift that comes with refreshed styling and an all-new touchscreen amongst different new options. Priced at Rs 36.67 lakh, not solely is it Rs 4.77 lakh dearer than its introductory value in April 2021, it is usually the most costly car in its class.

Still one of the distinctive, fashionable crossovers round.

This up to date model is available in one fully-loaded Shine variant that’s powered by a diesel engine mated to an automated, which transmits energy to the entrance wheels.

Citroen C5 Aircross facelift: exterior modifications

Like the pre-facelift model, the refreshed mannequin wears an unmistakable model, totally different from anything on the market due to its cleverly executed, distinct and characterful design components. This facelifted C5 proudly flaunts its outsized model id on its nostril; the double-chevron brand is bigger than earlier than and now sports activities a brand new look, with every of the chevrons completed in black with chrome outlining. Its grille will get two chrome-studded parallel strains that tastefully mix into the dual LED DRLs, which at the moment are positioned throughout the headlamp cluster. Gone is the split-headlamp set-up, which makes manner for a single unit. But this new design is way from standard, as on nearer inspection you’ll discover a novel, layered casing that’s each quirky and funky. The air-dam under is redesigned, too, and is underlined by a shiny chin completed in silver. Replacing crimson highlights across the repositioned fake air-vents and across the trapezoidal factor on the facet physique cladding are gray highlights with all however the white physique paint possibility; with the latter, these highlights are blue.

Silver highlights substitute the crimson ones on the outgoing model. These are blue with white physique paint.

The concave, flat bonnet has been retained, which, together with the distinct physique cladding, roof rails and its upright stance, lends it some much-needed SUV cred. New 18-inch alloys completed in a two-tone shade complement its styling, whereas the distinct C-shaped window define in silver provides simply the correct amount of glitz to its facet profile. Changes on the rear are restricted to the tail-lamps, which retain their primary silhouette however, just like the entrance, characteristic a layered casing and get engaging new LED components inside.

Citroen C5 Aircross facelift: inside and options

Citroen’s unconventional design theme continues on the within and whereas it largely retains most bits, it’s the central space of the dashboard that will get the most important change. A brand new 10-inch horizontally-oriented free-standing touchscreen is without doubt one of the speaking factors of this facelift. It seems somewhat upmarket with a crisp and clear show, and is considerably higher than the outgoing dated display screen. Responses are a bit gradual, nevertheless, and Citroen hasn’t used this chance to incorporate wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (it will get a wired set-up), nor does it get a nicer sounding, branded audio system. Thankfully, Citroen has retained the shortcut keys to entry numerous infotainment menus, a bodily quantity button, in addition to bodily toggle switches under to regulate sure key capabilities.

The greatest speaking level is the brand new touchscreen which has richer graphics and appears very premium

Citroen has additionally corrected the change and button orientation on the centre console to make it extra fitted to right-hand drivers now and it seems clutter-free, because of the gear lever that’s now changed by a toggle-like drive selector. Curiously, you can not change the drive selector from ‘P’ to ‘R’ straight, and it goes to ‘N’ by default. The massive rotary traction mode selector and drive mode buttons have now been clubbed right into a single change positioned under the gear selector, so you may toggle between Sport, Eco and Normal drive modes, in addition to Snow, Mud and Sand traction modes, utilizing the identical controller.

Gear selector placement now higher fitted to proper hand drive orientation.

The C5 retains its massive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and like earlier than, it’s simple on the eyes however it isn’t half as thrilling in its operation or performance. The entrance seats have been reupholstered and are fairly comfy, with the motive force’s seat providing electrical adjustment. However, some may discover lumbar help a contact extreme. Comfort options like entrance seat air flow, seat reminiscence and a 360-degree digicam are anticipated in a car of this value, however are nonetheless lacking from the gear checklist.

Seats are very comfortable, albeit some may discover lumbar a bit extreme.

There is loads of house on the rear and the panoramic sunroof does nicely to flood the cabin with gentle too. The C5 continues with the three-seat format, which could be slid ahead or again individually, or reclined individually. And whereas this set-up is okay to seat three adults in cheap consolation, when there are simply two adults seated, they’ll miss a central armrest, the contoured seats received’t permit them to stretch out and sit comfortably, and the seat belt buckles may really feel a bit intrusive. Hence, this rear seat expertise isn’t nearly as good as a traditional bench seat, which may make it a deal-breaker for some. What’s good is the massive 580-litre boot – it packs in a full-sized spare tyre with an alloy wheel, which is uncommon nowadays, and the tailgate is electronically operable too.

Three particular person seats not the comfiest whereas ferrying two adults.
 

Citroen C5 Aircross facelift: efficiency and gas effectivity

With no petrol engine possibility or all-wheel drive, Citroen has narrowed down the C5’s attraction. On the flip facet, this 177hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine and 8-speed automated are one of many nicest and smoothest round. 

One of the smoother engines on the market; it’s fast too.

The engine is responsive and the build-up of pace is fast, with the torque-converter automated seamlessly transmitting energy to the entrance wheels. So intuitive is the 8-speeder that you simply’ll seldom discover the necessity to tug the Ferrari-like column-mounted paddle shifters, to take guide management. Flat-out efficiency is spectacular, too, and it’ll speed up from 0-100kph in simply 9.61sec, and it additionally clocks equally spectacular rolling acceleration occasions.

The automated engine-stop-start characteristic, nevertheless, can catch you unexpectedly, reducing off the engine (and in consequence tightening the facility steering) even earlier than the car comes to a whole halt. This quirk apart, it fires up the engine instantaneously while you ease off the brake pedal, and the method is buttery clean, so that you wouldn’t thoughts leaving it on to avoid wasting gas whereas idling.

While on that matter, in our assessments, it managed a gas effectivity of 10.3kpl within the metropolis and 12.6kpl on the freeway. However, you may anticipate higher effectivity whereas holding regular speeds on the freeway, because of the long-legged capability of its 8-speeder.

Drive and traction modes, now clubbed collectively.

Citroen affords three driving modes – Sport, Normal and Eco – however the distinction between them is barely perceptible. It additionally will get traction modes like earlier than – Snow, Mud and Sand, which alter its ESP and traction management settings – however we didn’t get an opportunity to place these to the take a look at.

Citroen C5 Aircross facelift: journey and dealing with

What we did expertise is the C5 Aircross’ refinement, which is excellent. Citroen has taken cabin insulation up a notch with its double-glazed windscreen and entrance home windows, which cocoon the occupants from ambient and engine sounds. In reality, you’d need to strive actually arduous to listen to any diesel clatter from the motor on the within, although it makes fairly a racket on the surface.

Ride high quality is just excellent because of its hydraulic bump stops.

But the C5 Aircross’ spotlight stays its ‘progressive hydraulic cushions’, that are primarily hydraulic chambers that substitute conventional bump stops. At the entrance, there are two hydraulic chambers on both facet of the shock absorber, one for compression and the opposite for rebound, whereas there’s only one for compression on the rear. What this extremely intelligent set-up ends in is a journey that’s free from highway shocks even over the sharpest of potholes. Its journey consolation and bump absorption capability are unequivocally the most effective round. The steering is effort-free and the suspension is comfortable, nonetheless, you may drive it swiftly round corners with a sure diploma of confidence. However, it’s best loved when pushed at six- or seven-tenths, and it doesn’t supply a sporty drive just like the Jeep Compass or Volkswagen Tiguan.

Citroen C5 Aircross facelift: verdict

The Citroen C5 Aircross is a refined crossover with distinctive bump-absorption capabilities that make it unequivocally the best-riding car round. A clean engine with robust efficiency, a seamless automated transmission and an effort-free steering are a few of its different highlights. And if you wish to stand out amidst a sea of SUVs and crossovers on sale, that is the one for the job.

But in its quest to be totally different, some quirks, significantly the person rear seats format might be potential a deal breaker, as it isn’t as comfy as a traditional bench for seating two adults. Further limiting its attraction is the truth that not solely do its rivals supply a number of engine-transmission choices and all-wheel-drive capabilities, however they’re additionally higher outfitted and extra importantly, considerably cheaper. For these causes, the Citroen C5 Aircross is more likely to stay a uncommon sighting on our roads, which is unlucky, as a result of it’s a genuinely good crossover, one which must be skilled to be appreciated.

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2022 Citroen C5 Aircross facelift video overview