CITROEN have always been know for comfort with ground breaking suspension and ride quality over the years and that tradition continues in their latest C5 models.
We got to try out the 2024 Aircross MAX Hybrid in 136 eDSC6 automatic guise for a week of varied motoring and it proved a comfy cruiser with surprising amounts of power and economy from its 1.2-litre three cylinder turbo petrol/electric motor drive train.
Easy to drive and live with the C5 has loads of space too for five adults plus luggage and various clever storage areas for your bits and pieces.
Also, a big plus point is the level of equipment for your £31,490 which includes must haves like adaptive cruise control, reversing camera, air con, sat-nav, auto wipers and lights plus an easy to use 12.3-inch central touch-screen with manual buttons for main features below and voice command.
With lots of street presence the C5 has the latest corporate Citroen look with a long list of standard safety features built in.
Following its 2022 range facelift and PHEV updates in 2023 the C5 Aircross range is further expanded by the Hybrid 136. It has an updated version of the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder PureTech petrol engine that’s used widely by Stellantis producing 134bhp and 170lb ft – healthy for an engine of this size, but more important these days are the gains in fuel economy and efficiency.
This 136 has 48V hybrid technology with a 28hp electric motor and new six-speed dual-clutch transmission (e-DSC6) alongside that updated 1.2 petrol engine. Citroen says it delivers economy of 53mpg with 0-62mph in 10.2sec and a maximum speed of 124mph – all very good for a large-ish SUV.
They also claim that, with careful driving, it runs in zero-emissions mode at around half of the time in town. On quick A-roads and motorways it’s very quiet and relaxed – the steering is light and the brakes reassuringly solid with regen doing a lot of the stopping.
Citroen’s Advanced Comfort Suspension system uses two bump stops per suspension unit – one at the top and one at the bottom. This allows a softer spring to be used for better comfort. When the suspension reaches the limit of its travel, the bump stops absorb the shock and smooth out vibrations and for a family SUV at this price the C5 Aircross ride is excellent.
The interior is plush and up front all versions get Citroen’s very well shaped and cushioned Advanced Comfort memory foam seats while in the back there are three individual, adult-size seats that slide back and forth and recline. They can also be folded down individually.
Boot space is generous – at least 580 litres and as much as 720 with the back seats moved all the way forwards. Drop them down and there’s 1630 litres. Our car also had the optional opening panoramic sunroof (£990) which proved very popular during some rare summer sun days.
For more info see: www.citroen.co.uk
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth