Citroën C5 Aircross New: Zabardast Makeover or Overpriced Hype?
The automotive world is buzzing with excitement as Citroën gears up to launch the Citroën C5 Aircross New in India. Set to hit showrooms in May 2025, this refreshed SUV promises to blend French flair with cutting-edge technology.
But is it truly a game-changer, or just another overpriced offering in a crowded market? Let’s take a closer look at what makes the new Citroën C5 Aircross tick and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
Exterior Design: A Fresh Face for the Future
The new Citroën C5 Aircross receives a significant exterior makeover, bringing it in line with the brand’s latest design language. The most noticeable changes are at the front, where you’ll find:
- A bolder, more imposing grille with a new chevron pattern
- Sleeker LED headlamps with V-shaped daytime running lights
- Redesigned bumper with larger air intakes
- New fog lamp housing with chrome accents
Moving to the side profile, the C5 Aircross maintains its overall silhouette but introduces new design elements to keep things fresh. You can expect:
- Updated 18-inch alloy wheel designs
- Revised character lines for a more dynamic appearance
- New body cladding with a more premium finish
At the rear, the changes are subtler but still noticeable. Look out for:
- Restyled LED taillights with a new lighting signature
- An updated rear bumper with a faux diffuser
- A slightly tweaked tailgate design
Overall, the exterior updates give the C5 Aircross a more modern and upmarket appearance, helping it stand out in the crowded SUV segment.
Interior and Features: Tech-Savvy Comfort
Step inside the new Citroën C5 Aircross, and you’ll be greeted by a refreshed interior that focuses on both style and substance. The cabin receives several upgrades to enhance comfort and convenience:
- A new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system (up from 10 inches)
- Updated 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with customizable displays
- Redesigned dashboard layout with improved ergonomics
- New upholstery options, including premium leather and Alcantara
- Ambient lighting with more color options
Citroën has also packed the C5 Aircross with an array of advanced features to keep it competitive in the segment:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Ventilated front seats (a first for the C5 Aircross)
- Wireless smartphone charging pad
- Panoramic sunroof
- 360-degree camera system
- Advanced voice recognition with natural language processing
The C5 Aircross’s party piece, its Advanced Comfort seats, receives an upgrade with improved padding and support. This feature continues to set the C5 Aircross apart from its rivals, offering a unique comfort-focused experience.
Powertrains: Hybrid Power Joins the Lineup
One of the most significant changes for the new Citroën C5 Aircross is the introduction of a new hybrid powertrain option. This move aligns with the growing demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles and stricter emission norms. Here’s what you can expect under the hood:
| Engine Type | Power Output | Torque | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L Diesel | 177 PS | 400 Nm | 8-speed AT |
| 1.6L Turbo Petrol Hybrid | 225 PS (Combined) | 360 Nm (Combined) | e-EAT8 AT |
The addition of the hybrid powertrain is a game-changer for the C5 Aircross, offering improved fuel efficiency and performance. Citroën claims the hybrid variant can deliver a fuel economy of up to 18.5 km/l under ideal conditions, making it an attractive option for both city commuters and long-distance travelers.
The existing 2.0L diesel engine receives minor tweaks to improve refinement and efficiency. Both powertrains are paired with Citroën’s smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.
Ride and Handling: Comfort Redefined
Citroën has always prioritized comfort, and the new C5 Aircross takes it a step further. The SUV retains its innovative hydraulic cushion suspension system, which provides a magic carpet-like ride quality. However, for the new model, Citroën has fine-tuned the system to offer:
- Improved body control during cornering
- Better high-speed stability
- Reduced road noise and vibrations
The Progressive Hydraulic Cushions work in tandem with the Advanced Comfort seats to create what Citroën calls a “flying carpet effect.” This unique suspension setup allows the C5 Aircross to glide over road imperfections, offering passengers a serene and comfortable journey.
While the focus is primarily on comfort, Citroën has also made efforts to improve the C5 Aircross’s handling characteristics. The steering has been recalibrated for better feedback, and the chassis has been stiffened slightly to reduce body roll. These changes aim to make the SUV more engaging to drive without compromising its comfort-oriented nature.
Safety: Raising the Bar
Citroën has significantly upgraded the safety features in the new C5 Aircross. The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite receives an upgrade, offering enhanced functionality and new features:
- Improved Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane Keeping Assist with haptic steering feedback
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Driver Attention Monitor
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert with automatic braking
In addition to the ADAS features, the C5 Aircross comes standard with:
- 6 airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Hill Hold Control
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
With these enhancements, the new Citroën C5 Aircross aims to set a new benchmark for safety in its segment.
Expected Price and Market Positioning
The new Citroën C5 Aircross is expected to be positioned as a premium offering in the mid-size SUV segment. Based on current market trends and competitor pricing, we estimate the following price range:
| Variant | Expected Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Diesel AT | ₹38.00 lakh – ₹42.00 lakh |
| Petrol Hybrid AT | ₹40.00 lakh – ₹44.00 lakh |
This pricing strategy would place the C5 Aircross in direct competition with the likes of the Jeep Compass, Hyundai Tucson, and Volkswagen Tiguan. While it may seem expensive compared to some rivals, Citroën is banking on the C5 Aircross’s unique comfort-focused approach and advanced features to justify the premium.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Q1: When will the new Citroën C5 Aircross launch in India?
The new Citroën C5 Aircross is expected to launch in India in May 2025. However, as with all automotive launches, this date may be subject to change based on various factors such as production schedules and market conditions.
Q2: How does the new C5 Aircross compare to its predecessor in terms of fuel efficiency?
The new C5 Aircross, especially with its hybrid powertrain, is expected to offer significantly better fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. While official figures are yet to be released, Citroën claims the hybrid variant can deliver up to 18.5 km/l under ideal conditions, a substantial improvement over the current diesel model’s 17.5 km/l.
Q3: Will the new Citroën C5 Aircross be available with a 4×4 option?
As of now, Citroën has not announced any plans to offer a 4×4 option for the new C5 Aircross in India. The SUV will likely continue to be offered in a front-wheel-drive configuration only. However, it’s worth noting that the C5 Aircross does come with Grip Control, an advanced traction control system that helps improve performance on low-grip surfaces.
Wrapping Up
The new Citroën C5 Aircross brings significant updates to an already compelling package. With its refreshed design, advanced features, and new hybrid powertrain, it’s poised to shake up the mid-size SUV segment. While the price premium might give some buyers pause, the overall package offers good value for those seeking a comfortable, tech-savvy, and stylish SUV. As always, we recommend a test drive to see if the new C5 Aircross lives up to the hype in person.
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