First report: I like big boots and I cannot lie…
I’m always a little weary when looking at the spec sheet of a hybrid vehicle with a three-cylinder engine. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve driven some great little three-pot cars, but I’ve also driven some diabolically-awful ones too. So far, I’m glad to say that the Citroen C5 Aircross holds its own.
The C5 Aircross is your typical French family car on paper; affordable, comfortable and quirky. And after five minutes of driving it, it’s clear that all three of these check out. Compared to a sporty SUV, the C5 might feel a little wallowy and van-like upon first driving it, with lots of body roll and some not-so-sharp steering. But it’s these same qualities that make it feel like a comfy family car that “drives itself”. We’ve already done plenty of urban and motorway driving in the C5, and it really is a solid breeze-along kind-of-family SUV.
The hybrid set-up is interesting. Under the metal sits a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, hooked up to a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. At lower speeds, the C5 manages to emulate the characteristics of a hushed, nippy electric vehicle, maintaining its all-electric range astonishingly well, with the petrol engine only roaring into life when you really rev it out. For me, the best part of owning an electric car is its serene, yet instant, on-tap power at lower speeds – and even though the C5 has a traditional hybrid set-up, it still manages to offer an impressive version of that.
When the petrol engine does kick in it’s not going to blow your socks off, but there’s enough pull to heave the stocky SUV out of junctions quickly and execute an overtake on the motorway. Speaking of motorway driving, after a few long distance trips, we’ve been getting an average of around 45mpg in the C5. There is a 1.5-litre diesel option available with a bit more oomph – and better fuel economy – if you plan on exclusively doing long distance driving.
A few other complementary elements of the C5 that aid its smooth cruiser persona include its quick-to-connect Android Auto system – although it does require a wired connection – its impressive adaptive cruise control features and its plentiful cabin cubby storage for treats, receipts and drinks.
The thing I was most looking forward to with the C5 however was its boot space. The cars we’ve had before the Citroen C5 include the Mazda3 and MG4 – both great little family cars, but with rather disappointing boot space. With us frequently having two kids, a dog and a load of camera gear in tow – this hasn’t been ideal.
In stark contrast, the C5 has oodles of boot space, with enough length and width to swallow everything from bed frames to tripod bags to eight foot lengths of timber. And thanks to its 40/20/40 seats, said timber actually fit in with both kids in the car too. The boot even fits our dreaded double buggy – wheels first. I’ve missed ample practicality…
Rear passenger space has impressed us too. You no longer feel like a half-used tube of toothpaste sitting in the middle seat when tending to the kids. Thank god.
I’ve been asked several times what I think about the Citroen C5 by friends and family – and although “it just does the job” sounds reductive and dismissive, it’s probably the best compliment I can give the C5 – and any family car for that matter. When you’ve got a long motorway journey ahead, or a busy week at work, for me, vanilla is absolutely fine. I’d rather that than rocky road…
Standard equipment: My Citroen Play featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 12.3in digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, Citroen Connect Nav, blind spot monitoring Indicators, front and rear parking sensors, rear-view reversing camera, LED headlights, automatic bi-zone air conditioning.
Why we’re running it: To see how Citroen’s C5 Aircross tackles busy family life.
| Model | Citroën C5 Aircross MAX Hybrid 136 eDSC6 automatic |
| P11D price | £31,225 |
| As tested | £33,185 |
| Official consumption | 45.6mpg – 53.3mpg |
| Our average consumption | 45mpg |
| Mileage | 3,274 |
