Citroen C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid. Efficient and convenient
The Citroen C5 Aircross SUV has been produced since 2017. In general, this is an ordinary, but at the same time elegant family SUV. Its closest competitors are the Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, and Volkswagen Tiguan. An important advantage of the C5 Aircross is that it has a plug-in hybrid version, which will definitely appeal to those who love advanced technology and who care not only about the environment, but also about their wallet.
The C5 Aircross is the brand’s first vehicle to be equipped with a Plug-In Hybrid PHEV e-AWD engine. The powertrain comprises an internal combustion engine with an output of 200 hp and two electric motors with a total output of 300 hp. All this makes it the most powerful model in Citroen’s history. Thanks to this motor, it demonstrates incomparable dynamics. The new Citroen C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid is officially delivered to Israel, and its price starts from 222,345 shekels (including a vehicle registration fee), as of 2021. You shouldn’t buy a pig in a poke for that kind of money, which is why we have decided to take a closer look at this model.
Design
With a length of 4.5 m, the C5 Aircross is quite wide and tall. The hood is a classic Citroen’s design, with an original radiator grille and two-tiered headlights. The LED headlights are bumper-mounted with side air intakes, a front parking sensor, and fog lights at the bottom. The side profile is balanced and aesthetically pleasing. The rear end is simple. Overall, the SUV looks solid, sturdy, but at the same time elegant. With its slanting body forms, it is reminiscent of a graceful predator preparing to jump.
The 2,730 mm wheelbase is one of the best in the class, which makes the 2021 C5 Aircross incredibly spacious, with 201 mm of rear knee room and 954 mm of headroom. The ground clearance reaches 230 mm. The vehicle will confidently overcome city curbs and will not succumb to off-road obstacles.
Interior
The interior of the 2021 Citroen C5 Aircross is practical and finished with quality materials. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions and serves as a screen for the reversing camera. The steering wheel is equipped with built-in controls. The main functions are placed on the 12.3-inch driver display. The second row seats can be reclined together or individually. Other cab features include a panoramic sunroof, rear air vents, an electric tailgate with handsfree function, and more.
The vehicle has one of the largest trunks (up to 720 liters) and an ergonomic modular interior. The tailgate is electrically operated and can be opened hands-free. A two-level floor will allow you to correctly redistribute the space. The rear seats fold into a flat floor, making it easier to load luggage. Plus, the vacated space can be used as a full-fledged bed.
Powertrain
The new Citroen C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid, which is delivered to Israel, is equipped with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with 181 hp and an 81 kW electric motor powered by a 13.2 kWh battery. The maximum power of the powertrain reaches 225 hp. The maximum torque of the gasoline engine is 250 Nm, and the maximum torque of the electric motor is 500 Nm. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The C5 Aircross plug-in hybrid has a built-in 6.6kW charger and can be fully charged in less than two hours via a 7kW home charger. The electric driving range is about 50 km, the maximum speed is 225 km/h, while acceleration to 100 km/h occurs in 8.7 seconds. Average fuel consumption is 1.4 liters per 100 kilometers.
Chassis
The Citroen C5 Aircross is a front-wheel drive SUV, the chassis of which is designed for comfortable driving on the highway, although, according to reviews, it easily overcomes simple off-road conditions such as rural country roads. The Aircross comes with the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension system. Moreover, the hybrid vehicle is equipped with an advanced transmission that is silent in electric mode under any driving conditions. There are three drive modes to choose from: electric, hybrid or sport and an additional mode with enhanced brake regeneration.
Safety
As for safety, the new Citroen C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid has almost all modern active and passive safety options, including a blind-spot monitoring system, hill-start assist and hill-descent control, six airbags, an electric parking brake, fog lamps with turn function, and automatic parking assist suitable for parallel or narrow parking. The owner has 20 assistance systems and 6 connection technologies.
