Citroën is confirming its worldwide offensive in the SUV segment with the presentation of two new models at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show. The C5 Aircross makes its global debut, alongside the C-Aircross Concept that previews the brand’s future compact SUV: C3 Aircross. Citroën says these two new models represent a new generation of Citroën SUV focused on comfort.

In the saloon market, Citroën is showing the new C5, produced and marketed in China, which has received a design and technology update for extra occupant well-being. The advanced CXPERIENCE Concept also makes its first appearance in China. This concept car features all the elements of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme and previews future large Citroën models.

China is a key market for Citroën. The brand sold more than 250,000 cars in the country in 2016, accounting for roughly one in five Citroën sales worldwide. Dongfeng Citroën is expanding its range with the world premiere of the New C5 Aircross SUV. Set for launch in China in the second half of 2017, this new model will subsequently see production and its commercial launch in Europe at the end of 2018.

Alongside New C5 Aircross, the brand will showcase the C-Aircross Concept which previews Citroën’s future compact SUV, the C3 Aircross. New C3 Aircross will be launched in Europe before the end of 2017.

In China, these two new models will sit alongside the Citroën C3-XR SUV, Dongfeng Citroën’s second best-selling model in 2016, with nearly 150,000 units sold since launch in 2015.

Dongfeng Citroën also offers a complete range of sedans, including the new C6, launched late in 2016 and the C-Elysée, which was recently restyled and updated. More than 300,000 C-Elysée models have been sold since launch.

Directly inspired by the Aircross concept car presented at the Shanghai Motor Show in 2015, New C5 Aircross is a ‘people-minded’ SUV combining assertive design with an interior dedicated to well-being for all passengers. Citroën says the new model stands apart through its unique character, dynamism and presence.

The company says the new C5 Aircross marks a major step forward in the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme with the world debut of a suspension system equipped with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, which is unique to the Citroën brand. The technology will be illustrated on the stand with a demonstration showing how the system filters out road imperfections.

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the C-Aircross Concept previews Citroën’s future compact SUV, which is intended for worldwide sale. The concept car adopts the principles of the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme. The production model will be launched in Europe at the end of 2017 with the name C3 Aircross.

Also at the Shanghai show, the CXPERIENCE Concept points to the future of large Citroën saloons. The company says the concept car’s posture exudes a strong presence, the body shapes are well balanced, and the short overhangs and long wheelbase underline the spacious interior. The 19-inch screen is a highlight cabin feature. Functioning as the vehicle control centre, it removes unnecessary controls from the dashboard and reinforces the impression of width and space.