MODEL ON TEST: Max Plug-in Hybrid 195 Automatic – MILEAGE 3,897

In many ways, Citroën’s new design language could have been inspired by Lego, as it’s quite blocky and angular, compared to previous designs. I’m a big fan of the Danish building bricks and that’s probably why I find the latest designs from the company that boasts double chevrons quite satisfying. From the signature lighting at the front, to the squared off wheel arches and large fuel filler cap, it’s all quite blocky. And buyers must be liking the new look as I’m seeing the latest generation of Citroën’s on the motorways and around town. After a slow start to production, dealers are welcoming more customers into the showrooms with sales up 113% compared to the first five months of 2025.

Of course, the squared off design means that the C5 Aircross is incredibly roomy inside, and that’s good news for a family that is, how do I put it tactfully, generously proportioned. Sitting on the same 2,784mm wheelbase as the Vauxhall Grandland, the Citroën is slap bang in the middle of the 2,739mm 3008 and 2,901mm 5008 size wise. And I’m not sure whether it’s an illusion, but it feels like there is more space in the back of the C5 Aircross compared to its sister car, the Grandland, and it’s larger than the 3008, as you would expect, and isn’t quite as expansive as the seven-seat 5008. When it comes to the boots of the cars with five seats in use up to the seatback, the Citroën has 565 litres, 3008 588 litres, 5008 916 litres and the Grandland has 550 litres in plug-in hybrid guise. So there’s not much in it when comparing all but the 5008.

Take a look at the running costs of the C5 Aircross and aside from the highly competitive list price, insurance costs are reasonable, too, with the Citroën coming in half a dozen groups lower compared to its sister cars and rivals. Even taking into account Peugeot’s recent cut in prices for the 3008, the cheapest C5 Aircross is £5k less, and undercuts the Grandland by £6k. Considering all three cars use the same toolkit, STLA-Medium chassis and engines, the C5 Aircross is a veritable bargain, and the French firm should be shouting it from the rooftops.

I’ve been getting to know what makes my C5 Aircross tick this month and finding out its unique traits. I’ve learned that you can tell flagship Max specification from the other models by the gold detailing on the side mouldings and below the front fog lights, which in official Citroën speak are called colour clips. It’s so subtle that most people will miss it and I have to question why they bothered at all, as the You! and Plus models are simply finished in black.


I’ve also discovered that because my car is an early build plug-in hybrid, it’s fitted with 19-inch “Moondust” alloy wheels like the You! and Plus models, rather than the later all-black 20-inch ‘obsidian’ items that you’ll get now if you order one. But I’m rather pleased, as I’ve never been a fan of black wheels and so telephone dial-style wheels are just fine with me. Youngsters will never know why I call them that, having never had to ‘dial’ to make a phone call in their lives. They simply reach into their pocket and use their smartphone.

IAN ROBERTSON

WHAT’S HOT: I really like Citroën’s new design language, originally inspired by the Oli concept.

WHAT’S NOT: The price of the C5 Aircross is almost too cheap. And not enough people know about the service activated warranty that covers the car for up to eight years when you get the car maintained by a Citroën main dealer.

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL OF OUR LONG-TERM REPORTS ON THE CITROEN C5 AIRCROSS

FACTS & FIGURES

DATE ARRIVED: 1^st May 2026

PRICE WHEN NEW: £38,855

PRICE AS TESTED: £42,020

COMBINED ECONOMY: 87.1mpg (official WLTP) 43.9mpg (on test)

COSTS SO FAR: None

FAULTS SO FAR: None