MODEL ON TEST: MAX PLUG-IN HYBRID 195 AUTOMATIC – MILEAGE – 4,725

I think the C5 Aircross is a serious looking car. Its stocky stance, thin headlights and bold double chevrons all add up to a car that is confident and assertive.The sage green paintwork is fashionable right now, and I like the way the matrix LED lights do a dance when you get into the car at night, making it feel exceptionally welcoming. Of course, it’s only the self-levelling motors calibrating and performing their checks, but it’s fun, nonetheless.

Citroën has always been known for its cosetting ride comfort, and in the C5 Aircross this is achieved by fitment of progressive hydraulic cushions in the suspension system. It means that potholes, bumps and ridges are masked compared to rivals, with the dampers dissipating the shock and delivering
a gliding effect instead. It works rather well, and while it’s not as effective as the more complex hydraulic systems that were found on earlier Citroëns, like the BX, Xantia and XM, it’s pretty good.

With the temperatures hitting records in recent weeks, when we’ve plugged the C5 Aircross into the mains, we’ve been getting upwards of 45 miles from a single charge and one time it showed 49 miles on the binnacle. Although the official figures suggest 53.3 miles, we’ve not quite reached that yet, and we’re not unhappy with the figures we’re attaining. With both power packs working together, the C5 Aircross is lightning quick, and I’m sure that other drivers are surprised by its turn of speed when you get busy with the loud pedal. Officially it can reach 8.3 seconds when sprinting to 62mph, but it feels quicker than that. The torquey 1.6-litre petrol engine develops 221lb ft of torque on its own, and the electric motor chips in a further 87lb ft.

I’m starting to see more and more C5 Aircross’ on the roads around where I live, even though we haven’t got a dealer for miles. What was the nearest Citroën showroom doesn’t have any signage up for the French firm anymore, and where the logos once were, there are Chery signs.The next nearest in Southend-on-Sea only sells Peugeots and Vauxhalls now and has been relegated to a service outlet for the Citroën brand. Our nearest dealer is in Romford and that’s around 15 miles from here. Would I travel that far to buy a car? Probably, but I’m not sure others necessarily would, as many purchases are influenced by what you see on the forecourt and stopping by to have a look. If Citroën wants its sales to continue on an upward curve, it’s going to have to address the dealer network and make sure that showrooms that close are replaced by another.

The air conditioning has been working overtime, and it doesn’t take long to cool the cabin down effectively. It’s been permanently set to ‘low’ since the heatwaves hit and at that setting it’s not too cold, and not too hot, and something of a ‘Goldilocks’ choice when the temperatures outside are pushing 35 degrees. I think I must have been a penguin in a previous life, as I much prefer the cooler temperatures and really suffer in the summer months.

IAN ROBERTSON

WHAT’S HOT: The frugal nature of the mild hybrid engine almost makes it a worthy replacement for a diesel engine. I said almost…

WHAT’S NOT: The location of the USB sockets and lower cupholders are bizarre. They are really difficult to reach when you’re on the move.

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

FACTS & FIGURES

ARRIVED: 1st May 2026

PRICE WHEN NEW: £38,855 (including VAT)

PRICE AS TESTED: £42,020 (including VAT)

ECONOMY: 87.1mpg (official WLTP) 45.8mpg (on test)

COSTS: None 

FAULTS: None