MODEL ON TEST: MAX PLUG-IN HYBRID 195 AUTOMATIC – MILEAGE – 5,963

The chunkier styling that was introduced when the second generation ‘CR3’ C5 Aircross was introduced implies that it’s great in the rough and tough and when conditions get slippery, but interestingly, it doesn’t actually feature four-wheel drive. None of the models in the line up can be so equipped, even though sister cars like the Jeep Compass, Peugeot 3008 and 5008 and Vauxhall Grandland can be. It seems like a strange omission, but maybe Citroën buyers aren’t interested in heading for the hills and getting up to their axles in mud. Looking back into history and few cars with the double chevron have had all paw action, with only the C-Crosser that was basically a Mitsubishi Outlander in drag, as well as the BX GTi 4×4. Sure the DS5 Hybrid4 had an all-wheel drive system of sorts, but can that be counted as a proper Citroën? 4×4 specialists Dangel has converted C15 and C25 vans in the past, but there are few all-wheel drive models in Citroën’s history. Maybe it’s time for that to change, especially considering its cost-effective price point.

As a tow car, the plug-in hybrid edition of the C5 Aircross makes a good first of things, with a maximum hauling capacity of 1,550kg. That’ll be enough to tow a modest-sized caravan, though owners will need to be careful how many ancillary items they load up with, if you work on the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s conservative figure of 85% of the car’s kerbweight, which equates to 1,592kg based on our car’s kerbweight of 1,874kg. Both the mild hybrid and electric editions of the C5 Aircross are wholly inadequate to tow a caravan based on the 1,200kg limit for the mild hybrid and long range electric model, if you order a factory fitted tow bar, and 1,250kg for the standard range electric model. Choose to fit an aftermarket towbar to the C5 Aircross and you have just a tonne to play with, which is something to bear in mind when you’re weighing up the specification of your car.The optional factory fitted tow bar may be £700, but it comes with the invaluable trailer stability control and a 13-pin harness.

One of the things that Citroën has been very poor to advertise is the fact that if you bought a new car from 1st June 2025, providing you get it serviced at a Citroën main dealer according to the maintenance schedule, you’ll get up to eight years’ worth of warranty that covers you up to 100,000 miles, whichever is reached first. That’s a significant benefit compared to most of the mainstream car makers like Vauxhall, Ford, Peugeot and Volkswagen. Previously Citroën models had the bog standard three years or 60,000 miles, and so this new initiative in order to build loyalty to Citroën dealers should be commended. Using a proper dealer means that you’ll get the latest software downloads – something that is increasingly important in this tech-led world – and if you barter with them hard, you’ll often be able to come to an agreement on price for the service, especially if you’ve been a loyal customer.

IAN ROBERTSON

WHAT’S HOT: The eight year, 100,000 mile warranty is a significant perk, but only if you get your Citroën maintained at a main dealer according to the maintenance schedule.

WHAT’S NOT: Where are the four-wheel drive versions of your cars, Citroën?

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

PRICE AS TESTED: £42,020

ECONOMY: 87.1mpg (official WLTP) 51.5mpg (on test)

COSTS: None

FAULTS: None