Vehicle Description

The Citroën C5 Aircross 1.2 PureTech 130 Flair Plus 5dr Hatchback (19 Plate) is a bold and stylish SUV that stands out in a competitive segment, offering a combination of modern design, practicality, and comfort. Known for its focus on smooth driving comfort and unique styling, the C5 Aircross is a perfect option for those who prioritize a relaxed driving experience, coupled with family-friendly practicality. This particular variant, with the 1.2-litre PureTech 130 petrol engine, offers a solid balance of performance and efficiency, making it an attractive choice for those who want something a little different from the norm.

Performance and Efficiency
The 1.2 PureTech 130 engine in the C5 Aircross produces 130 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque, offering decent performance for its size. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic transmission. The power output is suitable for most everyday driving needs, with enough grunt for city commutes and longer trips on the motorway. With 0-60 mph taking around 9.5 seconds, the C5 Aircross is certainly no sports car, but it's quick enough to keep up with traffic and provide a comfortable ride.

In terms of fuel economy, the C5 Aircross 1.2 PureTech 130 performs well, with an average combined fuel consumption of around 45-50 mpg, depending on driving conditions and style. This makes it relatively cost-effective to run, especially compared to some of its larger, more powerful competitors. The CO2 emissions are also quite low for the segment, which helps keep running costs down.

Interior and Comfort
One of the standout features of the Citroën C5 Aircross is its exceptional comfort, which is central to the car’s appeal. Citroën’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® suspension system is designed to deliver an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride, effectively absorbing bumps and road imperfections. Whether you're driving over potholes, rough country lanes, or smooth motorways, the C5 Aircross remains remarkably composed and comfortable, offering a level of refinement not always found in this class.

Inside, the Flair Plus trim offers a stylish and well-appointed cabin. The materials are high-quality, and there’s a modern, minimalist feel to the design. The dashboard is dominated by a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is easy to use and includes features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system is responsive and straightforward, offering seamless integration with smartphones for navigation, music, and hands-free calls.

The front seats are spacious and supportive, with ample adjustability for drivers of different sizes. Citroën has designed the seats to ensure comfort on long journeys, and they don’t disappoint. The rear seats are equally generous, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The rear cabin is ideal for families, and the C5 Aircross is one of the most comfortable mid-sized SUVs when it comes to rear-seat passenger space.

The boot space is impressive for a vehicle of this size, with 580 litres of capacity, making it one of the best in its class. This large boot is perfect for families who need space for luggage or shopping trips. The rear seats also fold flat to further expand the space, making it versatile for larger items. The cabin offers plenty of small storage compartments, ensuring that everything has its place.

Technology and Features
The C5 Aircross 1.2 PureTech 130 Flair Plus comes packed with a range of useful and modern technology features that enhance convenience, connectivity, and comfort. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is complemented by satellite navigation, Bluetooth, and voice recognition, which work seamlessly with smartphones through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The DAB radio offers a range of stations, and the inclusion of USB ports and a 12V power outlet ensures that devices can be charged on the go.

The Flair Plus trim also includes a number of advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition, making the car both safer and more convenient to drive. These features, combined with automatic emergency braking, make the C5 Aircross a well-equipped vehicle in terms of safety. The cabin also has an option for a panoramic sunroof, which helps to brighten the interior and provides a more open feel.

Other interior features include dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera, all of which make the C5 Aircross more practical and easier to live with on a day-to-day basis.

Safety Features
Citroën has designed the C5 Aircross with a focus on both comfort and safety, and it includes a comprehensive array of safety features as standard. These include:

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): Helps prevent or mitigate collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts you if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane.
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR): Displays important road signs, like speed limits, on the dashboard.
Blind Spot Monitoring: Alerts you if there is a vehicle in your blind spot while changing lanes.
Rear Parking Sensors and Rearview Camera: Make parking and reversing much easier.
The C5 Aircross has earned a solid Euro NCAP safety rating, with high scores for both adult and child occupant protection. The combination of active and passive safety features helps to give drivers and passengers peace of mind on the road.

Driving Experience
On the road, the Citroën C5 Aircross 1.2 PureTech 130 offers a comfortable and relaxed driving experience, which is the car’s primary strength. Thanks to its Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® suspension system, the C5 Aircross offers a cushioned and smooth ride that rivals many larger, more expensive vehicles. The suspension does an excellent job of absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, ensuring a quiet and comfortable cabin even on less-than-perfect surfaces.

The steering is light and responsive, making the car easy to maneuver in tight spaces, though it doesn't offer the same level of driving engagement as some of its competitors. The car’s handling is stable and predictable, and while it’s not designed to be sporty, it provides ample comfort and confidence for everyday driving. The 1.2 PureTech 130 engine delivers enough power for most driving situations, though it’s more suited to relaxed, urban cruising and motorway driving rather than spirited cornering.

Verdict
The Citroën C5 Aircross 1.2 PureTech 130 Flair Plus 5dr Hatchback (19 Plate) is a standout in the compact SUV market, thanks to its combination of comfort, space, and practicality. With the unique Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® suspension, it provides an incredibly smooth ride, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize comfort over sharp handling.

The interior is spacious, well-equipped, and family-friendly, with generous seating and 580 litres of boot space. The Flair Plus trim adds an array of useful tech features, including Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, making the car both convenient and safe.

While it might not be the most engaging SUV to drive, the C5 Aircross is a well-rounded and practical option, offering excellent comfort, safety, and technology for a reasonable price. If you’re looking for an SUV that prioritizes comfort, with a stylish and spacious interior, the C5 Aircross 1.2 PureTech 130 Flair Plus is a great choice.