Citroen has decided to officially launch the C5 Aircross in Europe just a year after a very similar vehicle made its debut as a China-specific model at the Shanghai motor show. The compact five-seat SUV segment is big business right now, so it makes a lot of sense for Citroen to bring the Aircross to European shores.
The Aircross has been repackaged by the French manufacturer to specifically appeal to European consumers in this fast-growing segment, but it faces stiff competition from the likes of the Seat Ateca and especially the Nissan Qashqai. Because this is now the fastest-growing segment in the European market, the Aircross is seen as crucial to Citroën's future.
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A key feature designed to make this an especially comfortable ride and rewarding drive is the automaker's new rally-derived Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension system. The Aircross is the second of the brand's models to feature the system which debuted in the C4 Cactus. Citroen insists the set delivers "peerless comfort," while at the same time retaining the relaxed characteristics of the long-standing hydropneumatic system.
Unique to this European version of the C5 Aircross is Advanced Comfort upholstery, which is designed to improve interior comfort with the use of thicker, softer seat padding and greater adjustment. And something that will please those who always have to sit in the back is that the three second-row seats are all the same width, so whoever gets stuck with sitting in the middle at least has just as much room as those sat on either side.
Built on the same EMP2 platform as PSA group's other SUVs means the C5 Aircross shares underpinnings with the Peugeot 3008 and DS 7 Crossback, but thanks to its 2.73 m wheelbase the Citroen is larger than both the Qashqai and Ateca it competes against.
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Right from launch, buyers will be able to choose between a Puretech 130 engine with a six-speed manual gearbox and a Puretech 180 unit with an eight-speed automatic 'box to power their Aircross. For those who still want diesel, a BlueHDi 130 will be available with a manual or an automatic 'box and an automatic-only BlueHDI 180.
The C5 Aircross will be built in Citroen's Rennes-La Janais facility, and it should be landing in dealerships towards the end of this year.
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