Citroen aims to deliver a more thoughtful, comfort-orientated take on the mid-sized SUV market with this stylish C5 Aircross model.

The C5 Aircross is, according to its maker, 'the most comfortable SUV on the market'. Quite a claim, given that this isn't a large, luxury crossover but is targeted at family buyers currently considering volume mid-sized models in this class like Nissan's Qashqai and SEAT's Ateca. Citroen may be rather late to this party but at least it's trying to bring something new.

Background
The legendary Citroen 2CV had a reputation for being able to comfortably traverse a ploughed field. That apart though, this French brand can't call on much customer recognition when it comes to vehicles cable of functioning off the beaten track. That has to change, given the current European obsession with SUVs and the company is depending on its Aircross range of models to convince customers of its crossover credibility.

The first signs in this regard have been promising for the Gallic maker. The little C3 Aircross, launched in Summer 2017, has sold well in the small supermini-derived SUV sector. This family hatch-based C5 Aircross will be equally important. Citroen's Head of Product Xavier Peugeot says it brings 'an all-new level of overall comfort' to the segment.

Driving Experience
This car's key differentiating point is the way it glides over bumps. That ability comes courtesy of its Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension system. This two-stage set-up features a couple of hydraulic stops on each side of the car, one for compression, the other for rebound. For major uneven ground impacts, the hydraulic stops work with the springs and shock absorbers to avoid jerky movements and unpleasant bouncing. Thicker softer seat padding also embellishes the impression of comfort. And double-laminated front windows and engine bay soundproofing play their part in reducing cabin noise

Engine-wise, C5 Aircross are offered four engines, a couple of petrols and a couple of diesels. The petrols are Citroen's PureTech 130 and 180 units, the latter offered only as an 8-speed automatic. The diesels are of the usual BlueHDi variety, with the 130hp version offered with manual or EAT8 auto form and the 180hp variant only as an EAT8 auto. There's no 4WD system offered, but buyers do get 'Grip Control with Hill Descent Assist', for extra front-driven traction in slippery conditions. There's also Hill Start Assist, to help you starting off up steep slopes. And Trailer Stability Control, to reduce trailer sway if you're towing. That's about as much as most likely buyers will ever need.

Design and Build
Citroen's Head of Styling Alexandre Malval describes this as an 'assertive design'. It certainly makes more of a visual statement than the last mid-sized SUV that Citroen sold, the Mitsubishi Outlander-derived C-Crosser model. The C5 Aircross is far more of an in-house effort, sharing the same EMP2 platform as the PSA Group's other mid-sized SUVs, the Peugeot 3008 and the DS 7 Crossback. It's 4.5m long and 1.84m wide with a 2.73m wheelbase, so is a touch bigger than cheaper cars in this class like Nissan's Qasqai and SEAT's Ateca. The brand's signature 'Air Bumps' make an appearance just above the lower side sills, but they're toned down here, just as they are in the latest C4 Cactus.

Inside, that lengthy wheelbase translates into a cabin that feels significantly larger than that of most models in this class. Few competitors can match this C5 Aircross model's luggage capacity either, rated at 580-720-litres, depending on the position of the sliding second row bench. With that bench folded, there's 1,630-litres of luggage room. Noise touches include an active air quality system that uses an air-purifying carbon filter. Up-front, Citroen fans will note a retro touch in the form of the rolling speedometer, similar to that used on the old 1980's-era Citroen BX, incorporated as part of the instrumentation's 12.3-inch digital display.

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