Self tests. Citroën C5 Aircross 130 EAT 8 Shine: Praise of softness

Not faster, not stronger, but always higher! Citroën is keeping its promises and its C5 Aircross is slowly climbing to new heights of quality. The announced move upmarket continues, its fans (and others!) can only rejoice. The style of this SUV born to pamper its travellers, quite close to that of the famous Aircross concept unveiled at the Shanghai show seven years ago, has evolved enough to strengthen its personality.

The grille with its imposing chevrons, extended outward by a bar, is thicker, the two-stage front light units appear more slender and the 3D-effect rear lights add a touch of charm to the very original design.

Inside, the driver will more or less appreciate the elevated driving position but also the new automatic gearbox control which abandons the imposing stock for a “mini” rocker. Citroën is taking advantage of the restyling to “expand” the dimensions of its repositioned multimedia panel. The 8” screen only concerns the Live finish, the others benefit from a 10” surface, more visible, more practical to use.

In line with the house “cradles”

Hailed, almost applauded by all the testers during the first tests in 2018, the comfort of the C5 Aircross did not fly away with the judicious pencil strokes brought to the model. It remains one of its key strengths. The manufacturer can even, without bragging, affirm that it offers, thanks to its suspensions with progressive hydraulic stops and its Advanced Comfort seats, already famous for their incredible padding, “the” benchmark in the category. Lovers of firmer sensations will rail against the rolling effects associated with this “pullman” mode, not the vast majority of users. The French brand, for ages, has paid particular attention to the softness of its sedans, this SUV fits beautifully and smoothly on the long list of house “cradles”. To discover…

In the back, passengers still benefit from the three independent, sliding and reclining seats but regret a small lack of space, especially if they have long legs to squeeze in.

A block to the height

The three-cylinder Pure Tech turbo petrol is the most modest offer in the catalog (but also the best-selling in France), not the least interesting. In the context of quiet use, the small block does not show any weakness. The contained weight of the C5 and the automatic box allow this block (a bit grumpy at low revs despite the care taken for acoustic well-being with the thickness of the laminated side windows), to fulfill all its “regular” missions, times, overtaking without ever fishing. He prefers, one suspects it and it is quite normal, the appeased dialogues, the ordinary walks and the “Sundays” in the countryside. In these conditions of use, consumption remains very reasonable. Be careful, it can quickly climb if you decide to whip on rough terrain.