By Staff Reporter

After exiting our market in 2016, French auto-maker, Citroen is back again. Citroen is making its come back with a trio of models, namely the Citroen C5 Aircross SUV, Citroen C3 and Citroen C3 Aircross Compact SUV. All models feature modern and outgoing looks, and promise lots of standard specification. The C5 Aircross SUV will do battle against likes of Volkswagen Tiguan and has its work cut out for it.

Exterior

Outside, the Citroen C5 Aircross SUV is hard to miss. This is thanks no doubt to the Airbump panels on the side and the expressive Citroen front. Citroen describes the design as carrying on the recent themes we’ve come to expect from the company such as split headlights that squint from a widescreen grille. Black A-, B- and C- pillars are said to be designed to create the effect of wraparound glazing and to try to make the new C5 Aircross wider and sleeker.

Three body colours, Arctic Steel, Pearlescent White and Platinum Grey and one red colour pack option are on offer. The car also comes with two interior ambiances with matching colours and materials.

Interior

Inside, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel behind seats neatly behind the steering wheel and an 8-inch touchscreen takes care of the entertainment. Wireless Smartphone Charging and ConnectedCAM Citroen is available on the Shine models.

Citroen is pushing the C5 Aircross SUV as the most comfortable model in its segment, thanks to the Citroen Advanced Comfort programme, Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension and Advanced Comfort seats. Added to that, Citroen says the new C5 Aircross SUV is designed to provide advanced soundproofing with reduced road noise and wind noise courtesy of double-glazed laminated front windows with an insulated layer.

Another selling point of the C5 Aircross SUV is the class leading boot. The boot – with variable sizes due to the three, individual sliding/reclining seats in the rear – starts at 520 litres and expands to 720 litres. With the seats folded down, there’s a decent 1,630 litre to play around with.

Safety

The new Citroen C5 Aircross SUV comes equipped with a number of passive and active safety features some of which are only offered on the Shine models. The safety features include Park Sensors, Coffee Break Alert, Keyless Entry and Starting, Electric Parking brake, Reversing camera with rear 180°camera; Fog lights with static corner function, Active Safety Break, Active Lane Departure Warning System, Driver Attention Assist, Active Blind Spot and Monitoring Hill Start Assist.

Engine

The new C5 Aircross is powered by a 1.6 THP 121kW/240Nm turbo-petrol engine that is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The engine is said to sip a combined 7.9l/100km.

Pricing

Pricing of the new Citroen C5 Aircross SUV is as follows:

Feel 1.6 THP 121kW Turbo Auto R469,900

Shine 1.6 THP 121kW Turbo Auto R509,900

Prices include a 5 year / 100,000 km warranty and service plan.