NEW CITRON C5 AIRCROSS

Spacious, comfortable and with a powertrain for every taste, this SUV looks bang on the money

- Phil McNamara

CITROEN'S flagship SUV, the C5 Aircross, has been reborn for 2025 with a daring design, petrol, hybrid or electric power, and a deep focus on comfort and wellbeing.

The second-generation Aircross takes a big leap forward compared with its predecessor, which is now eight years old. The SUV has grown significantly to claim best-in-class rear space and a 651-litre boot, although its exterior dimensions are identical to those of its sister car, the Vauxhall Grandland (see p28).

The new SUV promises to live up to Citroen's comfort-focused philosophy thanks to clever suspension and foam-packed 'Advanced Comfort' seats with adjustable side bolsters that mould to your physique. Prices are expected to start at around £30,000 for the mild-hybrid model.

Citroen launched its new design language with the C3 hatch and C3 Aircross, and the new C5 Aircross develops the new look with angular surfaces and modernist graphics, which banish the original's curves.

Aerodynamics have shaped the overall form, with the car standing lower than its predecessor and rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Dacia Bigster, while the roof slopes away behind the rear seats. The improved aerodynamics are vital to maximise the electric model's range. There's still 200mm of ground clearance, though.

The most eye-catching aero feature is the groove above the rear wheelarch, which funnels air over the side and through two narrow rear light strips protruding from the body.

These ‘light wings’ are a distinctive touch that’s more supercar than SUV.

“I think the light signature will be a landmark of the car,” Citroen brand CEO Thierry Koskas told Auto Express. “It’s beautiful, it’s very original. We would never have shown the rear light [on the 2024 concept] if it wasn’t on the production car, because it’s such a strong feature and we really wanted to have it.”