Citroën C5 Aircross MHEV test: a convincing hybridization?

Like its cousin from Stellantis, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers a new engine MHEV hybrid the 136 ch. With this new technology, Citroën wants to convince last refractory to the hybrid and give as many people as possible access to this type of engine. The Auto Plus team was able to take the wheel:

A more modern restyling in 2022

A year ago, Citroën came to update its SUV, to give it a more modern look. On the other hand, he has lost a little touch with the brand. On the front, the manufacturer has reworked the grille and the shield. All air intakes have been redesigned. The one located at the bottom has exchanged its rounded shapes for a multitude of chevrons directed outwards, to give an impression of aerodynamics. New ones have even been created on the sides, with a very fashionable shape. The design of the lights has also been reworked. The lower part is broken at an angle, to give them a “V” shape and a much more piercing look and with character.

Fortunately for lovers of Citroën style, the two bands linking the lights on either side of the logo are still present. On the profile, airbumps have been preserved, as has the “C”-shaped chrome strip around the edge of the windows. At the rear, the lights retain their exterior appearance extending over the fenders. It is on the inside that they have been restyled to offer a new light signature. And unlike the other PHEV hybrid engines available on the model, there is no mention of this specificity on the trunk.

A typical Citroën interior

Inside the Citroën C5 Aircross, if you don’t like the manufacturer’s style, you will cringe. Its touch is found in the shape of the steering wheel and the dashboard. He still sports a little more modernity than before, starting with the new 10-inch central touchscreen. This is where you will adjust all vehicle settings. It is nevertheless not the most responsive, but this poor fluidity is compensated by its i-Toggles analog buttons located just below, to find the main functionalities in one click.

These instruments are associated with a 12.3 inch digital meter left unchanged and transmitting all useful information to the driver but also on the operation of the hybrid engine. The center console has also been redesigned. The gearbox control is now located directly under the driver’s handwith the driving mode selector nearby.

As is often the case with models from the herringbone brand, the Citroën C5 Aircross stands out thanks to its comfort and habitability. The upholstery is in fabric, Alcantara or leather depending on the level of finish, the seats incorporate high-density foam in the middle and an extra thickness of fabric foam. On our test model in MAX finish, we have the right to Alcantara and blue stitching to brighten up the interior. At the rear, the C5 Aircross offers three sliding and independent seats, and offers unbeatable modularity. However, there is a bit of a lack of leg space. Strong point however on this hybrid version, the trunk volume. This is at least 600 L and can mount up to 720 Lwhere the plug-in hybrid version, because of the large batteries, has a volume of 480 L.

Citroën focuses 100% on hybrid

The double-chevron manufacturer is banking completely on this new engine, since it comes replace the old thermal engine 130 hp petrol coupled with the EAT8 automatic transmission. The latest petrol engine available on the C5 Aircross is mated to a manual gearbox, which may put off some buyers. Citroën’s feat is to have taken the thermal platform of the current model and to have grafted a 48 V battery under the driver’s seat. Compared to the petrol version, this new mild hybrid weighs only 70 kg more.

This MHEV technology combines a 1.2 L Puretech engine developed especially for hybridization with 40% new component and a permanent magnet electric motor. They are complementary, and can operate separately or together, depending on the energy needs of the vehicle. The electric motor will intervene especially at low speed and when accelerating. 50% of the journey in town can be done entirely electric. Citroën has also developed a new 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the ë-DCS 6.

Comfort rather than dynamism for driving

Once behind the wheel, the Citroën C5 Aircross lacks dynamism. Acceleration is not sharp and the engine revs easily. It also takes a few seconds before coming back down. The model therefore requires smooth drivingwithout suddenly pressing the pedal.

However, driving comfort is excellent. The suspensions with progressive hydraulic stops, exclusive to Citroën, allow you to drive on any road without feeling the roughness. The elevated driver’s position provides a good view of the road and the meter. Finally, lateral support allows you not to be tossed around in turns and to stay in line with the steering wheel. The transition between the combustion engine and the electric motor occurs quite naturally without driver intervention, a promise kept for Citroën.

The vehicle is also revised downwards its consumption and emissions compared to the thermal version. The Citroën C5 Aircross MHEV now consumes 6.3 to 6.8 L per 100 km with a 53 L tank and emits 129 g of CO2 per km.