Motors with Tony Conlon: Innovative Citroen gets a refresh

The latest iteration of the Gallic SUV offers a more imposing and rugged look thanks to a newly designed front end which incorporates a new interpretation of the Citroen brand logo.

Significant changes have likewise been made to the rear taillight design while lavish new interior seating will also add to the appeal of this car.

The facelifted version of this SUV, which has been the bestselling Citroen passenger car in Ireland since 2020, will be available in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions – and will go on sale here in the second quarter of 2022 in time for the 222 July registration period.

Citroen cars and vans are now distributed in Ireland by the Gowan Group, an Irish company which in the past proved hugely successful for the brand.

At first glance, the exterior changes to the front end of the C5 Aircross are evident. With current Citroen models, the brand logo is designed in chrome on the front grille as an extension of the daytime running lights; however, the new C5 Aircross displays a larger chevron logo set in a black lacquer with chrome surrounds.

The logo rests on a newly designed grille that features a chrome and piano black combination that sits independently from the daytime running lights to offer a more modern and imposing look.

This design is further complemented by a newly styled air intake area, larger and wider air curtains and a distinctive high and horizontal bonnet. Offering an impressive ground clearance of 230mm for true off-road appeal, the rear light signature has also been redesigned with dark and structured glass to highlight three individual LED lighting modules in a 3D effect.

As with the current model, the C5 Aircross offers significant customisation options thanks to four different exterior colour packs that alter the colour of the front air intakes and the side air bumps. The facelifted C5 Aircross will be available in six different colour options, including the new Eclipse Blue option, a deep blue colour that can change to black depending on the external light exposure.

Inside, a new, higher 10” touchscreen forms the focal point of the more modern passenger compartment. In addition, a fully customisable 12.3” digital display provides all essential and customisable information directly in the driver’s eye-line.

The new Citroen is equipped with the latest generation of the carmaker’s advanced comfort seats that feature an extra 15mm layer of memory foam and a specific design to resist sagging over time.

While the optional heating and massage function also provide an added layer of occupant comfort, the SUV’s armrests and the central console have also been redesigned.

Retaining characteristics that make it stand out in its class, such as the exclusive-to-Citroen ‘progressive hydraulic cushions suspension’ - which improves absorption of road imperfections - the C5 Aircross is the only SUV in its segment to offer three individual sliding, reclining and retractable rear seats.

The boot volume is an impressive 580 litres to 720 litres in the petrol and diesel versions and from 460 litres to 600 litres for the hybrid version. Special attention was paid to the car’s acoustic characteristics with laminated front windows helping amplify the cocoon effect within the car.

The C5 Aircross also offers a wide range of the latest-generation technologies including 20 benchmark driver-assistance systems, including highway driver assist, a level 2 autonomous driving system that combines adaptive cruise control with a stop & go function and the active lane departure warning system to provide enhanced safety for all occupants.

In addition to petrol and diesel engine offerings, the plug-in hybrid version is claimed to be capable of driving more than 50km in full electric mode. This hybrid will also benefit from a range of online connected services to facilitate delayed charging via a smartphone app and cabin pre-conditioning.

Charging is fast, Citroen claims, allowing a full charge to be completed in less than two hours with a standard wall-box connection.

Irish pricing and specification for the new Citroen SUV will be announced in March with the first vehicles expected to arrive on Irish shores by June.