Motors with Joe Rayfus.... New Citroen models come Aircross quite well

Citroën’s Irish launch route from Citywest down to Castledermot offered exactly what you want from a first drive; open flowing sections, tight rural bends and a variety of imperfect road surfaces that quickly reveal whether comfort claims stack up on Irish roads.

On first impressions, Citroën has doubled down on what it does best.

C5 Aircross: The Comfort Benchmark

Starting from €39,300, the second-generation C5 Aircross represents a significant evolution. Built on the STLA Medium platform, it benefits from a longer 2.78m wheelbase, delivering a notable increase in rear space. Knee room in row two is up by 51mm, headroom improves by 68mm and the rear backrests recline between 21° and 33°. It genuinely feels like a comfort-class cabin rather than simply another mid-size SUV.

Boot capacity is a strong 651 litres and remains identical regardless of whether you opt for hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric power.

Design-wise, the C5 Aircross adopts Citroën’s sharper, more taut new language. The new logo sits proudly at the centre of a front end defined by slender horizontal light strips and Matrix LED headlamps linked by a gloss black strip. The familiar three-point light signature features front and rear, while aerodynamic detailing, including integrated air deflectors, improves efficiency. The electric version goes further with a closed-off front section to reduce drag. Despite its presence, height is kept to 1.66m to aid airflow while retaining 200mm of ground clearance.

Inside, Citroën’s C-Zen Lounge architecture creates what the brand describes as a high-tech cocoon. The horizontal “Sofa Design” dashboard flows into the door panels in a continuous band of foam fabric. Dominating the centre is the largest HD touchscreen ever offered by Citroën, a vertical waterfall display that cascades seamlessly into the console. It supports customisable widgets, 3D navigation and up to 16 programmable shortcuts per page. A 10-inch digital instrument cluster is standard, while MAX models add an extended colour head-up display.

Comfort remains the C5 Aircross’s defining trait. Citroën Advanced Comfort seats are standard across the range, front and rear.

The standard Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension delivers the brand’s trademark “magic carpet” effect. Over the patched and pitted stretches outside Saggart, the system absorbed imperfections impressively, smoothing harsh edges without sacrificing stability.

Citroën’s multi-energy strategy gives buyers genuine choice. The Hybrid 145 48V model starts at €39,300 and offers a combined WLTP range of more than 950km. In urban use, it can operate in electric mode for up to 50 per cent of the time without plugging in.

The plug-in hybrid, due later in 2026, offers over 100km of electric range in town and a total range of 650km thanks to its enlarged 55-litre fuel tank.

The fully electric ë-C5 Aircross begins at €39,939 with a 210bhp motor and 73kWh battery delivering up to 520km WLTP. A 230bhp version with a 97kWh battery and up to 680km WLTP will follow. From a 160kW fast charger, the electric model can replenish in just 27 minutes. An 11kW onboard charger is standard, with an optional 22kW bi-directional unit arriving in 2026.

C3 Aircross: Practicality with Personality

Priced from €27,790, the all-new C3 Aircross signals a radical shift in Citroën’s compact SUV offering. At 4.39m long and 1.66m tall, it adopts a more muscular stance with over 200mm of ground clearance and a commanding driving position.

For the first time, Citroën offers a seven-seat option in this segment. Access to the third row is made “easier” by easy-tilt second-row seats, and when not in use the additional seats fold 50/50 to create a flat load surface. In five-seat guise, the rear bench sits 65mm further back than in the seven-seater, delivering class-leading knee room. Boot capacity stands at 330 litres with five seats in use and almost zero with the 3rd row in place. Before we set off, myself and another journalist, Darren, squeezed into the last row out of curiosity, and its not a place where my robust six foot frame could have stayed for much longer than it took to take a photo.

Inside, the C-Zen Lounge concept returns with a head-up display replacing a traditional instrument cluster. Advanced Comfort seats gain additional foam for improved support, while Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension is fitted as standard across all trims.

Powertrain options include a 100bhp 1.2-litre turbo petrol, a 136bhp Hybrid 48V and a fully electric version from €28,452 including grants, offering up to 400km WLTP and rapid charging capability.

From Saggart to Castledermot, the contrast was clear. The C3 Aircross broadens Citroën’s appeal with seven-seat flexibility and accessible pricing. The C5 Aircross, however, feels like the brand’s statement of intent, it’s spacious, composed and comfort-led, with electrified options that genuinely cover every need.