Citroen C5 Aircross – new SUV debuts in Shanghai

Copyright William CROZES @ AUTOMOBILES CITROËN

Citroën has revealed the first details and photos of the new C5 Aircross SUV. The production version of the Aircross concept will make its debut at tomorrow’s 2017 Auto Shanghai show, with sales kicking off in China in the second half of the year. Europeans will have to wait quite a lot longer for it, however, as it will only go on sale there at the end of 2018.

Looking at the finished product, the influences of the show car are clear to see, although it lacks the strong stance and massive wheels of the concept. At the front sit distinctive dual-tier headlights and grille, plus triple air intakes lower down for a more aggressive look.

Moving back, the blacked out A- and D-pillars provide a floating roof look, while the side windows are framed by C-shaped chrome trim pieces that echo the concept. Bumps low down on the rockers, similar to the Airbumps on Citroën’s other crossover, the C4 Cactus, protects against dings and scratches.

William CROZES@AUTOMOBILES CITROËN

At the rear, the four-chamber tail lights are a touch reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz GLA, but apart from that it’s fairly distinctive, with a large rear valence coming with twin integrated tailpipes. Completing the look are the 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels shown here.

A horizontal dashboard design greets you as your step inside, giving a greater sense of width. Fitted to it are vertical air vents, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and an eight-inch central touchscreen, plus a wide and tall centre console that provides the front occupants with a cocooned feel. Citroën claims the “soft and warm materials” enhance the sense of protection and comfort.

The C5 Aircross is built on the PSA Group’s EMP2 platform, and will have a wheelbase spanning 2.73 metres – putting it smack in the middle between the Peugeot 3008 (2.68 metres) and the seven-seater 5008 (2.84 metres). Under the skin is what Citroën terms the “Progressive Hydraulic Cushions” suspension – although whether it’s a proper hydraulic setup like the company’s larger offerings of yore remains to be seen.

Copyright William CROZES @ AUTOMOBILES CITROËN

Safety-wise, there are features such as Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control that will go all the way down to a standstill. Also fitted is Hill Active Descent Control, as well as Grip Control that provides a modicum of off-road capability using the stability control system.

Citroën has not detailed the powertrains that will be made available, but expect the company’s latest engines, including the ubiquitous Prince 1.6 litre THP turbo four-cylinder petrol mill, a 1.2 litre PureTech turbo petrol three-pot and a 1.6 litre BlueHDi turbodiesel; a plug-in hybrid model will also feature. Transmission options should include a six-speed manual and a new eight-speed automatic.

The C5 Aircross won’t be the only member of the Aircross family – Geneva’s C-Aircross concept previews another crossover, badged the C3 Aircross and positioned under the C4 Cactus.

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