5 Ways The Citroen C5 Aircross SUV Outshines Its Competition

Futuristic styling, advanced comfort features and a loaded equipment list are just a few things the C5 Aircross SUV is better at than its counterparts

It is no secret that the Germans know a thing or two about engineering a car. But more often than not, their design team takes a backseat. What if there was a way to combine top-notch engineering prowess with looks that would make you say “Voila!”.  And no, we're not talking about the Eiffel Tower...but something similar. This is where the French step in, with the all-new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV, which promises to make the Germans hold on to their sauerkrauts. Here’s why:

1) It looks Magnifique

We all hate the word ‘futuristic’ being tossed around like a bag of chips. But Citroën seems to have taken it personally with the C5. From every angle, the SUV looks like something straight out from the distant future. The design team at Citroën has worked around the clock to realise André Citroën’s vision of merging the bold with the contemporary. The double chevron design at the front and flowing curved side panels demand your attention as soon as you set your eyes on it. Lest we forget about the sexy 18-inch alloy wheels (offered as standard), adding an additional oomph to the C5’s confident stance.

Not to mention the signature 3D LED modules at the rear that creates a sense of intrigue. Compare it with the Germans who’ve taken the same approach to their design as they do with their humour, boring! 

2) It's got the spirit too!

We know it looks pretty. But can it handle the hassle...or the hustle of Indian roads? It can. The tough boy exteriors aren't there just to deceive you. From broken village roads to pothole-infested cities and smooth highways, the C5 AirCross handles everything like a charm. All thanks to its Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, you don’t need to worry about being tossed around while snacking on your macaroons. In comparison, its German counterparts have stuck with their outdated approach, with conventional front McPherson struts and rear 4-link axle setup. Which will make you feel the need to write a strongly worded letter to the Road Transport & Highways Ministry. 

Speaking of comfort, your 6ft passengers will thank you for the amount of space the C5 offers. The 5-seater has plenty of headroom and shoulder room, along with enough knee and legroom, to make long road trips less cumbersome.

3) It’s got space and more

There’s nothing more annoying than sacrificing important luggage while planning a road trip. But the C5 AirCross has a generous 580-litre boot space, almost 25 per cent more than entry-level  German SUVs. With that kind of boot capacity, you need not worry about leaving anything behind. In case you need more space, the three individual seats at the rear can be reclined ahead, adding another 140 litres. 

Speaking of long road trips, with the six-way manually adjustable rear seats, your passengers (and their backs) will thank you. Not to mention, with the C5’s remote trunk opener (absent in its competition), with hands-free functionality, the struggle of juggling your luggage while trying to open the trunk is now a thing of the past.

4) It's got the goodies 

Step inside, and you’ll notice everything -- from the leather-wrapped steering wheel and auto headlamps/wipers to cruise control -- offered as standard. In the middle of the dashboard sits the piece-de-resistance of the C5, its 8-inch touchscreen enabled with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. That’s a feature the Germans sorely miss out on. This is also where you can control the six speakers -- two more than its competition -- spread across the car. Find your way to the driving seat, and you’ll be pleased to notice the height-adjustable setting -- something which again the competition misses out on. 

Hit the road, and you’ll find a slew of electronics -- like traction control, hill assist, park assist, and front and rear parking sensors -- making your drive easier. Bar hill-control and rear park assist, none of which you’ll find in SUVs which segment or two above. 

5) It's easier on the wallet

With the ever-increasing fuel cost, there might be a possibility that you’ll need to cut your week-long trips to weekend outings. But with the C5, you might not need to. The SUV offers a generous ARAI-tested mileage of 18.6kmpl. Meanwhile, its closest competitor wimps out at 15.38kmpl. 

With all said and done, it is easy to assume the Citroën C5 Aircross Suv (Shine) costs an arm and leg, given it comes packed with features that outshine even entry-level German vehicles. Thankfully, that’s not the case. For the C5 Aircross, Citroën has slapped a price tag of Rs 31.90 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). 

With better features, more space and a tempting price tag, you might think the Citroën C5 Aircross SUV is too good to be true. There are around ten ‘La Maison’ dealerships across the country, why not drive to your nearest Citroën showroom and check it out?