ELECTRIFIED AIR (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_citroenc5aircrosshybrid_2023

By Jonathan Crouch

Citroen's C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid delivers a thoughtful, comfort-orientated take on the mid-sized SUV plug-in market. Jonathan Crouch drives the improved version.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 93

The Stellantis Group conglomerate is busy electrifying all its mid-sized SUVs and for some time, the Citroen C5 Aircross has had that tech too. Now that Plug-in Hybrid variant offers it with somewhat smarter packaging. As before, it's a front-driven package and like its group stablemates, it can be recharged from a home wallbox in under 2 hours. Fully replenished, it offers a decent full-electric driving range - now EAER-certified at up to 41 miles. Like all C5 Aircross variants, this one majors on comfort, courtesy of the brand's 'Progressive Hydraulic Cushion' set-up.

Backgroundword count: 142

The C5 Aircross, launched in 2018, has sold steadily in the mid-sized 5-seat part of the SUV sector but needed a few more headlines. The introduction of this plug-in hybrid variant in 2019 provided a few of those, this variant incorporating a cutting-edge electrified powertrain. Citroen tried to build this into the car without compromising its other comfort-orientated attributes and, as usual with the brand, there's a strong emphasis on value and innovative design. Since this PHEV derivative's original launch though, lots of other Plug-in C-segment SUV crossover models have arrived in the segment, hence the need for this updated version with its smarter looks and classier cabin. As before, this won't be the first car you'll have thought of if you happen to be looking for a mid-sized plug-in SUV, but it might well be worth including on your wish list.

Driving Experienceword count: 247

As before, this electrified variant comes with a powerful and adaptable front-driven-only powertrain which sees a PureTech 180 Stop & Start petrol engine and an 80kW electric motor combining with a specially designed e-EAT8 automatic gearbox, to offer the equivalent of up to 225hp. At the wheel, you get three driving modes, with the one you'll be using most of the time being the 'Hybrid' setting that chooses the best mix of electric and petrol propulsion to suit the driving style whilst optimising efficiency. The alternative settings are either 'Sport' (where the car combines the power of the electric and petrol motors to offer livelier performance). And 'Electric' (where the car uses only the battery-powered electric motor, resulting in an ultra-quiet and smooth drive with zero exhaust emissions, offering an EAER-rated range of up to 41 miles from the 14.2kWh battery. Otherwise, things are very much as they would be in any other C5 Aircross. This car's key differentiating point is the way it glides over bumps. That ability comes courtesy of its Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension system. This two-stage set-up features a couple of hydraulic stops on each side of the car, one for compression, the other for rebound. For major uneven ground impacts, the hydraulic stops work with the springs and shock absorbers to avoid jerky movements and unpleasant bouncing. Thicker softer seat padding also embellishes the impression of comfort. And double-laminated front windows and engine bay soundproofing play their part in reducing cabin noise.

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