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By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 87

In its updated form, Citroen's first generation C5 Aircross claimed to be, according to its maker, 'the most comfortable SUV on the market'. Quite a statement, given that this wasn't a large, luxury crossover but was targeted at family buyers considering volume mid-sized models in this class like Ford's Kuga and Volkswagen's Tiguan. The revised version we look at here, launched in 2022, got a more assertive look and higher equipment levels, plus its smarter cabin was one of the most spacious and flexible in the segment.

Modelsword count: 22

5dr SUV (1.2 petrol / 1.2 petrol Hybrid / 1.5 diesel / 1.6 petrol Hybrid Plug-in) [Flair, Flair Plus, Shine, Shine Plus]

Historyword count: 266

Citroen may not have much of a history with SUVs, but in the second half of this century's second decade, the brand made up for lost time, thanks to a strong-selling crossover range, launched when the little C3 Aircross was introduced back in 2017. That was followed a year later by its larger stablemate the C5 Aircross, which went on to shift 260,000 sales in its original form before gaining a whole raft of mid-term update changes in early 2022 to create the car we're going to look at here. In a jam-packed market, Citroen knew from the start that the C5 Aircross would have to offer something different and for that unique selling point, turned to one of its defining brand values, ride comfort. What if, the company wondered, the cossetting way a large luxury SUV rides the bumps could be somehow replicated (without expensive air suspension or adaptive damping) on an affordable mid-sized model? To deliver that, from the very start this car offered clever 'Progressive Hydraulic Cushion' suspension with ride comfort further embellished by super-supportive 'Advanced Comfort' seats. We tried and liked this combination on the original version of this model. But by 2022, time had moved on and in our market, this Citroen was becoming increasing overlooked in its growing segment. Hence the need for this mid-term update which smartened up the looks, added a few premium cabin touches and upgraded the infotainment system. A self-charging 1.2-litre Hybrid model was added to the range in 2023. The updated version of this C5 Aircross sold until the second generation model arrived in 2025.

What You Getword count: 430

If you found the look of the original C5 Aircross slightly quirky, then you might appreciate what Citroen describes as the 'stronger, more elegant look' of the post-2022-era updated version. A little less 'family', a little more 'premium'. Virtually all the significant visual changes lie at the front with its re-interpreted central double Chevron badging positioned below the high-set clamshell bonnet. Look carefully and you'll see more little Chevrons integrated neatly into both upper and lower grilles. The V-shaped LED daytime running light signature gives the front lights higher-tech 3D effect, while the lower aluminium skid plate and the vertical corner intakes supply a more assertive vibe. Inside up front, get comfortable and you'll find yourself in a cabin that's certainly feels more modern and sophisticated than the original model's cabin did, though not too much here actually changed. The main differences are found on the centre stack where the unusual buttress-like vertical vents that used to flank the previously rather small 8-inch central infotainment screen were banished as part of this update. To make way for a larger 10-inch monitor sited on top of horizontal vents that (sadly for a Citroen) look a good deal more conventional. Overall though, given the need to base the whole cabin on existing hardware, Citroen's designers did pretty well to give it such an air of individuality. Around the dash, black leather-effect material and chrome touches move the ambiance of this facelifted model up-market and for the auto versions most customers will choose, there's a smaller 'e-Toggle' gear selector. As before, the aspect of this interior we most like is found with the generously proportioned 'Advanced Comfort' front seats. They feature particularly broad bases, foam that's 15mm thicker than usual for extra support, plus extra quilted padding to create an inviting visual signature that doesn't disappoint once you squish yourself into place. There's standard lumbar support too. Another thing that didn't really need changing is the 12.3-inch configurable instrument screen. And there's plenty of cabin storage space too. In the rear, you'll find a much bigger cabin than you'd get in cheaper segment contenders like Nissan's Qashqai and SEAT's Ateca. And you'll get what Citroen claims is the 'most modular' reach bench arrangement in the class. It's certainly very versatile, made up of three individual sliding, folding and reclining seats. Once the hatch is raised, you're faced with a large 580-litre boot in the conventionally-engined models (it's 460-litres in the PHEV). Getting to the stowage area means negotiating a rather high loading lip, but a standard adjustable-height boot floor has been designed in.

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