Citroën has revealed the European version of its flagship new C5 Aircross SUV as the brand continues its international SUV offensive. The new-generation SUV features an all-new personalisation offering with 30 exterior colour combinations.

Citroën says the C5 Aircross SUV is the most comfortable model in its segment, thanks to the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme, Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension and Advanced Comfort seats.

The new C5 Aircross SUV also boasts a high level of modularity with three individual sliding, folding and reclining rear seats, and claimed best-in-class boot space. The C5 Aircross is also equipped with 20 driver assistance systems (incl. Highway Driver Assist and Grip Control) and six connectivity technologies (including Wireless Smartphone Charging). The new C5 Aircross will launch in Europe at the end of 2018 and will be the first Citroën with a plug-in hybrid powertrain at the end of 2019.

Following the sales success of the new C3 Aircross in the B-SUV segment, which has already sold more than 80,000 units since its launch late last year, Citroën is continuing its SUV offensive with the European reveal of the C5 Aircross.  The C5 Aircross has already sold over 40,000 units in China.

A possible 30 different exterior colour combinations are available, with seven body colours, a black two-tone roof option and three Colour Packs – including coloured inserts on the front bumper, the Airbump panels on the lower part of the front doors, and on the roof bars. It also comes with five interior ambiances with matching colours and materials, offering clarity and warmth in a trendy and premium ‘casual chic’ style.

Set for launch in Europe at the end of 2018, New C5 Aircross SUV will be produced in France at the Rennes-La Janais plant.

“I am very proud to present today New C5 Aircross SUV, produced in the French plant of Rennes and intended to be sold in 92 countries around the world. A next generation SUV that complements the recently renewed Citroën range and addresses the crucial SUV segment with all the identity of the brand: design, comfort, modularity. New C5 Aircross SUV is Citroën’s new flagship and a key lever for the international growth of the brand.”
Linda Jackson, Citroën CEO

Citroën says the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension marks the culmination of its expertise in terms of ride comfort. Around 20 patents were filed in the development of the new suspension system. While conventional suspension systems have shock absorbers, springs and mechanical stops, the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions system adds two hydraulic stops, one for compression the other for decompression. The suspension therefore works in two stages to match the surface of the road:

• For light compression and decompression, the springs and shock absorbers control vertical movements together, without needing assistance from the hydraulic stops. However, the presence of the hydraulic stops gave the engineers greater freedom to tune the suspension setup to provide a ‘magic carpet ride’ effect and the impression that the car is gliding over uneven ground.
• During major impacts, the springs and shock absorbers work together with the hydraulic compression or decompression stops, which gradually slow the movement to avoid jerks at either end of the range. Unlike a traditional mechanical stop that transmits energy, the hydraulic stops absorb and dissipate that energy.

The new C5 Aircross SUV features advanced soundproofing with reduced road and wind noise thanks to double laminated front windows with an insulated layer. Particular attention was paid to the soundproofing in the engine compartment.

The new C5 Aircross SUV is available with a range of latest-generation Euro 6.2 engines. They are equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox or the 8-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox:

• Two petrol versions: PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual and PureTech 180 S&S EAT8
• Three diesel versions: BlueHDi S&S 130 6-speed manual, BlueHDi 130 S&S EAT8 and BlueHDi 180 S&S EAT8

Towards the end of 2019, the new C5 Aircross SUV will become the first Citroën equipped with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain, with low CO₂ emissions and a range of 37 miles (60 km) in ZEV mode.

The new C5 Aircross SUV boasts the most recent version of Citroën’s 8-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox (‘Efficient Automatic Transmission’) with Shift and Park by Wire control, designed and developed by the Japanese specialist, Aisin.

Citroën says the EAT8 gearbox brings:

• Reduced fuel consumption of up to 7 per cent compared with the EAT6 automatic, thanks to the two additional gears, better output with the extension of Stop & Start up to 12 mph (20 km/h) on the BlueHDi 180, and improvements in terms of weight and compact design (up to 2kg lighter compared with the EAT6).
• Smoother gear shifts through the optimised exchanges of torque between the engine and gearbox. The transition to eight speeds helps reduce the jump between gears at each gearshift.

There is a new automatic and electrical gearbox control, Shift and Park by Wire. Drivers shift gears manually using the steering wheel paddles without losing the automatic function. In terms of safety, the Park function engages automatically when the engine is turned off.