Unobvious But Probable: A Detailed Test Of The Citroen C5 Aircross

Several years ago, with Citroen, I went through almost all the stages of the launch of the Russian production of the C4 sedan at the plant in Kaluga: from discussions of marketing and advertising campaigns to the ceremonial start of the conveyor. Even then it was clear that the French are strange guys. By that time, Solaris and Polo were flying into space, but Citroen had a zealous belief in golf-class sedans - a segment that now shows signs of life from time to time. And to the direct question "Why C4 and not the more affordable C-Elysee?" they responded with an offer to eat an oyster
Interior
Practicality
Technics
Riding
Equipment
Competitors
Output

Video: Unobvious But Probable: A Detailed Test Of The Citroen C5 Aircross

Отличия серверных жестких дисков от десктопных — Video: ТАКИМИ ДОЛЖНЫ БЫЛИ БЫТЬ НЕМЦЫ (НУ ПОЧТИ)! CITROEN C5 AIRCROSS. Тест-драйв и обзор 2023, February

Several years ago, with Citroen, I went through almost all the stages of the launch of the Russian production of the C4 sedan at the plant in Kaluga: from discussions of marketing and advertising campaigns to the ceremonial start of the conveyor. Even then it was clear that the French are strange guys. By that time, Solaris and Polo were flying into space, but Citroen had a zealous belief in golf-class sedans - a segment that now shows signs of life from time to time. And to the direct question "Why C4 and not the more affordable C-Elysee?" they responded with an offer to eat an oyster

Time has put everything in its place: C-class sedans have risen in price under the influence of the falling ruble, and the global trend for crossovers finally finished them off even in our country. Simply put, Citroen's bet in Russia did not work. Therefore, the position of the French in our market has not only been shaken, but literally collapsed: if you meet a new Citroen passenger car on the road, run to the casino and bet on zero - luck is on your side today.

However, the French, unlike Ford, are not going to give up completely yet and they are not turning off the supply of new cars to us. One of the fighters on this barely visible front is the C5 Aircross crossover. We took him to the test. We got a car in the Shine configuration, the prices for which start from 2 125 000 rubles.

Interior

The interior architecture of the C5 Aircross is a kind of automotive postmodernism. A compact steering wheel flattened at the top and bottom, angular glossy surfaces, double-deck deflectors. Their two-story structure, by the way, is a props. Because no matter how you twist them, the air from the top and bottom sections will blow in one direction.

But Citroen would not be Citroen, if even in such a situation he did not find where to stick bright accents. Like a textured insert opposite the front passenger, sewn with real, contrasting thread. The functional purpose of this thing could not be revealed, but it looks cool

Even more surprising are not the finishing materials, but the parts found everywhere from 10-year-old cars. The same paddle shifters, for example, were in my wife's Peugeot-207 2009 …

… and the steering wheel control panel for cruise control and speed limiter is the same as the music joystick in the same ten-year-old Peugeot

The diagonal of the digital dashboard is 12.3 inches and it is installed on all C5 Aircross modifications available in Russia. The graphics and interface are cool, the performance is the same, but the functionality is poorer than in Peugeot cars, which, relatively recently, within the PSc group, are positioned as more premium and luxury. For example, I could not squeeze out the classic configuration with the wells of the speedometer and tachometer from the Citroen's dashboard, although the soplatform Peugeot 3008 has it

Eight-inch multimedia is also installed on all versions of the crossover. However, in the database it will be just a beautiful screen with which you can tune the radio and air conditioning (climate control is displayed on it). In older versions, as in our test, the system will receive support for Apple CarPlay and Andorid Auto, and for another 30,000 rubles in the top and middle modifications, it can be equipped with a navigator

In general, there are no special complaints about multimedia, but the interface could still be more intelligible: there are too many additional tabs and submenus in the complex, which are necessary for quite ordinary things. Like connecting a phone via Bluetooth

The touchpad under the screen is surprisingly comfortable. Here are grouped icons for controlling the main functions (climate control, navigation, and so on), as well as "keys" for turning on the heated seats. When pressed with gloves, this whole structure naturally reacts every other time. And even after two

The chairs are more surprising with their finish, but not with their shape. They are trimmed with a mix of leather and fabric in all shades of gray. It looks great and unusual, but after sitting, you understand that there is nothing unusual in this sense. Lateral support is mediocre, the pillow lacks a bit of length … In general, the seats are not bad, but not ideal. Could it be the chairs in the old C5 Crosstourer station wagon, in which the back broke and there was a massage …

The first thing you pay attention to after getting comfortable behind the wheel is a huge area near the left pillar that is not cleaned by the wipers. Five centimeters of glass remain dirty, but in winter you can still cope with the problem: heating with thick threads is brought to this section of the window, which can melt snow. But what to do when the glass is simply showered with dense mud is unclear. Because this fragment cannot even be poured with a washer on the go: the nozzles are built right into the wipers and pour liquid directly under them

The C5 Aircross can be picked up from your dealer directly with a built-in car DVR. Option for 20,000 rubles. That is, this camera is several times more expensive than the mass Chinese counterpart. The nuance is that the Citroen DVR does not write constantly. You can start recording if you press and hold the button at the bottom of the camera, but even then it will record only a two-minute fragment. A short press on the same button allows you to take a photo.The camera's viewing angle is 120 degrees, the maximum resolution is Full HD, you can download the footage using a mobile application

Practicality

If it seemed to you that the Citroen C5 Aircross is a compact car, then you are greatly mistaken. The wheelbase of the crossover is 2,730 millimeters, which is more than the ToyotRAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan and Subaru Forester. However, in terms of the size of the trunk, the Frenchman is noticeably inferior to all the models listed above.

The declared trunk volume is 450 liters. This is enough to fit two large suitcases in the compartment. Some other little things can be thrown on top. However, cabin size suitcases, with a luggage curtain standing in place, will not fit on top of large ones: the height is too small

But on all versions of the C5 Aircross they put a rear sofa, divided into three individual sections with folding backs independently of each other. The automaker does not provide clear data on the volume in this state, but it turns out an almost flat loading area, which looks very solid

The electric drive of the fifth door is standard equipment for the top version, but an option for the middle Feel configuration. It will cost 60,000 rubles

The practicality of the trunk is mediocre. There is a 12-volt socket, clips for a large luggage net, and a separate lighting lamp. But there are no "miracles", like an ordinary 230 volt socket or a sliding wall for fixing things

Three separate sections of the back sofa also allow you to adjust the angle of the backrest to the preferences of each of the passengers, and the three of them in the back in the C5 are not so bad: there is no central tunnel, which means that nothing will interfere with the person in the middle. Plus, each section is skid-mounted and can be adjusted longitudinally

Although there are three seats in the back, there is only one USB port for passengers in the second row. How they will divide it is not clear

One of the chips of almost all modern Citroens is the protective plastic elements in the lower part of the body. They are made of plastic, but they look so beautiful that you don't particularly want to scratch them on curbs and bushes

Technics

The crossover is built on the EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform) modular platform, a universal trolley that the PS group uses for Peugeot, Citroen and Opel. Moreover, the chassis is suitable not only for crossovers. It also underlies, for example, the Peugeot 308 hatchback and the Grand C4 SpaceTourer minivan. As well as crossovers Peugeot 3008 and 5008.

Its key feature is the uncontested front-wheel drive. More precisely, four-wheel drive can be here, but only with the use of an electric motor on the rear axle as part of a hybrid power plant. Such crossovers are produced by Peugeot, but it is not yet possible to find them in Russia.

There are MacPherson struts in the front, and a semi-independent suspension in the back. Nothing special here. In the case of Citroen, shock absorbers are of much greater interest. Because all versions of the model are equipped with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, which (sort of) replaced the legendary Citroen hydraulic suspension

The shock absorbers use special hydraulic buffers instead of compression and rebound travel stops. The idea is this: when the shock absorbers are compressed or stretched as much as possible, they will not rebound from impact on the stops. That is, buffers simultaneously increase power consumption and improve ride comfort on poor surfaces

The C5 Aircross engine range includes a 1.6 petrol turbo engine and a two-liter turbodiesel with 180 horsepower. We are testing cars with a gasoline "four" with direct injection and a twin-roll turbine. The output of the unit is 150 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission

On the middle and top-end version of the SUV, the Grip Control system is installed - a kind of analogue of Land Rover's Terrain Response. Depending on the selected mode, the electronics adjusts the stabilization system and ABS for driving, for example, on slippery and loose surfaces. You can select the program with the washer on the central tunnel

The C5 has only two "asphalt" modes - normal and sporty, which is activated by the button next to the Grip Control washer. To activate it, the key must be held pressed for a couple of seconds: a short single press will not activate the sport mode. European crossovers also have an Eco-mode

The declared ground clearance of the crossover is 230 millimeters. Citroen's front bumper rested against the 26-centimeter rung of the measuring ladder

The ladder is completely gone under the rear bumper, however, closer to the wheels, the clearance decreases, albeit uncritically

Riding

The main question for the C5 Aircross: how does the cunning suspension, which Citroen boldly call the "flying carpet", actually works? Is it capable of leveling the terrain as charmingly as the old hydropneumatic one, which was installed, for example, on the same C5 Crosstourer station wagon?

I will not torment: no. The new suspension isn't even nearly as awesome as the old hydraulics, and there isn't even a trace of hovering over the road. And it will definitely upset you if you were counting on the magic of old Citroens.

However, if expectations are not too high, then you should like the C5 Aircross settings. Moderately dense suspension, with a good margin of energy consumption, but almost perfectly filtering trifle and very diligently hiding average irregularities from you. Things are not so pleasant with the passage of a large man: the crossover kicks on hard "sunbeds". Moreover, the front suspension fulfills such obstacles more roughly than the rear.

Otherwise, this Citroen is quite capable of not only meeting your expectations, but even surpassing them. The steering wheel is empty and light, but the chassis settings are very interesting. Instead of front-wheel drive plowing out of the corner when going overspeed, the crossover is geared towards light oversteer.And if you try, he will even slightly throw the stern, but the belay electronics will neatly adjust the course and you will safely go on, barely noticeably grinning.

In a calm rhythm, "tse-fifth" is a simple, understandable and pleasant car. It keeps a straight line well and does not cause any problems at all in the parking lot thanks to the light steering wheel.

The gasoline 150-horsepower engine is very similar in character to the 1.4 TSI unit of the same power, which is installed on Skoda, Volkswagen and further on the list. Subjectively, the bottom thrust is slightly higher. Objectively, the Czechs and Germans have implemented a little better thrust control.

But here a small question arises for the "automaton". It reacts to kickdowns with a slight delay, even in sport mode, which takes some getting used to. However, in all other respects, the box cannot be found fault with.

And in general, the sport mode does not really affect the character of the C5 Aircross. The reactions to the gas are slightly aggravated, the “automatic” keeps the reduced one a little longer - a standard gentleman's set. I did not notice the urgent need to use it.

Equipment

The basic configuration of the C5 Aircross is called Live and costs 1,875,000 rubles in the case of a gasoline engine and 2,115,000 rubles - with a diesel one. Such cars are equipped with metal crankcase protection, cruise control, halogen headlights, diode DRLs, rain and light sensors, heated front seats, air conditioning, digital tidy, rear parking sensors, 17-inch wheels, as well as fabric seats.

The average configuration is called Feel (1,965,000 rubles with a gasoline engine, 2,205,000 rubles with a diesel engine). It adds Grip Control, power folding side mirrors, auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, tinted rear windows, power driver's seat, dual-zone climate, front parking sensors, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Prices for the top version of Shine start at 2,125,000 rubles. A diesel car in the same configuration will cost at least 2,365,000 rubles. This modification differs from the two previous ones with a blind spot monitoring system, front seat head restraints with four-way adjustment (forward-backward, up-down), keyless entry and engine start with a button, a rear-view camera, aluminum pedals and combined seat trim.

A rich set of options is also provided for the C5 Aircross, but what can be ordered for the top-end configuration is not always available for the base one. For example, only in the Shine version, the seats can be upholstered in brown Napp leather, while a full-size spare wheel on a 17-inch disc is available for an additional charge for all modifications.

Competitors

Peugeot 3008. С кем, если не с соплатформенной моделью, Ситроену делить покупателей? 3008-й доступен в России в четырёх комплектациях и с двумя моторами: бензиновым и дизельным. Но если первый - такой же, как у C5, и выдаёт 150 лошадиных сил, то дизельный агрегат у Peugeot послабее: он выдает те же 150 сил вместо 180 л.с. у Aircross. Цены на 3008-й начинаются с 1 599 000 рублей. " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

MINI Countryman. Единственный кроссовер британской марки - это, в первую очередь, идеологический конкурент C5 Aircross. Он чуть компактнее, но вполне сопоставим по цене. Countyrman обойдётся минимум в 1 835 000 рублей. Моторная гамма MINI включает в себя два агрегата: бензиновый трёхцилиндровый на 136 сил, а также дизель, который выдаёт 150 л.с. Версии с двухлитровым турбомотором стоят заметно дороже. " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

MazdCX-5. CX-5 - куда более массовый и понятный россиянам кроссовер, да ещё и с локализованным производством. Однако у Mazdтоже яркая и интересная внешность. Моторов в гамме два, оба бензиновые, оба атмосферные. Мощность, 150 и 192 лошадиные силы. Цены начинаются с 1 595 000 рублей. " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;"> MazdCX-5. The CX-5 is a much more massive and understandable crossover for Russians, and even with localized production. However, Mazd also has a bright and interesting appearance. There are two engines in the range, both gasoline, both atmospheric. Power, 150 and 192 horsepower. Prices start at 1,595,000 rubles

Volkswagen Tiguan. Куда же в этом списке без действующего лидера класса. Тигуан продаётся в России с четырьмя бензиновыми турбомоторами мощностью от 125 до 220 л.с., а также со 150-сильным дизелем. Комплектаций шесть, цены начинаются с 1 499 000 рублей. " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;"> Volkswagen Tiguan. Where is on this list without the current class leader. Tiguan is sold in Russia with four petrol turbo engines ranging from 125 to 220 hp, as well as with a 150-horsepower diesel engine. There are six complete sets, prices start at 1,499,000 rubles

ToyotC-HR. Формально C-HR - автомобиль классом ниже. Но, во-первых, он недешёвый, а, во-вторых, позиционируется как яркий и молодёжный. Моторная гамма состоит из пары бензиновых атмосферников 1.2 и 2.0 мощностью 116 и 148 лошадиных сил соответственно. Цены на кроссовер начинаются с 1 828 000 рублей. Но, в отличие от Ситроена, Тойоту можно купить с полным приводом. " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;"> ToyotC-HR. Formally, the C-HR is a lower class car. But, firstly, it is not cheap, and, secondly, it is positioned as bright and youthful. The engine range consists of a pair of gasoline aspirated 1.2 and 2.0 with a capacity of 116 and 148 horsepower, respectively. Crossover prices start at 1,828,000 rubles. But, unlike Citroen, Toyota can be bought with all-wheel drive

Output

To be honest, I don't know people who, when choosing a car, would think about a front-wheel drive French crossover for more than two million rubles. At least in Russia, a mid-size SUV is a function car. Comfortable, able to get out of a snowdrift and several times a year ready to take on the role of a cargo taxi to move from the city to the dacha, and after 3-4 months do the same in the opposite direction.

The Citroen C5 Aircross will most likely cope with these tasks, too, but on paper it certainly does not look like a win-win option. Quite comfortable, well controlled, in terms of dynamics it is almost in no way inferior to cars of the VW concern, which occupy a leading position in the class. At the same time, the Frenchman has a bright design, an unusual, but not pretentious interior, and a lot of cool chips, like three separate seats in the back or digital tidy on all trim levels.

Therefore, the next time someone asks me which crossover to buy in the budget from 1.9 to 2.3 million rubles, I will ask: "Don't you want to think about the Citroen C5 Aircross?"