by In the popular C-SUV segment, a new player has emerged – the Citroen C5 Aircross crossover. We had the opportunity to test this newcomer, which will challenge the Ford Kuga, Kia Sportage, and Nissan Qashqai. 
The avant-garde design of the Citroen C5 Aircross may or may not appeal to everyone, but the car certainly doesn’t go unnoticed in the traffic flow. The split optics (fully LED in the test car), large brand logo on the front, and the curved roofline immediately draw attention to the C5 Aircross. It should also be noted that, for its size, the crossover has a large wheelbase – 2730 mm.
Moreover, buyers are offered wide personalization options for the car. You can choose the color of the roof, luggage rack rails, and inserts in the Airbump plastic overlays. The interior trim is also quite unusual – leather is mixed with cloth. An unusual curved automatic transmission selector immediately catches the eye. The instrument readings are displayed on a screen, and its configuration can be changed – for example, to show a satellite navigation map.
A large 8-inch touchscreen is equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink functions. Below, there is a wireless charging pad for a smartphone. Another interesting option is the ConnectedCAM dashcam, which records video in FullHD format. In the Shine version, the driver’s seat is equipped with an electric drive. There are also heated seats, and our car even has the optional massage function.
Highlighting the high seating position and good visibility in all directions, the seats are very soft and comfortable. 
In the second row, there is plenty of space for adults of average height. A feature of the Citroen C5 Aircross is the three separate rear seats with horizontal adjustment. Depending on their position, the trunk volume ranges from 550 to 690 liters, and if you fold the seats down, it expands to 1600 liters. The trunk door can be equipped with an electric drive and a sensor opening system (responding to foot movement under the bumper).
The top Shine version is quite well equipped for its price: keyless entry, light and rain sensors, dual-zone climate control, parking sensor, and rearview camera. Additionally, this Citroen crossover is equipped with a wide range of active safety systems: automatic braking technology, lane keeping assistance, road sign recognition, and blind spot monitoring. By the way, the car detects worn Ukrainian markings – tested. 
The new Citroen C5 Aircross in Ukraine is offered with a 1.6-liter 165 hp gasoline turbo engine and turbo diesels of 1.5 liters (130 hp) and 2.0 liters (180 hp). We tested the most powerful two-liter version.
The diesel is very torquey – 400 Nm of torque is available from 2000 rpm. Inside, it’s much quieter than outside – thanks to the laminated glass and good noise insulation of the engine compartment. According to the passport, the Citroen crossover accelerates to a hundred in 9.4 seconds and reaches speeds of up to 211 km/h. The stated fuel consumption is 6.8 l/100 km in the city cycle and 6.1 l/100 km – on the highway. The new 8-speed automatic is well-tuned, and the gears shift almost imperceptibly.
Currently, all Citroen C5 Aircross models in Ukraine are front-wheel drive (an all-wheel-drive rechargeable hybrid may be brought to us in 2020). The Grip control technology with modes for sand, mud, and snow is designed to improve traction off asphalt. There is also hill descent assist. A feature of the crossover is the suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, designed to make the ride more comfortable. The Citroen C5 Aircross is genuinely very soft, although noticeable jolts are felt on speed bumps.
The steering is very light but not the most informative. 
The new Citroen C5 Aircross in Ukraine starts from 703,100 hryvnias. The Shine version with a 2.0-liter turbo diesel will cost 853,400 hryvnias. No matter what car you drive – remember that without driving skills and knowledge of the traffic rules, it’s not only inadvisable to drive, but contraindicated, hence for help, there is a driving school in Dnipro, considered the best in the city and where you can train for any category.
