C5 Aircross aims for 'Comfort Class' crown

When it comes to Ireland on 1 March next year, Citroen's new C5 Aircross is aimed at being the leader in the 'Comfort Class', writes Brian Byrne.

It will target the Hyundai Tucson, Nissan's Qashqai, the Ford Kuga, Toyota's RAV4 and Citroen's own cousin, the Peugeot 3008.

The car is very distinctive in Citroen's latest design cues, aiming to be noticed with bold looks and contrasting coloured details.

The interior is of high visual and material quality, including a dashboard with customisable digital instruments. The second row is three full seats.

Launch engine options will be a 130hp petrol with a 6-speed manual, and a 180hp petrol with 8-speed auto box. The diesels will be 130hop in manual and auto forms, and there will be a 180hp diesel available to order.

Comfort technologies include the Progressive Hydraulic Cushion system derived from the brand's World Rally Car vehicles, and there's a special seats design which makes it hard to find as untiring a driving experience in any competitor. The cabin is also exceptionally quiet.

The PSA Group's electronic Grip Control will be an option in Ireland, though experience with it on other cars suggest most buyers won't bother.

There will be the familiar three grades of Touch, Feel and Flair in Ireland, and there's a possibility of a fourth being added.

In the C-SUV segment in Ireland, most sales occur at €32,550. Though no prices are available yet, expect the C5 Aircross to be competitive there.

I drove it in Morocco through some stunning scenery.

---