I've long believed the SUV definition needs clarification, writes Brian Byrne. Originally, the term 'Sports Utility Vehicle' referred to heavy-duty 4x4s built for work, often for use in rugged terrain. They were, by nature, heavy, noisy, and quite uncomfortable. Later, luxury SUVs emerged, equipped with large engines and high fuel consumption that their affluent owners could afford to overlook. To environmentalists, they became — and remain — anathema.
Over the past decade or so, the SUV style has been adapted for the family car market, built on standard car platforms, and known as crossovers. Usually taller than the hatchbacks they are based on, they consume more fuel. But in reality, that increase is minor and reasonable considering their extra space and practicality as family vehicles. They do not merit the criticism sometimes directed at them solely because they have an SUV shape and are called SUVs
With close to a third of registrations in 2025, the medium SUV category is now the most popular car type on the Irish market. Indeed, four of the top ten car models sold here last year were in that category: Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen's Tiguan. Other makers big in the segment are Nissan, Skoda, Peugeot, and Ford. The premium brands are also represented, though for obvious reasons in smaller numbers.
Citroen has also been on the list for many years, though as a minority brand. Still, the C5 Aircross, which debuted in 2017, has been the leading model in that carmaker's range in recent years. The completely new second-generation C5 Aircross has just gone on sale in Ireland, and I've had an introductory drive in it.
The production version has stayed true to much of the concept debuted at the Paris Mondiale some 16 months ago. The previous model had rather quirky styling; the new C5 Aircross is a little more subdued than its predecessor, but arguably has at least as much presence. A handsome vehicle, it's longer than the first generation, has an extended wheelbase, and offers significantly more headroom for rear passengers.
The latest version of the Citroen chevron badge is set large and proud in the centre of the facia — in my case, the grille-less electric variant. The thin matrix headlights give the car a quietly determined look. There's a subtlety to the profile character lines that nevertheless provides enhanced aerodynamics, as does the angled rear section of the roof. Squared-off wheel arches and angular details on the rear also suggest strength.
Inside, there's a deep flat dashboard with a full-width trim element designed to increase the feeling of width. Totally new to the brand — indeed to the Stellantis Group — is a vertical centre screen in what they call a floating 'waterfall' format, melding into the centre console and forming a useful open storage space underneath. Shiny black plastics and soft-touch trim elements have been integrated well together, and the ergonomics of the switchgear and virtual screen controls are well thought out. As a Stellantis Group brand, some control relationships with cousin models, such as the Opel Grandland and its Peugeot equivalents, are evident and welcome.
Citroën has made comfort its unique selling proposition, and the seating in the latest C5 Aircross is an excellent example of the brand's efforts there. The quilted finish and high-density foam make for a very comfortable travel experience. Aided under the car by Citroen's patented progressive hydraulic shock absorbers, which really do work as well as they are promised to. For rear passengers, there's claimed segment-leading legroom in seats with a 3-way split option and adjustable backrests. The luggage space behind them at 651L is exceptional and remains the same across powertrains.
As I said, my first driving experience was in the full-electric version, which offers 210hp and a 73kWh battery, with a rated range of up to 520 km. The other drives include a 145hp petrol-hybrid and a 225hp plug-in hybrid with a rated electric-only range of 96 km. The fuel tank in that one is also larger, with a total PHEV range of 1,100 km.
On my drive, I appreciated the easy entry and the car's interior space. The electric drive was smooth and quiet, and there was an overall feeling of strength about the car, which I'll be interested in learning more about when I take one for a full review.
In the meantime, the new C5 Aircross certainly leaves a positive feeling.
PRICE: From €39,300 for the hybrid; electric from €39,939. WHAT I LIKED: Comfort in a stylish package.
