BLUE VELVET (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Citroen's improved C5 Aircross arguably makes most sense in BlueHDi 130 diesel form. Jonathan Crouch takes a drive.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 65

In a C5 Aircross, according to Citroen, you'll be travelling 'Premier Class'. So what exactly, does that mean? Something significant surely, given that this car's main selling point is a unique 'Progressive Hydraulic Cushion' suspension system. This car has recently been usefully updated. And provides a decent blend of economy and performance in the 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 diesel form we're going to look at here.

Backgroundword count: 131

The legendary Citroen 2CV had a reputation for being able to comfortably traverse a ploughed field. That apart though, this French brand can't call on much customer recognition when it comes to vehicles cable of functioning off the beaten track. A decade or so back, there were two re-badged Mitsubishi models, the C-Crosser and a car we didn't get, the C4 Aircross. But that was about it from Citroen when it comes to mid-sized contenders of this kind until this C5 Aircross model arrived in 2018. Now it's been usefully updated and in this case, we're testing it in BlueHDi 130 1.5-litre diesel form. As with other variants in the C5 Aircross range, this one's most unique selling point is a clever suspension system but there's also lots else of note.

Driving Experienceword count: 208

The 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 diesel engine sells alongside a PureTech petrol unit with the same output in this revitalised C5 Aircross range. Both powerplants can be ordered with Citroen's smooth-shifting EAT8 8-speed auto transmission and in that form get a a largely irrelevant 'Sport' button on the centre console that ramps up engine noise but not a lot else. Engine noise isn't something you really want to hear more of in a diesel, especially not from Citroen's 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 unit, which is one of the brand's older engines. It's quite a lusty lump though, developing 300Nm, which is why this variant can offer easily the highest braked towing capacity in the range - 1,450kgs in manual form. And get from rest to 62mph in 10.4s - which is about the same as the PureTech petrol 130 model can manage. The top speed is 117mph. As with other C5 Aircross variants, ride quality here is embellished by a clever 'Progressive Hydraulic Cushions' suspension system which delivers class-leading comfort over poorer surfaces. Hydraulic dampers cushion the top and bottom of wheel travel at the top and bottom of wheel travel and allow the fitment of softer springs and dampers, producing what the brand describes as a 'magic carpet'-like feel.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227