Dark, low-lying clouds and torrential rain in Johannesburg meant that the updated Citroën C5 Aircross would have its work cut out… writes Alex Shahini 
A checkered history is one way of describing Citroën’s time in South Africa, ebbing and flowing to the demands of consumers with great success when it counted. The popular C2 is etched in my mind as one of the models that helped bolster the success of the French automaker in our local market and abroad. Thereafter, proceedings declined and the automaker faded until 2019 when they returned with three new models to offer South Africans.
The recipe of quirky French design, supple ride quality and distinctive styling has remained in the almost two decades since the two-door hatch was launched. With a far more modest lineup in 2022 than previous chapters in its South African history, Citroën’s range now only includes the C3, C3 Aircross and C5 Aircross and the latter serves as the firm’s flagship for the local market. To reassure potential buyers, the French firm in the Stellantis group has also grown itself to 37 dealerships nationwide to affirm that they are not going anywhere.
Where it all started for the C5 Aircross
The model in question today made its global debut in 2015, using the Shanghai Motor Show as its platform to demonstrate the SUV design direction of Citroën to the world. Two years later, the first production model made its way onto roads and driveways and in 2022, it was given a nip-tuck to keep it relevant for the remainder of its product cycle. Several months later and it has touched down on South African soil and will continue to serve as a premium offering in the compact crossover SUV segment. 
A nip-tuck is a bit of an understatement when comparing the front end of the updated Citroën C5 Aircross to its predecessor. The headlamps have been redesigned with a distinctive dual-horizontal signature that feeds into the grille while the lower sections of the bumper feature functional air dams and SUV-esque trim. All illumination now employs LED technology while the double chevron logo serves a cohesive unified of the front aesthetic. Similar treatment has been imparted onto the mildly changed rear while 18-inch rims come standard across the range.
What is on offer?
Offering two derivatives, the entry-level Feel model serves as an affordable option to the top-spec Shine which was tested in a gloomy Johannesburg. As with other premium brands in the Stellantis stables, the Citroën C5 Aircross comes fully kitted out, save from an optional panoramic sunroof.
Inside, the changes have continued with a repositioned central screen measuring in at 10-inches while a minimal e-Toggle selector has been placed below the centre console. Adjacent to it is a mode selector which offers Normal, Eco and Sport driving modes however the motor delivers the same power throughout, with the latter mode delaying gearshifts to optimise the power band.
Speaking of which, the relatively sizable French SUV delivers its power to the front wheels courtesy of a 1,6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol motor paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 121 kW and 240 N.m won’t win any races but is sufficient in propelling the mass forward in sublime comfort while fuel economy is rated at 7,9 L/100 km – a number that was improved on during our jaunt to the Vaal and back.
With the long open road stretches to the famed body of water in the south of the city, the route plan included a 12-kilometre stretch of gravel road driving. As with everything prior, on highway and country roads, the C5 Aircross delivered an unrivalled level of comfort, wafting over road imperfections as if sailing over tranquil waters. This is courtesy of segment leading 230 mm of ground clearance but more importantly the hydraulic cushion suspension for optimal driving comfort and “a flying carpet effect.” This alone is worthy of making occupants feel like Charles de Gaulle, wafting around in the ever-cool Citroën DS. 
Want to know the pricing of the updated Citroën C5 Aircross? Click here.
With the seamless driving done for the day, muddy tyres decorating the lower extremities of the bodywork and a rain-weathered appearance, it would be a hard task to fault the driving experience of the French model. As with many new cars, most gripes lie with the interior ergonomics and functionality, with touch-sensitive buttons dominating the use of infotainment. 
Despite this, Citroën has once again put a premium, left-field offering in the C-SUV segment that is aimed squarely at families that need seating versatility and the convenience of luggage space.
Citrëon C5 Aircross Fast Facts
Price: R683 900
Engine: 1,6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 121 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 240 Nm @ 1 400 r/min
Ground Clearance: 230 mm
Boot volume: 520 – 720 litres
Fuel consumption: 7,9 L/100 km (claimed)
