The Citroen C5 Aircross was recently given a facelift overseas, and this updated version will be launched in India by September 2022, a company source has told us. The French brand’s debut offering in India was launched here just last year, brought in via the semi-knocked-down (SKD) route, as will be the updated model.
- C5 Aircross facelift gets styling tweaks inside out
- Has new 10-inch free-standing touchscreen
- Front seats now get heating and cooling function
Citroen C5 Aircross facelift will continue with 2.0-litre diesel
Citroen has ditched its 2.0-litre diesel for overseas markets and engine options are limited to a 1.5-litre diesel, as well as petrol and petrol-hybrid options, but that won’t be the case in India. The SUV will soldier on with the existing 177hp, 2.0 diesel unit. Citroen is slowly phasing out diesel engines globally, and though it will soon launch the compact C3 crossover in India with only petrol engines (and an electric powertrain to follow soon), the bigger C5 Aircross is likely to stick with diesel in our market, as that is its biggest advantage.
With VW and Skoda offering only petrol power for the Tiguan and Kodiaq, respectively, the C5 Aircross is the only diesel in its class until the Hyundai Tucson comes along. Besides, the smooth and torquey 2.0-litre diesel, mated to a sweet 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, suits the comfort-oriented and relaxed character of the C5 Aircross.
Citroen C5 Aircross facelift nose gets new styling
The C5 Aircross now gets a more conventional-looking nose that replaces the split-headlamp look of the current model. The new headlamps – single-piece wraparound units – diverge at their outer edges, with their LED DRL signature following the pattern. These LED bars once again line up with the grille, but this time the Citroen chevron logo is not a part of the pattern and is placed independently of it.
The front air dam is flanked by large, inset vents in the bumper that are said to aid the vehicle’s aerodynamics. The block-like patterning on the side cladding with the contrast insert is retained from the current SUV. The new model, however, gets new alloy wheel designs for all variants. Only the tail-lamps seem to have been updated at the back, and they now feature rectangular lighting elements and get a darkened finish.
2022 Citroen C5 Aircross comes with major changes inside
There have been major changes on the inside, most notably the inclusion of a larger, 10-inch touchscreen. The two-piece cubed air-con vents are replaced by more conventional-looking rectangular units placed below the screen, and the touch-based shortcut keys for the system have been retained, though they are now positioned below the air-con vents.
The gear lever for the automatic gearbox has made way for a toggle switch unit and revised switchgear for other functions. Additionally, Citroen says that the front seats are now better cushioned, with 15mm of additional padding, and come with heating and cooling functions. The updated C5 Aircross also gets more USB ports in the cabin and wireless charging.
Citroen will expand dealer network across 19 cities
Citroen has sold over 3.25 lakh units of the C5 Aircross in 85 countries since the current-gen car went on sale. The model was first introduced in India in April 2021 and Citroen has managed to sell around a thousand units via its miniscule dealer network. The French brand has said it will increase its dealerships in India to 20 across 19 cities in the near future to enable sales of the upcoming C3, which goes on sale on July 20, and also the refreshed C5 Aircross and future models
Citroen C5 Aircross facelift will rival upcoming new Tucson
The refreshed C5 Aircross will continue to rival the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq, the Jeep Compass and the Volkswagen Tiguan. It will also see a new rival in the form of the new-gen Hyundai Tucson that will go on sale in the coming months.
Also see:
Vincent Cobee on building the Citroen brand in India, C3 launch, EVs & more