Citroen has launched the C5 Aircross facelift in India at an introductory price of Rs 36.67 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The new C5 Aircross comes to India only in a single, fully-loaded Shine (dual tone) trim, which means the entry-level Feel trim that was available with the pre-facelift model is no longer on offer.
The C5 Aircross facelift gets a heavily reworked front end and a completely new interior with more features, but it continues with the same 2.0-litre diesel engine under its hood.
- Carries over 177hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine
- Interior gets new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment
- Rivals the Tucson, Tiguan and Compass
Citroen C5 Aircross facelift: exterior design
The cosmetic updates on the C5 Aircross facelift are mostly concentrated on the front fascia. Gone is the layered split-headlamp look of the pre-facelift model, which is now replaced with a cleaner design for the single-piece headlamps that diverge at the outer edges. The wrap-around headlamps now feature two sets of LED Daytime Running Lamps that line up with the grille, which has the double Chevron logo placed in the centre.
The front bumper also features a much cleaner design – the central air intake is narrower and drops the block-like design elements, there’s a new faux silver skid plate and larger, deep-set air intakes on either side that are said to improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics. The side profile remains largely unchanged, save for a new design for the 18-inch alloy wheels. Coming to the rear, it is also largely similar to the outgoing model, except for the updated tail-lamps that now feature rectangular lighting elements and get a darkened finish.
The new C5 Aircross is available in a choice of four colours: Pearl White, Perla Nera Black, Cumulus Grey and the new colour called Eclipse Blue.
Citroen C5 Aircross: interior and features
The interior also sees a comprehensive set of updates. The dashboard integrated 8.0-inch touchscreen has been replaced by a larger, free-standing 10-inch infotainment unit. Meanwhile, the cube-shaped AC vents flanking the infotainment screen have been replaced by more conventional-looking horizontal units below. The touch-based shortcut keys for the infotainment system have been retained, but they now sit below the air-con vents.
The centre console has also been mildly updated with a new toggle switch replacing the traditional gear lever. The circular dial for the drives modes on the centre console has been replaced by a new rectangular button. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster sees updated graphics and interface.
As before, the C5 Aircross gets three individual sliding, reclining and retractable seats in the second row. Citroen says that the seats are now better padded with 15mm of additional padding. There's also new upholstery for the seats, armrests and centre console that's a mix of leather and fabric finished in shades of black and grey.
In terms of equipment, the facelifted C5 Aircross continues with auto wipers and LED headlamps, powered driver seat, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, hands-free tailgate opening, hands-free parking, six airbags, ESC and traction control. The boot has a volume of 580 litres that can be expanded to 1,630 litres.
Citroen C5 Aircross: engine and gearbox
Under the hood, the facelifted C5 Aircross continues with the 2.0-litre diesel engine in India. This unit produces 177hp and 400Nm of peak torque and comes mated to an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox with power being sent to the front wheels only. Citroen claims a fuel efficiency of 17.5kpl for the C5 Aircross.
Citroen has slowly been phasing out diesel engines globally, and this 2.0-litre unit has already been ditched in markets overseas, where it has been replaced with either a 1.5-litre diesel or petrol, or petrol-hybrid engine options. India, however, retains the refined and torquey 2.0-litre diesel engine, which really suits the comfort-oriented and relaxed character of the C5 Aircross.
Citroen C5 Aircross facelift: rivals
In India, the C5 Aircross facelift sees direct competition from the likes of the Jeep Compass, the Hyundai Tucson and the Volkswagen Tiguan. While the Tucson and Compass are offered with both, petrol and diesel engines, the Tiguan is petrol-only.
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