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In-depth reviews

Citroen C5 Aircross - Interior, design and technology

The C5 Aircross features interesting design cues, but the on-board tech can be frustrating

Interior, design and technology rating

4.0

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£27,015 - £32,420
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​As you’d expect, the Citroen C5 Aircross follows the design themes established by the smaller Citroen C3 Aircross, with slim LED daytime running lights that run into the familiar Citroen grille, with its oversized double chevrons. 

Airbumps continue along the side, and the cladding helps to avoid the slab-sided look of some other mid-size SUVs. The deep windows offer good visibility, while the back is a little more conventional, but still manages to feature smart-looking 3D LED tail-lights.

What is the Citroen C5 Aircross like inside?

As with the suspension, Citroen’s focus on comfort extends to the big, squishy Advanced Comfort chairs that come as standard from Flair trim upwards, and are nicely finished in leather. Kids will love the three rear seats, which are the same size as those in the front, and move and slide individually. Knee space in the back isn’t overly generous, nor is the amount of headroom if you opt for a panoramic sunroof.

What is the interior quality like? 

Swing open one of the Aircross’s doors, and you’re greeted by an interior that’s just as distinctive as the exterior, with the Airbump theme carried over on the door panels. However, some of the plastics used here feel a bit cheap – as does the finish around the chrome door handle and window switches. It’s a strange mix inside, with some really nice, expensive-looking elements and places where you can clearly see that money has been saved.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment 

Every model gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, which replaces conventional analogue dials, and allows extra information, such as navigation instructions, to be shown in an easy-to-read format right in the driver’s direct line of sight.

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All models now include a ten-inch central infotainment touchscreen with integrated sat-nav. DAB and Bluetooth as standard, and the system also has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You may wish to make the most of this connectivity, too, as Citroen’s own software is quite frustratingly laid out. We found some of the symbols to be unclear, and several functions were tricky to access quickly. It wasn’t particularly responsive to the touch, either.

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Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.5 BlueHDi Plus 5dr EAT8
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £27,015

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.5 BlueHDi Plus 5dr EAT8
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £27,015

Fastest

  • Name
    1.2 Hybrid 136 Plus 5dr e-DSC6
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £27,780

Shane is responsible for looking after the day-to-day running of the Auto Express website and social media channels. Prior to joining Auto Express in 2021, he worked as a radio producer and presenter for outlets such as the BBC.

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