Citroen C5 Aircross review - Interior & comfort

Enthusiasts of design will find much to like about the C5 Aircross interior. It has a unique and interesting look that expands on the theme seen before with the smaller C3 Aircross, and contrasts starkly against the futuristic Peugeot 3008. 

Not all of the interior surfaces are great quality, though, and our test car had a few infuriating rattles on the move. While the dashboard looks and feels high quality, the door panels are rather less pleasing to the senses, with a cheap feel around the door handles and window switches. Rivals such as the Volkswagen Tiguan or Hyundai Tucson feel much more premium on the inside.

Is the Citroen C5 Aircross’ infotainment and sat-nav system easy to use?

16

The C5 Aircross presents hi-tech electronics against a backdrop of mostly good-looking, tactile materials and rich colour schemes. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard on every model, and an update in 2021 introduced a larger 10-inch infotainment touchscreen on the centre console, which is shared with the C5 X, but unfortunately still gets the older software from the C4. This can be relatively slow to respond, but the screen is somewhat sharper than before.

Even more disappointing are the climate controls which are now buried within the touchscreen, stealing real estate from the sat-nav and media. Not only does this mean you’ll be squinting to see whatever’s on the screen, but a touchscreen is inherently more difficult to use when on the move than a physical dial or switch, making something as simple as changing the temperature a hassle.

There are few changes to indicate you’re in the PHEV, but intriguingly, a blue light behind the rear-view mirror lets pedestrians know when the car is in electric-only mode. You can also hit a shortcut button to quickly access new hybrid information screens within the infotainment setup.

Is the Citroen C5 Aircross well equipped?

There's certainly no shortage of standard equipment in the C5 Aircross. Citroen has massively streamlined the lineup since launch, and there are now just two trims: Plus and Max Edition.

Plus is well equipped for the price, getting everything you’d conceivably want, such as 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, a reversing camera and the aforementioned infotainment and driver’s displays among other features.

Max Edition models can be distinguished by a contrast black roof, roof rails, a chrome element on the front bumper and fog lights among other features. There’s also added tech such as the Driver Assist pack with adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition and collision detection, but the substantial jump up in price doesn’t seem worth it, though, so we’d stick with Plus for the best value.

What options should you choose on the Citroen C5 Aircross?

There aren’t really any options for the C5 Aircross aside from choosing your colour for around £600 and adding a spare wheel on the mild-hybrid petrol and diesel versions. More options were previously offered, but Citroen has majorly simplified the C5 Aircross range since launch.