2021 Citroen C5 Aircross review, road test

It made a strong first impression, and now we put it through our tests to find out how it performs.

Published on Sep 22, 2021 09:00:00 AM

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2021 Citroen C5 Aircross review, road test

The Citroën C5 Aircross is built on the PSA group’s EMP2 platform that also underpins several front- and four-wheel-drive models sold abroad. This unibody crossover has the largest footprint in its class. To put its size into perspective, the C5 is 95mm and 20mm longer than the Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson, respectively; it is 151mm and 119mm wider than the Jeep and Hyundai, respectively, and it boasts of a class-best 2,730mm wheelbase. Its size advantage over the competition lends it the much-desired street cred, and what also make heads turn on the roads are its standout design elements.

Far too many elements may seem excessive to some.

This Citroën cleverly fuses the two-box, high-riding SUV silhouette with unique yet attractive styling quirks and features that add a touch of youthfulness to its character. Its front angle is the most distinctive, with a multi-layered design. Its double-chevron logo extends into two chrome strips and encapsulates the DRLs. The LED headlamps flank its rather unconventional, horizontal grille design. And then there are two artificial inlets, finished in a contrasting-coloured border, on the front bumper that grab the limelight. These quadrilateral-shaped elements are seen all across the exteriors and also make their way inside the car.

Quad LED themed tail-lamps are eye-catching.

While some might find its front styling a bit excessive, the side and rear profiles, however, are a lot cleaner in comparison. What’s nice is that the thick body cladding, featuring the quad theme, adds some flair to its sides, as do the stylish 18-inch wheels, roof rails, and the chunky chrome strip that surrounds the windows. At the rear, the C5 gets a pair of fake air vents and twin exhaust tips, but the most eye-catching feature here are its tail-lights, which get four 3D quad LED elements.