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How do you even pick a new car for yourself and your family? Choice is great. Too much choice is overwhelming. Perhaps I can be of some assistance? 

 

When looking at the vast option of cars suitable for a young family, of say two parents and two kids, an SUV/crossover is the obvious way to go. Yes, sedans and hatchbacks are also good options but for the purposes of this discussion, let’s go with an SUV. 

 

The SUV category is now divided into small, medium, large and extra-large sized options. This is then further broken into price-point and vehicle functionality - affordable, premium, exotic and off-road speciality type SUVs.

 

Citroën’s C5 Aircross would be considered an affordable and medium-sized example. This is arguably the most popular “division” with around a dozen options in South Africa.

 

Luckily for you my readers, I’ve reviewed all of them. I’d say my top three in this “divisional class” are: VW’s Tiguan, Mazda’s CX-5 and Peugeot’s 3008. Each a great product that brings unique aspects and quality packages to the table. 

 

Citroën shares its underpinnings and many of its parts with its cousin, the Peugeot 3008. That’s a good thing - as I mentioned, it’s in my top favourites list. 

 

To differentiate the Citroën, the French car markers design team have created what is arguably a fresh perspective on the family SUV. It’s bold, distinctive and quirky. This means it stands out in and amongst its bunch of competitors that are predominantly clones of one another. The interior follows suit. The design language both in and out errs on the side of playful while remaining chic. It’s not a classical or timeless vehicle. Rather, it’s loaded with character and charm. 

 

With its happy nature comes an extremely comfortable drive. Class-leading in fact. As supple as a yoga guru, the suspension soaks up the road’s irregularities like a thirsty sponge. This is due to suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® and Advanced Comfort seats. The combination of function and form meet in the rear seats - three individual, sliding, incline-adjustable and folding rear seats make C5 Aircross SUV the most modular and spacious SUV in its segment. Its boot capacity, varying from 520 to 720 litres, sets a new standard in the segment.

 

Continuing that note, the cabin is very well insulated – road, engine and outside intrusions. Most of the world’s chaos doesn’t enter the Aircross’ s cabin. An attempt at silence has been made. The 6-speed automatic gearbox, lightweight steering and intuitive mechanics of the Aircross make life easy. Effortless best describes the sensation of living with this SUV. 

 

Some of the features included in the package are the 8” tablet with a  touchscreen, which allows users to adjust their car’s settings, access the multimedia system, telephone, air conditioning, as well as: the Mirror Screen function for Apple Carplay or Android Auto. Additionally, there is wireless smartphone charging and ConnectedCAM Citroën® complete this extended connectivity offer* (only on Shine models).

 

Safety isn’t forgotten with Land Assist and Forward Collision Prevention included.

 

The C5 Aircross is a well-rounded product for people who value balance, relaxation and serenity from their vehicle’s driving experience.

 

Fortunately, or perhaps, unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, the C5 Aircross is only available with one engine choice locally, a 1.6 T with 121kW/240Nm. Expect sprints to 100km/h in 10 seconds and a fuel consumption averaging 9.5-l in the urban driving cycles.

 

Competition

Ford Kuga, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, MINI Countryman, Nissan Qashqai, Opel Grandland X, Peugeot 3008, Renault Koleos, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.

 

Pricing 

C5 AIRCROSS FEEL R474 900 

C5 AIRCROSS SHINE R514 900 

 

Warranty and Service Plan

The C5 Aircross is sold with a 5-year/100 000km service plan. For those of you who are nervous about buying French, Citroën’s come standard Peace of Mind promise: Courtesy Car, Citroën Parts Basket, Complimentary Vehicle Health Check. Microdot - Quick and easy identification in the event of theft.

www.citroen.co.za

 

 

 

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