Citroen C5 Aircross Sport review finds luxurious performer

French cars have typically been renowned for idiosyncrasies, but the 2023 Citroen C5 Aircorss Sport proves flair can be fashionable and functional.

The Citroen C5 Aircross Sport starts from about $60,000 on the road.

Across our various friendship groups, no-one owns a Citroen.

The French brand has always maintained a niche Australian audience.

Over the first six months this year, just 135 new Citroens had found a home. Put that in perspective, Ferrari managed 129 and Lamborghini 108 during the same period.

Yet the marque remains mainstream in Europe and there are green shoots on the horizon – primarily a plug-in hybrid expected early next year and a battery electric.

For now Citroen, which maintains a partnership with fellow French brand Peugeot, is sticking with petrol variants Down Under. Sitting in the arrivals lounge is a classy looking C5 Aircross Sport, which starts from about $60,000 drive-away.

The 2023 Citroen C5 Aircross Sport starts from about $60,000 on the road.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: Striking with some lovely curves, the C5 Aircross differentiates itself from the SUV crowd without being too quirky.

GRANT: There is the hint of the trademark Citroen buddle on the lower side cladding … I remember the Cactus which was famous for having shopping trolley-proof armour. Remember back to the 2CV which starred in the James Bond franchise back in the early 80s, it’s an idiosyncratic history.

KEL: During our experience I felt like it had a prestige persona.

GRANT: From a design perspective I felt like the overall stance looked far more stoic, almost like a Range Rover. There is only one ‘Sport’ version of the Aircross and Citroen has thrown ample kit into the mix. Among the inclusions are a 10-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, digital driver display.

KEL: The leather-clad cushy seats were nice, it was great having a sunroof and I liked the blue external colour shade.

GRANT: White is the only standard hue, black, grey and blue cost an extra $690, while pearlescent white is an additional $1050.

Cushy leather seats are among the standard features in the Citroen C5 Aircross Sport.

WHAT DID YOU LOVE?

KEL: Heated seats are always among my top priorities, but the massage function for the driver was outstanding.

GRANT: Cabin ergonomics were also good with easy access to the cup holders, along with an uncluttered console courtesy of the toggle-style gear shifter. That’s unusual for French cars, they typically like to be different for the sake of individually and cast commonsense aside.

KEL: Wireless phone charging is another modern feature that is handy, although your phone was required to be plugged in via a cord for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to work.

GRANT: The larger central touchscreen enables quick access to the aircon controls. While better than some systems which have the climate control functions within the main screen, it still requires more attention than the old dial and button design.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: Stopping and starting was initially a challenge. It seemed I was too quick on the button.

GRANT: Yes, it requires a slightly longer press of the start and stop button. Sit back and relax, no need to be in such a rush.

KEL: Well, I’m always busy. Once again we saw a similar issue as Peugeot with the reversing camera which is greyed out when first in use and you can only see your surroundings once movement begins.

GRANT: It's a frustrating quirk. The three rear seats also fold individually, yet they can only be collapsed via straps at the base of the chairs. Seat-top or boot levers are far easier … while the roof-mounted middle seatbelt looked like an afterthought.

The 2023 Citroen C5 Aircross Sport.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Getting away from a standing start was brisk and easy highway travels were nice, but my immediate battles were at low speed. It was difficult to moderate the acceleration and was jerky when parking – it gave me anxiety in shopping centres.

GRANT: That was partly due to the stop-start system which can be turned off. It tended to cut out too quickly and when restarting lurched forward as it attempted to meet throttle expectations.

KEL: Travels were easy and comfortable. I did find a reasonable amount of body roll through some of the corners and hills when we left the highway.

GRANT: Engineers had a definite comfort-focus. Pressing hard in the corners had the Aircross Sport ducking and diving. Changing the drive mode made minimal difference, even in ‘sport’ which still required a hefty amount of restraint rather than pushing the performance envelope.

KEL: How are the maintenance costs?

GRANT: Pre-paid service plans are available and can save you more than $700 over five years, with a five-year option good value at $2000. It does run on premium unleaded, and our average fuel consumption was 7.4L/100km – nearly 2.0L higher than the official figure from Citroen.

Tuned for comfort, the Citroen C5 Aircross Sport offers a smooth ride.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Good looks and having “something different” could sway some people. Great boot and cabin space are among the big ticks, although the driving experience at slow speed would put me off.

GRANT: The value equation is the greatest battle for this funky Citroen. For about $10,000 less you could be in a high-end Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tuscon or Nissan X-Trail. Citroen remains a niche brand, and while the C5 Aircross Sport is a nice package the overall performance and features couldn’t sway me from mainstream.