Citroen C5 Aircross 2021 review | worthy 3008 and RAV4 SUV alternative? | Chasing Cars

We test the Citroen C5 Aircross Shine and see what this midsize SUV is really like.
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Like its cousin, the Peugeot 3008, the Citroen C5 Aircross provides an interesting French alternative to more popular mainstream SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan. You certainly don’t see the C5 Aircross often in Australia. Is that for a good reason? Or are you overlooking a competent European crossover? In today’s episode, we take a closer look at this 121kW / 164PS 1.6 litre turbo petrol SUV.
Rivals to the C5 Aircross include the Skoda Kodiaq, Kia Sportage and the Renault Koleos.
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Time codes:
0:00 - What is the Citroen C5 Aircross?
2:01 - Interior
4:24 - Back seats
5:16 - Design
5:34 - Boot
6:23 - Running costs
7:06 - How does the C5 Aircross 1.6 drive?
13:54 - Citroen C5 Aircross verdict

[@markfagan7767]

Nice, honest review. I spent considerable time researching and ended up purchasing an Aircross about 3 months ago (in the main mix were VW, Mazda and Skoda) and I am really glad I did as the car is not only different, but quiet, comfortable and very easy to drive. It is nice to be able to chat from the back seat without having to almost shout when at highway speed. Steering is lighter that I anticipated, but is really nice when you get used to it. The infotainment system is second nature now, but it did take some time to get used to the cruise control. The sound system is not bad either. All the reviews mention how comfortable the seats are, and they are all accurate. This is the second Citroen I have owned (last being a 2015 C4) and I would have no hesitation buying another in a few more years.

[@Andy-ev8sf]

We're thinking of buying one new. What is the fuel consumption like.

[@Subh8081]

@@Andy-ev8sf 11.9l/100km in the city and 7.0L/100km in the highway. This is real mileage from diving a car, not the advertised consumption.

[@Andy-ev8sf]

@@Subh8081 thanks. I ended up buying the Aircross. We're averaging about 6.5 on the highway and 8.0 in the city (mind you where I live we don't have much traffic so there isn't much stopping and starting, plus with the petrol prices being so high, I tend to drive like an old lady). It's much better than I anticipated. My only complaints, the spongy brakes and the initial lag when taking off. But this isn't a deal breaker for me.

[@Subh8081]

@@Andy-ev8sf Great. You must be living in a less populated city. I test drove it where there's a lot of stop/start traffic and even in highways, speed rarely exceed 80km/hr.

[@brentonw84]

Pumping out the videos. Loving it. Keep it up 👍

[@rahuljayachandran4128]

Nice content.Thank you so much for the upload guys.

[@scotthoward5114]

Nice review, Tom. I’ve owned two Citroens (a CX Pallas C-Matic which had a glorious ride, and a Xantia manual which had a lovely engine). I love Citroen’s quirkiness. I’d definitely consider a C5 Aircross in this segment. Thanks for alerting me to it.

[@farcry500]

Great reviewer. One of the best. One thing when you in the back of the cars, please check if the windows go all the way down. My child loves to rest his arm outside the window, thanks

[@LSandWrr]

Um, might be illegal.

[@davidperry3531]

This Citroen is a throwback to the Peugeot and Renault models sold in Australia in the 70s and 80s with their long travel suspension ideally suited to both French and Australian roads at the time. For those who want that feeling, this may well be the car for them. Those memory foam seats remind me of the Renault 8 seats in the 1960s!

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. A very Family SUV particularly the Interior design

[@gregj7916]

really well put together review and would be an interesting suv to own. Here in Western Australia PSA soldiers on with one dealership servicing a population of roughly 2 million which is a shame.

[@davidperry3531]

Reminds me of a BX19 we had in Europe many years ago for a couple of months. It was lightweight and a very sporting, comfortable drive with that hydro pneumatic suspension. Our German friends thought the adjustable suspension was very novel!

[@MegaBandit1250]

Nice car and would certainly consider but so few dealerships and lack of specs for the money deter me.

[@pavle_b]

Great review! I'm a big fan of unique design and ride quality, either sport or comfy. Currently I'm driving alfa romeo giulia, which is the best compact sport limousine in my opinion...but for a third child I'll need something more practical, and this c5 aircross definitely will be on the top of my list.

[@WEZ4136]

Great review and plenty of information, I will add that the SHINE is only a mid level trim as the SHINE PLUS is the top spec here in the uk.

[@danmccauley80]

Yes I've just ordered the shine plus as you get the leather seats and privacy glass and the better alloys

[@gbw28]

Lovely looking car.

[@goran2009]

I like the way it looks, definitely unique and interesting…

[@murraysampson2501]

You said it’s dearer to service, but the graphic says 5 years servicing is included?

[@reesharris2959]

Lost me at no heated seats - only because we live in Tasmania and honestly it’s one of those things you didn’t know you needed until you don’t have it anymore.

[@reesharris2959]

@@bens6674 you might say that, but these are the luxuries that people in cold climates expect.

[@olly1oo6]

We currently are running one of these as a long term rental in EU, and it's overall a fairly neat car (the comment about its lightness is spot on - a real surprise!). However, the suspension setup is...confusing. It handles high speed undulations well and at first glance seems to be supple and supportive. But we are having some pretty serious issues with small, harsh bumps (e.g. potholes or unexpected bumps and short dips). In the most recent drive, I hit a modest pothole at about 50kph around a turn while slowing for traffic ahead, and it shimmied so aggressively across the whole car that it activated the ABS as I was braking. It managed to upset the balance of the car in a way that I haven't experienced since driving old live axle cars from the

[@malcolmscott4150]

Love a great Citroen and this looks great to me 👍👍 Stelantis cars are getting more competitive in Oz so I hope they return to a larger range and we see the new C4 here soon as it looks fabulous 🥰🥳 🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷

[@pineappleonpizzaisamazing6550]

Please do a review of the honda crv.

[@davidarter9670]

Where has John Law gone? Haven’t seen him for ages!

[@troyhoang3677]

Life is too short to be driving a Toyota, Mazda ect. Sure they’re cheaper to purchase, service ,repair and better resell. Why settle for a bush pig when you can have a beautiful French super model.

[@ticklesandbman]

Have you thought about testing the Renault Koleos? A cheaper car, ($45k), bigger engine (2.4L), 4WD, sunroof and heated seats. Has an excellent ride (very similar to the one described in this review) and fuel economy. 7 year warranty as well.

[@andrew22334455]

It shares it's platform with the current X-trail if I'm not mistaken? If that's correct, it means that it has the same garbage JATCO CVT, which is pretty much tuned to implode at around 60,000-80,000km (as soon as the warranty is up)

[@tonys8243]

Andrew W .... certainly has the same junk Jatco cvt they have been trying to make them serviceable for years and haven't succeeded yet ... shame as the rest of the Xtrail isn't too bad.

[@ticklesandbman]

Chasing cars can comment on this when they do the review. They are the experts…

[@tonys8243]

Ben Evans ... just google Jatco cvt would be 5 years reading none any good.👎

[@neilgoodwin1153]

@@tonys8243 Nissan claim that the JATCO CVT reliability as being "fixed" by the addition of a transmission oil cooler. I dunno about that. Expensive mistake for the buyer.

[@kmuinde]

one of the car models that never crosses my mind

[@buddrj01]

Any chance you guys are going to do a review on the tucson with the diesel engine

[@chasingcars]

Yes we will!

[@mtozzy11]

Different but then again what do you expect from a company that gave us the traction avant, the DS and cv2 pity they don't do the hydropneumatic suspension anymore they were a gem for comfort

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Would like to see Citroen bring back more of their once unique quirkiness. I like this but in silhouette it's just another generic SUV. Love the seats. The French do know how to do comfort when they try. If I was forced to have an SUV I would prefer to see this every morning over the styled for China tastes competition.

[@GregTyson]

Best reviews - Tom Baker

[@buggersofoz]

I like your bottom line that this is car will unfortunately be bought only by diehard French car fans. A bit pity that it's SO overpriced and underspecified. If it came in a bit higher spec and as a hybrid, it could really stand out, especially for its practicality. The boot is massive, especially when you slide the seats forward. It would be great for hauling kids to school, big shopping but also for these long (on road) roadtrips!

[@avoohanian]

Owned a 97 XM for 3 years and yes Tom, the most unreliable and expensive to maintain car I have ever owned. Also the one I miss the most. Shame that Citroen no longer engineers hydropneumatic suspension into any of their cars. I’d pay for it in a decently priced sedan. Saying that, it is refreshing that Citroen chose to focus on comfort. Personally, I would throw a softly sprung car around the old Pacific Highway all day and have a smile a mile wide. I did with the XM. 😂

[@worrywart1311]

I had a Peugeot that was so bad it left me mentally scarred and there is no way I'd ever buy another French car. However, their food is nice.

[@avoohanian]

@@worrywart1311 😁 My mechanic said that the only cars he got that were less reliable were any British brand. His garage used to have Rovers, Jaguars and even Lotus in various states of disrepair. In all honesty, the mechanical engineering in the XM was sound. The engine, transmission (ZF) and suspension components were bulletproof. Those darned electrics though. I had a 20c plastic clip on the accelerator pedal snap which disconnected it from the cable. Do you think I could get the plastic clip as an oem part? Of course not, I had to get the complete cable/pedal/clip for something like $250. That was a Renault part..... but as I said, I miss the beast. I’d even buy a nicely kept C6 if I ever found one. This is thing about such cars. I bought the XM because of how it made me feel. She had soul. She sounded great. She drove fantastically. She whinged when you started her up until it got itself hitched up. My current KIA is reliable, economical, relatively quick and handles proficiently. The exact opposite to the XM. But logic never wins over emotion..... 😱

[@96libertytt]

Whats resale like for Citroens. Compared to the likes of Toyota and Mazda? Thats what may deter many.

[@chasingcars]

I think you know it isn’t as strong!

[@robertceroli3512]

Put it this way off loading one of those post warranty won't be like selling a 7yo CX-5 or RAV4 were you get inundated with enquiries and usually balls first or second weekend .and pretty close to the asking price .with the French 🍋 U accept the first and only paltry offer you get

[@mga71]

I think another concern is when you go for one of the niche brands, if your car is in an accident or a mechanical failure, will the parts needed for repair be stocked in australia, or be shipped over from france. That and resale would be a concern for me.

[@troyhoang3677]

Resell this resell that….. blah blah blah. Only losers, paranoid and cheapskates think about resell.

[@beysimficici2822]

PSA unfortunatelly NEVER !!!!!!!.I'm having a steering box failure after 40000km. My friend's car has the same problem. after the warranty period has expired of course. 40000km geçmeden direksyon kututusu arızası yaşıyorum. arkadaşımın arabasında da aynı sorunu yaşıyor. garanti süresi dolunca tabiiki.

[@TrueSkeptic77]

Kind of looks wierd, but taste is different.

[@theoverlord1925]

Those “ vents” on the sides are a hideous design element in my humble opinion . And $50,000 dollars by the time you add a couple of options is way too expensive . The support /after sales will also probably not be as good and spare parts more expensive possibly here in Australia as we are a long way from France and they don’t really sell that many units here. I’m afraid it’s a “ non mes amis , pas pour moi” on this one.

[@philipc239]

Piano black again

[@tonys8243]

There is a reason you don't see too many French cars on the road here ......

[@BomberFletch31]

Because Aussie car buyers in general are sheep who like to conform, and don't think outside the box.

[@tonys8243]

BF31 ...dead right but I reckon there might be another major reason as well ...might be they like a vehicle to be cost effective over 10+ and don't want a wallet dissection over the ownership period and especially a couple of years out of warranty.

[@lktz4]

For the same money, I'd get an Alfa stelvio

[@Andy-ev8sf]

That would be 10k more.

[@Marty210268]

I'm big on symmetry & those "squircles" at the base of the doors, why have one with a silver accent & one without??? It looks like they forget them, that something is missing. Nearly as annoying as concealed rear door handles!!!

[@simranbanga5467]

Nice suv but with nearly similar price to CRV and RAV 4, resale will be horrendous. No doubt they good cars tho but not many around so most of the people won’t even know this brand

[@iamtuzii]

who fitted those plates, they arent straight

[@lsiv12]

The big question you should be asking is Why?

[@sleepyandblur6643]

$45K for 1.6L turbo? You are right, Tom. I can get better value from other mainstream brands. Urban comfort is important but, if that is the essential criteria, a nice mid size sedan is probably a better option.

[@hrrrrrrr2084]

It's been a long time than engine size doesn't matter, you need to catch up with 2022.

[@airlinesecrets]

No heated seats is a mandatory for me. And thats after I think outside the box . 3008 is better

[@philjol1]

Phil Magic ride quality but missing so much equipment available in UK and Europe...lazy LHD central console, last century headlights, inefficient motor and transmission, no leather or sunroof available and below par safety features. I have owned and loved 3 Citroens but wouldn't buy this one. Good luck selling them Citroen Australia !

[@dps7149]

Doesn't even come close to the Peugeot 3008 in anyway.

[@slugger7440]

No idea who's buy this tbh. No. Upgraded stereo, no pan roof, no electric lumbar. What world are Citroën living in?

[@Sevan59]

a Savage car

[@alenalavanja6543]

So compared to a new Tiguan and CX-5, it's more expensive to buy and service and it has less power...go home Citroen, you're drunk...

[@chasingcars]

5 years servicing is included under the current offer, which helps

[@alenalavanja6543]

@@chasingcars that's fair enough, but it's still hard to make a case for this car in terms of any value proposition compared to it's competition - it's more expensive, but is less powerful, doesn't have any extra features, the design is also fairly SUV generic and all of that with a massive question mark of future dealer network support in aus/as well as reliabilty... It's not a bad looking SUV and you'd probably have the only example of it in your local Westfield carpark, but still, those are not good enough reasons for an average carbuyer to pay more...but if it was 5 -10k cheaper? Who knows...

[@TheSpyNZ]

@@alenalavanja6543 also terrible resale value on the Citroen as well.

[@renardargent6487]

@@alenalavanja6543 "....and all of that with a massive question mark of future dealer network support in aus/' My thoughts too, especially as they are selling less & less.

[@KenanTurkiye]

Not reliable. The design is interesting and attractive, although it could get old on the owner in time. However the biggest problem with French cars in general is their reliability, electronically, mechanically and structuraly, which is why they dont rank well in other markets besides France. And outside France, they are expensive to fix.

[@johnhutchins5448]

I used to think that was the case but it hasn't proved to be my experience. I bought new a C5 X7 diesel Citroen Exclusive in January 2014 and it's been a fantastic car and the best car I've owned and I've had quite a few other makes. No reliability problems whatsoever in over 100,000 kilometres and nothing has ever stopped working and in fact apart from a couple of scratches I've put on it it's exactly the same as it was new. Cheap to run, lovely to drive, very well built, great ride and no rattles, squeeks or shakes in it whatsoever. I've been very happy with my choice. I prefer diesel and if I could buy a new big Citroen diesel I'd order one tomorrow.

[@jjwoody6532]

My 2013 Renault Megane I bought new now has 150ks on it without a hint of a problem. Still cleans up well and where I thought the interior might not wear well has turned out to be not the case. I’d rather buy a French car over a VAG brand.

[@KenanTurkiye]

@@jjwoody6532 ''You must be kidding!'' Is my response, French cars are known worldwide for been pricier than what they offer. The only upside is their engine which is frugal, but they aren't worth the asked money, would rather be in a Japanese, Korean or VAG, not that VAG is that good but French cars are that bad. lol

[@jjwoody6532]

@@KenanTurkiye unlike you my comments come from ownership not here say

[@KenanTurkiye]

@@jjwoody6532 You're making an assumption. : ) I have used French cars, a few different models from Renault, Peugeot and Citroen.

[@Bobtubeau]

It looks like it has warts or something. What demented person would buy a french car in 2021?