Citroen C5 Aircross Flair

Striking visual design is a key sales factor in the image-conscious SUV market and Citroen’s C5 Aircross hits the target with its bold and distinctive appearance.

The Citroen brand status has been greatly boosted in recent years partly due to innovative design and greater emphasis on comfort, and the latest C5 Aircross features progressive hydraulic suspension for a softer ride which the company has likened to being on a flying carpet.

They exaggerate of course but there is no doubt the ride quality of this model is arguably best in class and provides impressive comfort around town and on long distance journeys.

The car also has composed handling and excellent steering feedback which helps provide the driver with a feeling of complete control in all situations.

Available from €28,114 (£24,250) and with petrol and diesel engines, my test model was a 1.6-litre 178 hp turbo-petrol version with an eight-speed automatic gearbox – a nice combination for relaxed driving. Top speed is 215 kph (134 mph), the 0-100 kph time a nippy 8.2 seconds and average fuel consumption 13.3 kpl (37.5 mpg). Emissions are 130 g/km.

In mid-range Flair trim, this version is €34,485 (£29,745) and boasts a wealth of standard kit including front parking sensors and rear-view camera, electrically-adjustable  driver’s seat, sat-nav, digital radio, connectivity features including smart-phone mirroring, auto lights and wipers, auto-parking brake and hill-start assist and driver-attention alert.

The car has a strong visual exterior presence and in the cabin, there is a pleasing ambience with user-friendly layout, extremely comfortable seats and a nice driving position with good all-around visibility.

Five adults can be easily accommodated and there is generous boot space of 580-720 litres depending whether or not you choose to slide the rear seats forward. And if you drop them flat you get a massive 1,630 litres.

The SUV sector is a crowded place and rivals include the Skoda Kodiaq and Honda CR-V but there is no doubt that the Citroen C5 Aircross should be on the short-list of anyone planning to buy a family SUV – it excels on many levels, especially overall driving comfort.

Facts at a glance

•   Model: Citroen C5 Aircross Flair
•   Engine: 1.6 litre petrol
•   Transmission: 8-speed automatic
•   Performance: 0-100 kph  8.2 seconds, top speed 215 kph (134 mph)
•   Economy: 13.3 kpl (37.5 mpg)
•   Emissions: 130 g/km

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.