And those occupants should feel pretty cosseted, thanks to Citroen’s trick suspension with ‘progressive hydraulic cushions’. These special dampers absorb the energy as the suspension compresses and rebounds, dissipating any nasty shocks. First fitted to the original C5 Aircross, the low-cost technology has spread across the Citroen range, and they do improve ride quality.
Dashboard and technology
The cockpit’s design and technology is intended to boost well-being, too. The dashboard is swathed in light grey fabric and the quilted seats can be electrically adjusted in 10 directions, with heating, ventilation and massaging functions. All this adds up to a living room vibe. “With C5 Aircross, we’re back with interiors that are 200 per cent Citroen!” the proud head of design told me. “That cabin cannot be mistaken for a Peugeot or a DS.”
The ambient lighting, with an eight-colour spectrum, should kick in on level 2 Plus trim; the large glass roof is likely to be an option for UK buyers, though.
It might feel like a living room but it’s one embedded with technology. A huge, portrait-oriented touchscreen segments the dash, not just Citroen’s biggest, but larger than anything from all its sister Stellantis group brands, which include Peugeot, Vauxhall, DS and Alfa Romeo.
There are a few physical air-con controls, but most functions are digitally operated. The touchscreen has some permanent displays – temperature adjustment, smartphone connectivity status and media/phone/nav/homepage access – but the dominant area typically relays the 3D navigation, infotainment, EV state of charge and short cuts to seat or steering wheel heating – unless you customise it. Citroen says you can steady yourself on the arm rest while you operate the screen, but I found I had to reach forward to manipulate it.
