Sales of SUVs - ‘Sports Utility Vehicles’ - have more than doubled in Europe over the past four years, showing that, unlike some other automotive trends, this one has formidable staying power.
Why is that? It’s down to a number of reasons; Fashion, the perceived ‘all round ability’ of these cars with their extra ground clearance and rear seats that slide and fold individually, the fact that they often look more interesting than the average hatchback, and the ‘king-of-the-road’ factor.
You sit head and shoulders above other traffic in an SUV, delivering a clear view down the road - and over other lesser mortals. It’s good for the ego, good for safety. What’s not to like?
Most of the growth has been in the small-SUV sector, and manufacturers are cashing in on the boom relentlessly. Midsize SUVs too have been enjoying a boom however and that looks set to continue, not least with the launch into the market of Citroen’s eye-catching new C5 Aircross.
High-riding, with a plethora of ‘bump’ panels and what they call ‘splashes of colour’, it strikes quite a pose and comes with a choice of two turbocharged petrol and two diesel engines, each of 128bhp and 178bhp, respectively. Buyers can specify a six-speed manual, or eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The 1,499cc diesel engine we tried on roads around Berkshire - matched to a light, easy-changing manual box - was commendably quiet and refined, while producing enough oomph for a top speed of 117mph and 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds; hardly fast but brisk enough for most.
Refinement is this car’s forte, on the move. Not only are the engines hushed, the entire ensemble is soothingly quiet at motorway cruising speeds. Only when revved hard - for instance when joining the motorway - does the engine begin to sound a little more vocal.
No sportster, the C5 Aircross will appeal more to the sensible family motorist than hot-hatch racers - the steering is pleasantly light at parking and manoeuvring speeds, but reasonably weighted at speed. There’s certainly an element of lean around faster, tighter bends, but always well-controlled. Besides – who wants to race and screech around corners these days? There’s too much traffic, too many speed cameras and it’s all a bit old-hat.
The Aircross’s piece de resistance is its ride; it wafts along serenely on most surfaces, cosseting driver and passengers from lumps and bumps delightfully. I like that. It is very relaxing to drive on all but the roughest, broken, surfaces.
Comfort levels are high; the seats are commodious and supportive, although the interior has little in the way of outright luxury, with a ‘plasticky’ feeling to some of the materials. Those who specify the otherwise attractive panoramic roof will also find that headroom is less than generous in the rear three seats which fold and recline individually.
The boot is big, square, practical and roomy and incorporates a false floor, which can be positioned to maximise storage.
As reported when we drove this car on its initial, international, launch, there are 20 driving aids available including a level two autonomous driving system and Citroen’s
impressive Grip Control is available as an option on all EAT8 Automatic models.
We also reported that it is reassuring to know that any early teething problems have been sorted out, because the C5 Aircross has already been available on the Chinese market for a year. Priced at between £23,225 and £32,725 and available in Feel, Flair and Flair Plus trim, the Aircross offers a distinctive, practical and comfortable package - just what SUV buyers seek.
Details: Citroen C5 Aircross SUV Flair+ 130 manual diesel
Price: £29,225
Top speed: 117mph
0-62 mph: 10.4 seconds
CO2: 108 - 110 g/km
Combined MPG: 53.3
