• All-new Citroen C5 Aircross SUV arrives laden with comfort, practicality and value at its heart
• All-new C5 Aircross features Citroen's all-new Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension system, delivering unmatched comfort
• First Australian Citroen completely developed under the Citroen Advanced Comfort® Programme
• C5 Aircross available from $39,990*

Citroen Australia will introduce its all-new C5 Aircross SUV with two model variants, Feel and Shine, both designed with comfort at their core.

Priced from $39,990 for the Feel and $43,990 for the Shine, both models are equipped with an all-new suspension system featuring Citroen's Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® (PHC).

Derived from Citroen's extensive history in rallying and endurance events, the all-new PHC system ensures the all-new C5 Aircross SUV can claim to be one of the most comfortable cars in its segment.

Ben Farlow, Managing Director of Citroen Australia, said the all-new C5 Aircross brings Citroen's modern interpretation of comfort to life by leveraging 100 years of experience.

"With the all-new C5 Aircross, Citroen set out to redefine the SUV for the modern era and, in the process, developed a vehicle that embraces comfort, champions unique design and delivers value – it is quite simply the best Citroen of the modern era," Mr Farlow said.

"Comfort in the modern context goes beyond just suspension and seats and, with all-new C5 Aircross, Citroen has delivered a practical, feature-laden, quality vehicle that wants for nothing in either variant," he added.

Looking beyond its all-new suspension, the all-new C5 Aircross SUV boasts unrivalled modularity with three individual sliding, folding and inclining rear seats (each with ISOfix) and best-in-class boot capacity of 580L, expanding to 720L when the sliding rear seats are moved to their forward-most position.

Both variants are powered by PSA Groupe's proven 121 kilowatt, 240 Newton metre, 1.6L turbo-petrol engine which is paired with a smooth-shifting, full-fluid, six-speed automatic transmission featuring steering column-mounted paddle shifters.

A suite of standard comfort, safety and technology inclusions complements the key specifications.

Feel includes:

• 1.6 litre, turbocharged petrol engine with six-speed automatic and paddle shift
• Autonomous Emergency Brake (up to 85km/h)
• Active Blind Spot Monitoring
• Active Lane Departure Assist
• Four mode Grip Control
• 12.3-inch full digital instrument display
• Apple CarPlay® + Android Auto + MirrorLink
• Bluetooth-compatible 8-inch touchscreen for navigation and digital audio
• Auto headlamps and windscreen wipers with Magic Wash
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Speed Limit Recognition and Recommendation
• Top Vision 180-degree parking camera with front and rear parking sonar
• Keyless entry and ignition
• Halogen headlamps with fog lights
• Privacy glass
• Roof rails
• Electrically-adjustable folding door mirrors
• Automatic bi-zone air-conditioning with rear air vents
• Fully-digital instrument panel
• Central touchscreen with navigation, DAB, Mirror Screen (CarPlay and Android Auto) and voice recognition
• Three individual second-row sliding seats, two with ISOfix and all with top tether anchors
• Six airbags
• Ambient interior lighting
• LED daytime running lamps
• Hands-free, foot-operated electric tailgate

Shine adds:

• Citroen Advanced Comfort seats with electric driver's seat
• Combination leather and fabric-covered seats
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Mobile phone wireless charging
• Laminated windows and windscreen
• Aluminium pedals

Citroen's all-new C5 Aircross arrives in Australian dealerships in late July, early August featuring Citroen's five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty paired with five-year roadside assistance and Service Price Promise Program.

ALL-NEW C5 AIRCROSS EXTERIOR DESIGN

The styling of all-new C5 Aircross SUV follows on from recent Citroën models, renewing established segment cues through its powerful and determined yet aggression-free attitude and its colourful customisation offering, which has become a true signature of the Citroën brand.

All-new C5 Aircross SUV is a core-range SUV model in terms of body styling and dimensions, measuring 4,500mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1670mm high. Ground clearance is 230mm and the vehicle stands firmly poised on grade-specific 18-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels featuring sharp, dynamic styling.

The broad and imposing front end is classic Citroën, with artfully-staged chevrons and a high-tech, two-tiered, full-LED light signature set on an assertive and imposing grille.

The upper light units, comprising daytime running lights and indicators, extend outwards from the chevrons that stretch across the entire width of the vehicle to harmonise with the lower units, which extend out from the grille following the same movement. Together, they help give all-new C5 Aircross a modern and expressive appearance.

The long, high bonnet is distinctively modelled to underscore the robustness and durability of the SUV while the car's overall width is emphasised by stylish side vents.

Coloured inserts, similar to those used for the recent Citroën C3 and C3 Aircross, enliven the front end and underline the car's character. These powerful graphic features are styling markers of the new Citroën range.

The powerful and curvaceous sides of the new model are topped by a floating roof with the glazed area appearing to wrap 360 degrees around the vehicle thanks to gloss black treatments for the A- and B-pillars and gloss black quarterlights.

The uninterrupted glass surface is underscored by a chrome 'C' signature, reflecting a spacious interior. The stylish two-tone roof bars give the overall profile an original look and lend a touch of refinement and purity to the floating roof.

The body features classic SUV-style wheel arch and lower-body protection in classic SUV fashion, highlighted by the graphic shapes of the Airbump® feature, which is completed with coloured inserts for extra modernity and personality.

The rear-end appearance is both wide and vertical, suggesting spaciousness and boot capacity while the raised tail lights, with four 3D LED modules on each side, constitute a graphic and high-tech lighting signature.

That light signature is instantly recognisable, immediately attracting the eye and highlighting the car's width while the vents in the rear bumper and tailgate spoiler emphasise the body's aerodynamic design. The rear bumper is further enhanced by two prominent chrome tail pipes, one on either side, delivering not only extra power but also status and prestige.

VIBRANT AND INDIVIDUAL – THE EXTERIOR COLOUR PALETTE

Like the recent C3, C3 Aircross and C4 Cactus before them, all-new C5 Aircross SUV is strong on personalisation, with a total of seven exterior combinations enabling buyers to create a car in their own image. They can choose from:

• A palette of seven body colours which, with contrasting colour packs, highlight the car's personality with hues that are timeless (Bianca White, Perla Nera Black, Platinum and Artense Grey), fresh (Volcano Red) and refined (Emerald Green and Pearl White).
• Each body colour is paired to complimentary highlight pack in anodised silver or red, the highlights underline the Airbump® on the lower segment of the front doors, the lower section of the front bumper and the lower part of the roof bars adding an extra touch of personality and a dose of colour in a sea of grey.
• Variant-specific wheel designs round-out the exterior, with Feel variants featuring 18-inch black two-tone, diamond-cut 'SWIRL' alloy wheels and flagship Shine variants featuring 19-inch black two-tone, diamond-cut 'ART' alloy wheels as standard.

Interiors are model-specific, with Feel variants featuring clean and pure Silica Grey cloth seats enhanced by a light grey strip at the top and teamed with a grey console and dashboard insert.

Shine variants, which gain Citroen's all-new Advanced Comfort seats, feature tone-on-tone refinement with Graphite grained leather and Graphite cloth seats underscored by a dark grey strip on the top and a grey console and dashboard insert.

CABIN DESIGNED AROUND WELLBEING

The all-new C5 Aircross SUV cabin immediately suggests comfort, with a high-set driving position for a commanding view of the road and a spacious and prestigious environment in which occupants feel protected, the whole interior looks and feels consistent with the exterior styling.

This impression is reinforced by the crosswise cabin styling approach which  features a dashboard with a thermo-coated strip extending across the entire width of the car and a coloured strip on the upper part of the seats, marking the waistline at the base of the glazed surfaces and adding a further touch of refinement and differentiation.

Resolutely high-end, all-new C5 Aircross SUV's interior combines style, visual quality and a relaxed feel. With its flowing and curvaceous shapes, the generous dashboard is enhanced by a soft, thermo-coated strip punctuated by double air vents which highlight the SUV's muscular aspect. Robust, broad and assertive, the distinctive dashboard suggests comfort and adventure.

On the driver's side the instrument panel is set into  the soft insert and comprises a 12.3-inch customisable Thin Film Transistor (TFT) digital screen featuring three different graphic styles. It puts selected driving information directly within the driver's field of vision, greatly improving comfort and driving safety.

The steering wheel, with built-in controls, features a thick rim with a flat base paired with a gloss black and satin chrome finish and, on Shine variants, two-tone full-grain leather.

In the centre of the dashboard the air vents and 8-inch capacitive touchscreen boast a touch-strip control which forms a unique and perfectly integrated unit, further underlining the robustness and modernity of the dashboard.

Showcased by touches of chrome and lacquered black, the air vents promise faultless thermal comfort and stand as a true signature of Citroën SUVs.

The broad, high central console, so essential in the SUV segment, is finished in soft materials. Comfortable both visually and to the touch, it comprises a wide armrest with a 'butterfly' opening and is home to a large, cooled storage space, backlit cup holders and a special area for smartphone charging.

The typically Citroën colours and trims are adapted to the expectations of SUV customers looking for status and refinement. Pleasant to both the touch and the eye, the materials are padded in contact areas – armrests, central console and dashboard insert – for driver and passengers.

All-new C5 Aircross SUV features variant-specific materials, including cloth or Nappa leather for a personalised ambience according to either the casual or refined tastes of the customer.

The upholstery of the Advanced Comfort seats emphasises the soft and warm materials offering exceptional softness for enhanced travelling wellbeing, the designers taking their inspiration from the worlds of travel and luggage.

Making its debut on C4 Cactus and rolled out in various forms in various segments, this styling inspiration is reflected through the use of trimmed door handles and the strap on the dashboard insert on the passenger side of all-new C5 Aircross SUV.

SEATS INSPIRED BY THE WORLD OF BEDDING

All-new C5 Aircross SUV's broad and welcoming seats bring passengers an all-new travelling experience with outstanding comfort.

High-set for a commanding view of the road, the seats provide top-level comfort and support, giving passengers the impression of being ensconced in an armchair and insulated from the road.

Adding-in a new factor, Citroën looked at practices in the bedding industry, a sector in which shape memory materials represent the latest in comfort.

As part of the development process, engineers studied the lines of the seats to follow the curve of the spine for a better driving position and were selective in their choice of the materials used in manufacture.

Foam of different densities and hardness is used depending on the role of the seat component concerned: support or cushioning.

Standard on SHINE variants, the Advanced Comfort upholstery offers a set of improvements for even greater overall comfort. As part of the design process:

• The visual comfort of the seats was carefully worked to create visible and true padding, thanks to 15mm-thick foam. Inspired by legendary Citroens such as the CX and Xantia, the padding creates a true visual signature, with comfort the ultimate goal. That signature is enhanced by overstitching and graphic components sharing the same formal language as Citroen's latest models, including C4 Cactus.
• Reception comfort has been reinforced, with softness and support provided on initial contact through the use of 15mm-thick foam.
• Ride comfort, essential for correct support, especially on long drives, is strengthened by thicker structured foam on the seat surface combined with a high-density layer at the seat's centre. The new, high-density foam also ensures optimal comfort over time by preventing any subsidence after long hours at the wheel as well as taking into account the ageing of the seat after several years of use.
• Postural comfort is exceptional, ensuring optimal diving comfort with broad seat cushions and backrests, reinforced support, height-adjustable front seats and height- and reach-adjustable front head restraints.   

INTERIOR MODULARITY

All-new C5 Aircross SUV features three individual, sliding, folding and reclining rear seats, making it the most modular SUV in the segment. In addition to their comfort, advanced design and special foam, the seats offer numerous advantages including:

• Equal width, providing equal comfort for the three passengers in row two, the middle passenger being as cosseted as the others.
• Length-adjustable over 150mm, they can be used to transform the cabin and boot space.
• They also incline in five positions (from 19 through to 26.5 degrees).
• The seats fold down to provide a perfectly flat floor thanks to the dual-level boot floor.

With record boot volume of between 580 and 720 litres under the luggage shelf with the second-row seats in place and up to 1,630 litres under the ceiling with the second-row seats folded down, New C5 Aircross SUV has the largest boot in the segment.

The boot's broad opening (1,017mm) and cubic shapes (length of 999mm and up to 1,907mm with the rear seats folded and height under the luggage shelf of 583mm) make it easy to load the bulkiest of objects.

For even easier boot access, new C5 Aircross is equipped with a hands-free tailgate which opens electrically, those needing to enter having to do nothing more than  simply wave their foot under the bumper to open the tailgate.

Another essential component in travelling comfort is storage space and new C5 Aircross SUV has it to spare, boasting ingenious and functional stowage compartments for a variety of uses, with the central console armrest home to a capacious storage space large enough for a 1.5L bottle and the large area at the front of the central console provides for the wireless charging of large-format smartphones.

CITROEN ADVANCED COMFORT PROGRAMME

To address the ongoing development of 'Citroën comfort' in the 21st century, the company has framed its expertise in comfort under a new development project, known as the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme.

The programme seeks to define a new dimension of comfort in vehicles and pursues four objectives to enhance comfort in its latest cars. They are:

• Driving comfort – filtering-out exterior interferences for a smooth ride and calm, quiet cabin.
• Living comfort – simplifying life onboard with functional storage compartments, intelligent packaging and generous space.
• Functional comfort – creating a more comfortable drive with intuitive technologies, driver aids and connectivity.
• Comfort of mind – ensuring the peace-of-mind of driver and passengers with clear information displays and a relaxed interior ambience to enhance driving pleasure.

Today ergonomics, ride and handling, practicality, versatility and even cabin atmosphere are all vital elements in making a car as comfortable as possible for driver and passengers alike.

Each of the themes under the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme builds on the historic innovations that have contributed to Citroën's reputation for comfort over the last 100 years.

SUSPENSION WITH PROGRESSIVE HYDRAULIC CUSHIONS™ (PHC)

The all-new C5 Aircross SUV is the first Australian model to feature Citroen's ground-breaking Progressive Hydraulic Cushions™ (PHC), a Citroën innovation that will be rolled-out on future vehicles.

The suspension, with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® – a Citroën innovation that will be fitted broadly across the range – marks the culmination of Citroën expertise in suspension engineering.

For almost 100 years suspension comfort has been inscribed in the brand's DNA and over the years customers have become attached to Citroën's comfort, which is unique in the market.

The technology used on all-new C5 Aircross SUV is derived from Citroën's experience in motorsport. By providing improved clearance, the hydraulic cushions better absorb impacts, particularly after jumps.

Introduced, tested and proven in cross-country rallying on the ZX models that triumphed in the 1994 Paris-Dakar, the system is now used in the World Rally Championship on C3 WRC. It ensures efficiency by guaranteeing vehicle stability and robustness.

Drawing on its expertise and the know-how of its engineers, Citroën developed the new suspension system to improve the filtering quality typical of Citroën and so dear to its customers.

Some 20 patents were filed during the development of the new suspension.

The way it works is quite simple. While conventional suspension systems comprise a shock absorber, a spring and a mechanical stop, the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions™ (PHC) system adds two hydraulic stops on either side, one for compression, the other for decompression. The suspension therefore works in two stages to match the way in which the car is used.

• For light compression and decompression, the spring and shock absorber control vertical movements together, with no assistance required from the hydraulic stops. The stops have, however, given engineers greater freedom with the car's clearance, providing a "magic carpet ride" effect with the impression the car is gliding over uneven ground.

• During major impacts, the spring and shock absorber work together with the hydraulic compression or decompression stops to gradually slow the movement and avoid jerks at the end of the travel range. Unlike a traditional mechanical stop, which absorbs energy but returns a part of it, the hydraulic stop absorbs and dissipates the energy, eliminating any bouncing.

With this innovative technical solution, Citroën vehicles of the future will deliver an exceptional level of comfort specific to the brand and always appreciated by its customers. This refinement will not be reserved solely for executive vehicles but will also be available on the city-car segment and in all markets.

ALL-NEW C5 AIRCROSS LIGHT YET FLEXIBLE PLATFORM

Regardless of the all-new C5 Aircross SUV model chosen, owners will benefit from PSA Groupe's highly-awarded and lauded EMP2 platform.

The optimised architecture, shared across more than 12 PSA models globally, makes it a high achiever and a featherweight. It is 95 kilograms lighter than its predecessor and the EMP2 platform gives perfect balance between mass, strength and functionality on all levels.

For all-new C5 Aircross, Citroen has applied a new body bonding process to further enhance the platform's innate characteristics, while supressing unwanted energy created through road irregularities.

Using an industrial process specific to Citroën, the structural parts of the vehicle are bonded together using a continuous line of adhesive supported by an electrical weld positioned wherever the line of adhesive is interrupted. This technique ensures a hard-bonding assembly without the toxic smoke generated by bonding welds.

 This special bonding technique has a number of advantages. The first is significantly higher global body stiffness. The improvement in stiffness is around 20 per cent  on average and contributes to isolation from external vibration phenomena. The stiffer body also reduces the level of vibrations transferred by driving conditions.

Another significant benefit concerns weight. Bonding makes the body stiffer without making it heavier. The heavier the vehicle, the more complex the suspension damping process needed to improve comfort.

The third and final advantage of this bonding technique concerns the bead bonding process. This technique allows the reduction of electrical welding work and helps control costs. It will not be reserved solely for executive vehicles and will be used on all Citroën models.

CITROEN C5 AIRCROSS LEVERAGES PROVEN DRIVETRAIN

Australian-specification all-new Citroen C5 Aircross SUV will be fitted exclusively with PSA's proven and flexible 1.6L THP turbocharged petrol engine and EAT6 six-speed automatic transmission.

The four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine displaces 1.6 litres and features an intercooled turbocharger, electronic multi-point direct fuel-injection and double overhead camshafts with variable inlet valve timing. Power output is 121 kilowatts at 6000rpm and torque output is 240 Newton metres at 1400rpm.

The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission co-developed with Aisin. Driving the front wheels, the transmission further leverages power via standard steering column-mounted paddle shifters and a 'SPORT' transmission mode.

Combining power with efficiency, the petrol engine delivers 7.9 litres/100km on the combined fuel economy cycle.

C5 AIRCROSS PROVIDES A GRIPPING DRIVE

PSA Groupe's advanced Grip Control system is standard on all C5 Aircross Shine variants, offering all-wheel-drive-like capability on low-grip surfaces through the vehicle's traction control system.

Versatile and adaptable, Grip Control optimises traction according to the terrain by acting on the front wheels, the system leaving the driver in charge at all times to select the desired drive mode using a simple rotary dial mounted on the centre console.

The four selectable drive modes are:

• Snow mode - instantly adapts the slippage of each front wheel to the grip conditions encountered. When the vehicle reaches 50km/h, the system switches to Standard mode.
• Mud mode - for travelling confidently on slippery surfaces such as mud and wet grass,  it facilitates vehicle start-off by transferring as much torque as possible to the wheel with the most grip. Acting as a limited-slip differential (LSD), it is particularly suitable for country roads and is active up to 80km/h.
• Sand mode - maintains wheel spin on both driven wheels simultaneously for progress on soft soil, limiting the risk of getting stuck. This mode is functional up to 120km/h, after which it switches to Standard mode.
• ESP Off mode - gives drivers the opportunity to disconnect the Electronic Stability Program at up to 50km/h and manage traction autonomously, sometimes necessary on gentle ascents in icy or low grip conditions when traction is best when unimpaired.

While the C5 Aircross is front-wheel-drive only, its light off-road abilities are made possible in part by its modest 1,430kg kerb weight.

CABIN CUSHIONED FROM EXTERNAL NOISE AND POLLUTION

All-new C5 Aircross SUV features advanced soundproofing with reduced road and wind noise by using double-laminated front windows featuring an insulated layer, bringing passengers exceptional, cocoon-like soundproofing. Particular attention was also paid to the engine compartment's soundproofing.

All-new C5 Aircross SUV is also equipped with a sophisticated cabin air quality system (AQS). The automatic air-conditioning comes with a high-yield active carbon filter that captures particles and efficiently purifies the air to protect passengers from external pollution.

Equipped with a sensor that detects external air pollution, the AQS automatically adjusts the cabin's circulation settings.

SAFETY AS STANDARD

Equipped with a camera on the upper part of the windscreen and a radar sensor built in to the front bumper, all-new C5 Aircross SUV features a wealth of driver assistance systems helping to bring motorists ever closer to autonomous driving. These systems include:

• Active Safety Brake: to avoid collisions, the system detects and analyses stationary or moving obstacles (pedestrians or vehicles) and brakes automatically if there is any risk of collision.

• Active Lane Departure Warning System: lights in the door mirrors warn drivers if a vehicle is present in the rear blind spot. If the Active Lane Departure Warning System is activated and the driver continues turning towards the side in question by indicating, a load is applied to the steering wheel to help avoid a collision.

• Active Lane Keeping Assist: the system identifies road markings, continuously analyses images and interprets situations. It corrects the vehicle's course by warning drivers whenever it detects a potential lane change without the indicators being used. The correction can be prevented by keeping a firm hold on the steering wheel.

• Collision Risk Alert: this system warns drivers when their vehicle is at risk of colliding with the vehicle in front at speeds of 30km/h or more. The system activates just before reaching the automatic braking threshold.

• Coffee Break Alert: suggests drivers take a break after two hours driving at speeds above 70km/h.

• Driver Attention Alert: alerts drivers in the event of decreased vigilance. This system assesses driver alertness by identifying trajectory anomalies in relation to road markings. It is especially suited to fast lanes or speeds above 65km/h.

• Extended Traffic Sign Recognition and Recommendation: recognises speed signs and displays the information on the instrument panel. The speed can be recorded as an instruction for the speed limiter/cruise control in one simple movement. In addition to speed signs, this system detects certain traffic signs ('stop',  'one-way' and 'no overtaking' signs, for example) and displays them on the instrument panel, improving the respect of driving rules and increasing safety.

Technologies for enhancing in-car comfort include:

• Keyless Entry and Start: drivers can unlock the car by placing a hand behind one of the front door handles or near the boot-opening control. With the motorised hatch, the electric tailgate can be opened or closed by waving a foot under the rear bumper.

• Electric Parking Brake: automatically engages the parking brake when the engine is turned off and disengages it when the vehicle starts moving. Drivers can engage or disengage the parking brake at any time using  the control on the central console.

• Park Assist: an active driver assistance system that makes parallel parking (entry and exit) and perpendicular parking (entry) safer, easier and more relaxed. At the driver's request the system automatically detects a parking space then manoeuvres the car into and out of the space. The driver manages the acceleration and braking while the system takes care of the rest.

• Reversing camera with Top Rear Vision: when reverse gear is selected the camera displays the rear view of the vehicle on the touchscreen, supplemented by colour reference points indicating proximity to any obstacles as well as a reconstituted image showing a 180-degree view of the area immediately behind the vehicle.

Technologies for simplifying everyday driving regardless of conditions include:

• Hill-Start Assist: which makes hill starts easier by preventing any undesired vehicle movement on inclines when the brake pedal is released. The function activates on inclines of over three per cent by holding the vehicle for two seconds.

• Cornering Lights Function: depending on the angle of the steering wheel, the left or right front fog lamp activates in addition to the main headlamps to illuminate up to a 75 degree angle the right or left of the road at the front of the vehicle. The system operates at speeds above 40km/h.

• Trailer Stability Control: this system stabilises trailers on vehicles equipped with the optional towing system. Supplementing the ESP system, Trailer Stability Control reduces any swaying and slows the trailer at critical speeds. It detects the towed object when its electrical connection is coupled to the vehicle. The stabilisation of the trailer with ESP uses the ESP system's sensors to trigger any necessary measures. It actively reduces swaying by working individually and alternately on the all-new C5 Aircross SUV's front brakes. In most cases, this completely eliminates any swaying and averts any danger. In the event of significant swaying, the system reduces engine torque and brakes the towing vehicle, quickly reducing its speed.