New 2022 Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid: order books now open for restyled SUV

Citroen has opened order books for the facelifted C5 Aircross family SUV, which has received a series of visual and technical updates for 2022. The tweaks also apply to the C5 Aircross Hybrid petrol-electric plug-in version, which is accounting for almost one in three sales across European markets these days.

The plug-in hybrid C5 Aircross is available in two trim levels: Shine and C-Series Edition, priced at £34,430 and £36,870 respectively. Shine gets 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch driver’s display, as well as Alcantara upholstery, a reversing camera and all-round parking sensors, plus keyless entry and start.

The C-Series Edition gains an opening panoramic glass sunroof, wireless smartphone charging and a powered tailgate with hands-free access. All C5 Aircross models get a total of 19 driver-assistance systems, which include highway driving assistance, adaptive cruise control and active lane-departure warning.

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The most obvious of the 2022 upgrades to the car concerns styling: firstly, a new front end has been applied, with Citroen emphasising "more structured lines" instead of curves, and bringing it more in line with the brand’s C4 family car and upcoming C5 X coupe flagship.

There's also a revised Citroen badge on the front grille; this is no longer connected to the daytime running lights (DRLs) with chrome strips as before. The DRLs themselves have a new V-shaped light signature, while further down there's a new lacquered black strip and reworked air-intake design.

Elsewhere, there's a new design of 18-inch alloy wheel, called Pulsar; new gloss-black door-mirror shells and roof rails; and a new three-dimensional rear light signature. A dark 'Eclipse Blue' shade has been added to the available paint colours, which also include Polar White, Pearlescent White, Perla Nera Black, Platinum Grey and Steel Grey.

Inside, the C5 Aircross gains a new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment setup on the Feel trim level and above; Citroen says access to climate-control adjustment has been made easier here, along with the eyeline being raised to help you keep your gaze on the road. Air vents have moved from above to below the screen. In front of the driver there's a 12.3-inch customisable display showing information such as directions, fuel consumption and driver assistance warnings.

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Further interior upgrades come in the form of the brand’s latest 'Advanced Comfort' seats, which also come as standard on the upcoming Citroen C5 X. An extra 15mm of high-density foam, plus the option of heating and massaging functions, all promise to make the C5 Aircross more comfortable than before, in combination with the 'Advanced Comfort’ suspension standard on all versions.

There's new seat upholstery (fabric, Alcantara or leather depending on trim level) and new leather-effect trim on the armrests, centre console and dashboard to make the C5 Aircross' interior feel more upmarket. The centre console itself has been redesigned to be more ergonomic.

There are no changes to the C5 Aircross Hybrid's plug-in drivetrain, which consists of a 178bhp PureTech petrol engine paired with a 107bhp electric motor, delivering a combined maximum of 222bhp through an eight-speed transmission. The car can cover up to 34 miles on electric power alone.

The C5 Aircross Hybrid is a sister model to the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid, Vauxhall Grandland Hybrid and DS 7 Crossback E-TENSE, although unlike those three models, it's not offered with the more powerful 296bhp four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid setup.