Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid performance, engine & top speed
Performance from the 222bhp petrol-electric engine is strong, but in other respects the C5 Aircross isn't that great to drive
| 0-62mph | Top speed | Driven wheels | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.7s | 140mph | Front | 222bhp |
Having looked at how much the C5 Hybrid costs to run and how to charge it up, it's now time to ask what it's like to drive. Many people will associate large Citroens like this with smooth, quiet and comfortable cruising ability rather than razor-sharp handling on twisty roads, and Citroen agrees.
The company wears its 'Advanced Comfort' philosophy on its sleeve, the idea being that a comforting ride and squidgy seats make for a relaxing driving experience. The C5 Aircross does this up to a point – around town, it cushions bad lumps and bumps, but at higher speed it can crash over scars in the road. It’s a bit inconsistent in this respect.
You’re vaguely aware of the automatic gearbox shuffling between its eight speeds, but it’s all very smooth. Using the steering-wheel-mounted paddles is largely a waste of time, as is selecting the car’s Sport mode, because the tweaks it makes fail to make the C5 feel remotely sporty.
Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid 0-62mph, top speed and acceleration
Straight-line performance is good and the surge of torque from the electric motor when the battery is charged makes the C5 Aircross Hybrid feel faster than its official 0-62mph time of 8.7 seconds would suggest. Top speed is 140mph, which will be of interest only if you're a frequent visitor to German Autobahns.
Handling
The C5 Hybrid is quite a heavy car and Citroen's efforts to make it ride smoothly (see above) mean it doesn't offer the sharpest responses when tackling a twisty road. The sprightly MINI Countryman hybrid is far more accomplished in this regard, and even the C5's close cousin the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid makes a better effort.
The steering is the main problem: it’s light at low speeds, which makes manoeuvring easy. But it doesn’t get any weightier as your speed increases, nor does it offer much feedback. It’s not all bad, though; the car is extremely quiet, even at motorway speeds, and when you’re driving around town, the engine and electric motors cut in and out almost imperceptibly.
