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Smooth gliding with Citroën: C3 and C5 Aircross | Tyrolean daily newspaper online

Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid, erster Elektrifizierter der Marke, und C3, fesch & frisch überarbeitet.

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By Beatrix Keckeis-Hiller

Hochstraß – Later than planned, due to the coronavirus lockdown, but not anyway, but even more, Citroën is launching two new model developments: the revised C3, the brand’s top seller, and the C5 Aircross, which is now electrified with a rechargeable hybrid system.

The double-angle small car is entering the fifth year of its current generation with optical exterior retouching on the front and the flanks. This includes a new V-shaped light signature, while the side airbumps are more delicate. In the interior, the seats are freshly upholstered. In addition, Citroën is serving a newly arranged range of decors, up to 97 color-contrasting interior and exterior design variations are possible, and new rims are also available. The drive program remains basically the same, with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine (83 and 110 hp) and a 1.5-liter diesel with 100 hp. But the drives have been optimized again.

There is no NoVA for the diesel engine. During an intensive test round through the Mostviertel, the little one turned out to be a comfortable cruiser. A number of further detail optimizations can be felt: the steering is significantly more sensitive than before, the suspension works even more accurately and gently, without rocking, the noise level is extremely subtle. The gear ratio – there are five gears – is designed more for city use, but with momentum it takes tight corners quickly and, above all, with the prevailing autumn driving conditions with leaves and windfalls on the road, with reliable traction. The operation is known to be easy, with driver assistance systems, up to twelve in number, you just can’t have adaptive cruise control. This means that the little one is well prepared for its final spurt, and the next generation (announced for 2022) will also be able to electrify it.

The C5 Aircross can do it now. The Citroën interpretation of the compact SUV has been on the market in Europe since 2018. The symbiosis of sports utility vehicle, family van and station wagon marks the start of the era of drive electrification for Doppelwinkler. The technology comes from the PSA group, a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine works together with a generator. This results in 225 HP system performance (including 360 Nm torque max), sorted via an eight-stage automatic. The associated lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 13.2 kWh, and a 3.7 kWh onboard charger (single-phase) is standard. The electric range should be up to 55 kilometers. The front wheels are driven, the 4×4 configuration as in the Peugeot 3008, DS7 Crossback and Opel Grandland X is not available for the Citroën, and the in-house traction aid system is not an option.

Regardless of this, the drive system ensures smooth gliding, whether with a relaxed or sporty gait. The interaction of the units in combination with the automatic is sovereign. In addition, there is superb suspension and noise comfort in all driving modes – whether hybrid, electric or sport. In the latter program, the comparatively large-volume combustion engine growls discreetly, but not intrusively, when required. The almost 300 kilos more weight compared to the diesel model (with 130 hp) is not really noticeable. He has not yet been able to prove his ability to cruise 55 kilometers electrically: the topographic and meteorological conditions ensured that electricity was consumed in abundance. Almost 40 kilometers were possible with fully active air conditioning.

According to the price list, the C3 costs from 14,790 euros, the C5 Aircross Hybrid from 40,690 euros.

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