Citroen C5 Aircross Revealed in India : Bonjour Citroen!

INTRODUCTION:

French automaker major and World Rally Championship Emeritus Citroen has finally entered India. Citroen has revealed the Citroen C5 Aircross in India which in turn is their first offering too . Citroen is the part the recently formed Automobile conglomerate Stellantis which in turn formed by the merger of Groupe PSA and FCA. Citroen C5 Aircross SUV has its will showcase the technological muscle and to generate interest for the brand. The India Specific Models will be launched starting from 2023 under the “C-Cubed Program”.

C5 AIRCROSS : QUINTESSENTIALLY FRENCH.

The first thing that strikes you when you have a first look at Citroen C5 Aircross SUV is quirkiness. It is powered by 2.0 litre 4 cylinder diesel engine producing 177 PS and whopping 400 NM of torque which drives the front wheel via a 8 speed automatic gearbox which is responsive. The net result is a 0- 100 kmph sprint under 10 seconds. It also has a column mounted paddle shifters. The rear seats split into three segments each of which are individually adjustable and folded down.

C5 Aircross SUV will be available in two variants, Feel and Shine with prime external differentiator being the LED Headlights in Shine. When it comes to features both C5 Aircross has left no stone unturned, with both variants being equipped to the brim with features that include a 8 inch touch screen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, a reconfigurable 12.3 inch digital drivers information display, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, keyless entry, push button start, front and rear parking sensors etc. Citroen also has a configurator in their website so that customers can configure the C5 Aircross upto their taste.Citroen will brought to India as CKD and will be assembled at the facility in Thiruvallur near Chennai.

PROGRESSIVE HYDRAULIC CUSHIONS: THE TALK OF THE TOWN.

Citroen was finding a solution on how to cushion the impact from the rough terrains in rally racing course. The result of that is the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions.They were first used in the Citroen C3 R5 WRC car. The system uses two hydraulic stops for rebound and compression, giving the shock absorber more movement to float over bumps and thus delivering the famed “Magic Carpet Ride”. This also prevents the jolts being felt inside the cabin when the suspension rebounds.

Check out this video by Citroen that explains the concept.

CONCLUSION: THE WAY AHEAD.

At this price point (which is expected to launch in the 30 -40 lakh price zone), we are so much accustomed to big brawny SUVs like the king and the defacto choice, Fortuner, which, in its newest avatar looks smashing, and the ever favourite and tech laden Ford Endeavour. In my opinion, C5 Aircross has turned tables around. With that quiky looks, strong torquey 2.0 L Inline four Diesel Engine and the WRC derived suspension for that comfortable ride this is a car to look out for.

This paragraph is for those who are considering buying C5 Aircross and you are among the prospective buyers of Citroen for the upcoming models in India, you are going to buy a car from a brand that has great racing heritage especially in Rallying, a considerable history of innovations and popularizing them such as Citroen DS known for the one of the slipperiest car of its time and the first car to feature the hydropneumatic suspension, Citroen SM had many advancements like the adaptive headlights that turn in the direction of steering, equal brake force distribution etc.,. Even BMW had engines in their cars which were co-engineered by Citroen. They were called Prince engines. That being said, this will be a brand to lookout for.

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