Citroen trailblazer deserves a plug
Citroen C5 Aircross
Price TBA ★★★★★
CITROEN’S new C5 Aircross, unveiled in Paris recently, will be its first vehicle to offer a plug-in electric hybrid option that can be charged from the mains while still having the security of a conventional engine.
Linda Jackson, who has run the Citroen wing of parent company PSA for the past four years, says that it’s just the start of Citroen’s electrical revolution.
By 2023 about 80% of the range will include fully electric and electric hybrid options – as well as traditional petrol and diesel versions rising to 100% by 2025.
Moves by cities to ban all but zero-emissions cars from their centres will accelerate the revolution, she predicts.
The C5 Aircross slated to launch across Europe at the end of 2018 and will be the first Citroën with a plug-in hybrid powertrain towards the end of next year.
This latest family SUV promises to be the most comfortable model yet thanks to a system that includes clever suspension and specially designed seats.
It can also be highly personalised with 30 exterior colour combinations.
There are three sliding, folding and reclining rear seats, and ample boot space.
It incorporates 20 driver assistance systems, including Highway Driver Assist and ‘grip control’, as well as wireless smartphone charging.
Citroen are proud of this car, as
MUCH IS GOING TO CHANGE. WILL PEOPLE OWN A CAR IN FUTURE?
Ms Jackson said: ‘The C5 Aircross is our flagship until we get a new saloon car.’
Some of the older cars in the firm’s line-up face the axe. Customers should brace themselves for major developments, she predicted: ‘So much is going to change over the next ten years. Will people even own a car in the future?’
Ms Jackson added that leasing and mobile phone-style fixed monthly payments are becoming increasingly the norm for motorists.