Conclusion

inches of non-existent instrumentation behind the wheel. That’s because you need to press the start button to activate the ignition and turn on the digital instrument screen. Even this can be configured to suit your taste, showing just the essentials like speed and fuel level, or giving you all the vehicle information if you so choose.

There’s a massive storage compartment with a light between the front passengers, which means that you will no longer misplace your wallet or phone, plus a wireless charging panel large enough for a small tablet just ahead of the shift lever, as well as rear seats that slide and recline individually to allow maxmum leg room and comfort for the rear occupants. The boot is also quite spacious, with more than enough room for five people’s luggage.

Like most of the models in the marque’s history, the Citroën C5 Aircross is somewhat divisive. Judging by the lack of second glances and long stares that Citroëns used to command, it seems that the revised model line-up (in South Africa at least), blends in with the majority of vehicles already on our roads, while offering just a little bit of individuality so that its occupants stand out from the crowd.

We don’t think Citroën ever expected to sell massive volumes upon its return to this country, but it has offered prospective buyers a solid, well-specced, non-conforming alternative to the segment best-sellers, backed up by an earnest and impressive after-sales support promise (well, on paper, at least).