Citroen gets set to launch new C5 Aircross

CITROEN has revealed full pricing and specification details for its new C5 Aircross SUV – a rival for the likes of the Seat Ateca, Kia Sportage and Peugeot 3008. Prices start from £23,225 for a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol model in entrylevel ‘Feel’ trim – one of three trims and three engines available.

The1.2-litre offers 128bhp and comes paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, a familiar combination already used across the PSA Group’s Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall brands. There’s also a 177bhp 1.6-litre petrol on offer, mated exclusively to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Diesel fans can choose from a 1.6-litre BlueHDi unit in two states of tune – 128bhp or 177bhp. The lower-powered you don’t floor the pedal it is an excellent, economic and effortless mile-muncher. Before lunchtime we were at the coast, the giant red tower of Ferrari Land dominating the PortAventura skyline.

We checked into the PortAventura Hotel, one of three hotel complexes. We had a family suite with balcony overlooking a purpose built village of restaurants and squares, where families gathered at mealtimes exhausted or bubbling with excitement after doing the terrifying array of attractions.

We stayed three nights here and the huge themed restaurants (Chinese, Italian, European) were spot on as was the friendly and cheerful service. And for those who have had enough excitement at the wheel getting here, then I recommend any number of quieter rides, such as the waltzing tea cups and the puff-puff train that stops at all the refreshment points.

“When can we come back?” was the chorus line from the back when reluctantly we screeched away towards Barcelona.