The medium-sized SUV segment under $60,000 is today the most highly competitive new vehicle segment in the market – Toyota’s RAV4 the big seller, last month commanding 3169 sales. At the bottom end of the scale Citroen’s C5 Aircross with just 3 sales. The disparity in sales figures doesn’t indicate the Citroen is a poor choice, far from it, the C5 Aircross from my perspective a very impressive SUV – a roomy cabin with three rear individual sliding, folding and roomy seats each with ISOfix child seat anchors.

Two models the Feel at $42,990 and the Shine at $46,990, the latter the one to own with full leather powered seats, wireless phone charging and an acoustic windscreen.  A 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder six speed automatic it performs best in Sport mode, economy I averaged 8L/100km, it has nicely weighed steering, strong brakes but the high point is comfort.

No complex Citroen hydro-pneumatic suspension here just a coil spring and special shock absorber arrangement, what Citroen call ‘progressive hydraulic cushions’ – the ride supple and class leading aided by sensible 55-series tyres while the seats add a further comfort element.

With few dealers Citroen doesn’t have a big presence but drive a C5 Aircross and I guarantee you’ll be impressed. Warranty 5-years/unlimited kilometre with roadside assistance with a very welcome five years free servicing offer saving $3,010.

I’m David Berthon

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