Citroen C5 Aircross 2019 confirmed for Australia

The all-new Citroen C5 Aircross 2019 model will launch in Australia in the second half of next year, with the new mid-size SUV aiming to take a bite out of the market share currently consumed by the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Citroen C5 Aircross will be Citroen's first mid-size SUV to be sold in Australia, slotting in above the likes of the now-defunct C4 Aircross and C4 Cactus, and internationally the C5 Aircross will be positioned as the company's flagship model. 

Having made its international debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show alongside a handful of other crossover models, there are some key inclusions to help the C5 Aircross stand out in the crowded SUV market.

The Citroen C5 Aircross is the French brand's answer to the Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan.

The new model will be the first Citroen sold in Australia with the French brand's innovative new comfort-focused suspension system dubbed Progressive Hydraulic Cushions. This system essentially places two hydraulic bump stops at either side of the spring and strut (replacing the regular mechanical bump stops found in most cars), and is said to help reduce or even eliminate bouncing over larger bumps, while delivering a "magic carpet" ride quality.

There are some other elements to help distinguish the C5 Aircross from its rivals, despite boasting a fairly class-representative length of 4.50 metres. 

But with its rugged looks punctuated by dual-stack headlights, Citroen's intriguing shopping-trolley-proof Airbump system, a lofty ground clearance measurement of 230mm and high roof bars, it looks a lot more adventure-focused than many of its streamlined competitors. 

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Inside there's a contemporary minimalist design, with a 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument cluster and an 8.0-inch touchscreen. Wireless phone charging and Citroen's ConnectedCAM dashcam system will be offered, too, and advanced safety tech is set to be included, too, with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and blind-spot monitoring among 20 advanced systems offered on the new model.

According to Citroen, the seats are specifically tailored for comfort "memory seats that adapt perfectly to the body shape of each passenger offer an innovative comfort experience in the automotive field", the company claims, stating that it has looked to the bedding industry for knowhow when making these new seats.

The Citroen C5 Aircross will be Citroen's first mid-size SUV to be sold in Australia.

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Wireless phone charging and Citroen's ConnectedCAM dashcam system will be offered.

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According to Citroen, the seats are specifically tailored for comfort.

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The seats can be slid fore and aft that allows "best-in-class" boot space of between 580 litres and 720 litres.

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At the rear, the C5 Aircross that will be sold in Australia will feature a clever rear seat setup consisting of three separate sliding/folding/reclining seats, each with ISOFIX child seat anchor points. The seats can be slid fore and aft, much like the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan, and that allows "best-in-class" boot space of between 580 litres and 720 litres. 

Drivetrain options for the C5 Aircross globally will include turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel engines, but it isn't clear whether Australia will get both petrol and diesel models - though petrol is the front runner, given the overwhelming preference for that fuel type locally. The model or models sold in Australia will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and will be front-wheel drive only - so much for those off-road presentation pretences.

Full detailed specifications are still to be announced, but as the French brand celebrates 100 years of existence in 2019, it is expected the new model will live up to the company's standing as offering intriguing, likeable and comfortable cars.

"The all-new C5 Aircross is a return to Citroen's comfort credentials and, symbolically, arrives in time for the marque's 100th anniversary," said Citroen Australia managing director, Ben Farlow.

"The all-new C5 Aircross will underpin Citroen's line-up in its centenary year, bringing with it standout styling, unrivalled comfort and a new focus on SUVs for Citroen in Australia," Mr Farlow said. 

Would you consider the Citroen C5 Aircross over a big-name competitor? Tell us what you think in the comments below.