More sophisticated 2023 Citroën C5 Aircross Facelift

The Citroën C5 Aircross has been given a facelift for 2022, which should help the brand’s largest SUV keep up with recently tweaked rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq. It has a new look inside and out, updated technology and improved refinement, and is expected to cost from just over £26,000 when fitted with a diesel engine, or £35k with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The newly revised SUV will arrive in UK showrooms in June.

Its design has been altered for a more mature look, according to Citroën, with taut lines replacing the curvier appearance of the outgoing version. In a new move, the iconic chevrons no longer extend into the LED daytime running lights, instead being finished in black lacquer with ‘more breathing space in the centre of the grille’.

There’s also a wider new lower grille, flanked by air curtain intakes to help smooth airflow down the sides of the car. Depending on the trim, these are finished in a ‘Glossy Black’ or ‘Dark Chrome’ finish. Skid plate-style trim has been fitted to the front bumper, and at the rear there’s a new three-dimensional LED light signature. A new design of 18-inch alloy wheels will also arrive with the facelift, along with a new paint colour called Eclipse Blue, which is said to change from deep blue to black depending on the lighting conditions.

Inside, the touchscreen has been upgraded for a new 10-inch display, which is also higher up to help minimise the driver’s glances away from the road. There are also ‘direct-access climate controls’ to help improve the user experience, reducing the number of taps required to adjust the temperature while on the move. Complementing the updated design is a 12.3-inch instrument display which can provide navigation maps, as well as information about the hybrid powertrain.

The centre console has been updated with black leather-effect fabric and chrome accents. Versions with an automatic gearbox also get a new control layout, with an ‘e-Toggle’ gear selector and new switchgear for changing between driving modes. It also includes a large storage cubby, a pair of USB ports and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

For added relaxation, the C5 Aircross’ seats have been swapped for those seen in the C4 and C5 X. These have an extra 15mm layer of foam and a unique construction, aimed to boost comfort, and they can also be specified with heating and massaging functions.

New Alcantara and perforated leather options arrive, along with different colour combinations. Acoustic laminated front windows are said to improve refinement. Three sliding, reclining and retractable rear seats are fitted in the back, but there’s still no seven-seat option. The boot can measure from 580 to 720 litres with a petrol or diesel engine, or from 460 to 600 litres for the plug-in hybrid, with the difference accounted for as to whether luggage or passengers have been prioritised.

While powertrain specifications are yet to be confirmed, the engine lineup appears to be unchanged, with the choice likely to be between the BlueHDi 130 diesel engine or 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with plug-in hybrid drivetrain. In the outgoing model, this results in fuel economy figures of up to 60.8mpg for the diesel and 34 pure electric miles for the plug-in hybrid.