The Citroen C5 Aircross will appeal to those looking for a stylish and comfortable family car. Which engine is best to choose when buying a used Citroen C5 Aircross?
The Citroen C5 Aircross, available on the market since 2017, successfully combines the advantages of SUVs and minivans. Due to its “boxy” shape, it offers plenty of space for passengers, noting that it is only 4.5 meters long. The vehicle’s functionality is further enhanced by a rear bench split into three equal parts (actually three separate seats with sliding capabilities), a flat floor in the second row, and a trunk capacity of 540 liters. By folding down the seat backs, the luggage space increases to as much as 1,630 liters of flat surface. Another advantage of the Aircross is its well-finished interior, brightened by colorful upholstery. However, users often complain about the sluggish response of the touchscreen, through which almost the entire car is controlled, including the climate control system.
The engine range of the C5 Aircross includes traditional gasoline and diesel engines, as well as several hybrid versions. Which power unit should be considered when purchasing a used Citroen?
Used Citroen C5 Aircross – Gasoline Engines and Hybrid Versions:
- 1.2 PureTech (131 HP)
- 1.6 PureTech (181 HP)
- Hybrid 136 (136 HP)
- Hybrid 180 (181 HP)
- Hybrid 225 (224 HP)
The gasoline engine lineup is based on 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder engines and 1.6 PureTech four-cylinder engines, available in traditional internal combustion versions and as hybrids. The 1.2 PureTech version produces 131 HP, while the micro-hybrid based on it, the Hybrid 136, was introduced in 2023, featuring a modernized engine using a chain instead of a timing belt. The 1.6 PureTech model develops 181 HP and serves as the basis for two plug-in hybrid versions with power outputs of 181 HP (Hybrid 180) or 224 HP (Hybrid 225). In both cases, the electric motor delivers 110 HP, while the internal combustion engine develops 150 HP (Hybrid 180) or 181 HP (Hybrid 225). The performance of both plug-in hybrids is similar, and they can cover about 50-60 km on a single charge in electric mode. Fuel consumption of around 1.5 l/100 km is achievable mainly in urban driving with optimal use of electric power, while the average consumption of gasoline C5 Aircross models is around 7-8 l/100 km.
Regarding the transmission, models with the 1.2 engine are equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the Hybrid 136 version comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Versions with the 1.6 engine and plug-in hybrids come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Citroen C5 Aircross – Technical Specifications, Performance, Fuel Consumption (Gasoline Engines)
| Engine | 1.2 PureTech | 1.6 PureTech |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1199 cm³ | 1598 cm³ |
| Fuel | Petrol (PB) | Petrol (PB) |
| Max Power | 131 HP | 181 HP |
| Max Torque | 230 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 10.5 s | 8.2 s |
| Max Speed | 188 km/h | 216 km/h |
| Average Fuel Consumption | 5.3 l/100 km | 5.8 l/100 km |
Citroen C5 Aircross – Technical Specifications, Performance, Fuel Consumption (Hybrid Versions)
| Engine | Hybrid 136 | Hybrid 180 | Hybrid 225 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1199 cm³ | 1598 cm³ | 1598 cm³ |
| Fuel | Petrol + EV | Petrol + EV | Petrol + EV |
| Max Power (Total) | 136 HP | 150 + 110 HP (181 HP) | 181 + 110 HP (224 HP) |
| Max Torque (Total) | 230 Nm | 300 + 320 Nm (360 Nm) | 300 + 320 Nm (360 Nm) |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 10.2 s | 8.9 s | 8.9 s |
| Max Speed | 200 km/h | 215 km/h | 225 km/h |
| Average Fuel Consumption | 5.8 l/100 km | 1.6 l/100 km | 1.6 l/100 km |
Used Citroen C5 Aircross – Diesel Engines:
- 1.5 HDi (131 HP)
- 2.0 HDi (177 HP)
The C5 Aircross was available with two turbo diesel engines. For a short period, from 2019 to 2020, the more powerful 2.0 HDi engine with 177 HP was offered. Throughout the entire production period, the weaker 1.5 HDi version with 131 HP was available, which was offered with a 6-speed manual transmission, while an 8-speed automatic transmission was an option (standard for the 2.0 HDi). As with gasoline and hybrid models, diesel engines did not come with all-wheel drive.
According to users, the weaker diesel engines consume about 5.5-6 l/100 km in mixed driving, while the 2.0 HDi consumes about 6.5 l/100 km. The versions with the 2.0 HDi engine are considered more durable, while the 1.5 HDi may have issues with the drive system, particularly with the timing chain. Additionally, oil leaks under the valve cover and failures of the SRC system with AdBlue fluid are common.
Citroen C5 Aircross – Technical Specifications, Performance, Fuel Consumption (Diesel Engines)
| Engine | 1.5 HDi | 2.0 HDi |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1499 cm³ | 1997 cm³ |
| Fuel | Diesel (ON) | Diesel (ON) |
| Max Power | 131 HP | 177 HP |
| Max Torque | 300 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 10.4 s | 8.6 s |
| Max Speed | 188 km/h | 211 km/h |
| Average Fuel Consumption | 4.2 l/100 km | 4.8 l/100 km |
Used Citroen C5 Aircross – Which Engine to Choose? It is recommended to look for models with the 2.0 HDi or 1.6 PureTech engines, as they offer better performance and reliability. Although it is more common to find versions with the 1.2 PureTech or 1.5 HDi engines, it is essential to thoroughly check the service history, especially regarding the timing belt replacement. Hybrid versions should not be avoided, but they are most recommended for drivers planning to use the car primarily in urban driving.