Citroën announced at the Geneva Motor Show that the Aircross Concept the company unveiled in February will go into production in China as the C5 Aircross, with a debut at Shanghai Motor Show in April.
Citroën also announced that it will radically change the formula of its C5 sedan later this year when it will morph into a new C crossover called the C5 Aircross, with it making an apparent debut at the Shanghai Motor Show.
As we reported in February, the C-Aircross Concept features a rounded body similar to the C4 Cactus introduced 3 years ago at the Geneva Auto Salon. Citroën is describing the car’s look as an “internationally oriented bodystyle” and now claims that it shows C3 Picasso’s shift from MPV to SUV, taking cues from the C4 Cactus that launched the company’s focus on SUVs.
With overall dimensions of 4.12 m L x 1.74 m W x 1.63 m H, styling cues feature the now-synonymous Airbumps on the doors, while raised suspension and body cladding give it a distinctive SUV design. Scuff plates and roof bars offer added style, while the C3’s distinctive LED running lights and double chevron grille are retained.
Citroën claims every surface is designed to improve efficiency, with air inlets all over as well as a rear diffuser to aid aerodynamics.
The slatted theme runs to the C-pillars, which, instead of being solid plastic, allow light through small holes – making the interior feel much brighter. The panoramic roof – as seen on the C4 Cactus – offers a feeling of space as per Citroën’s Advanced Comfort philosophy.
Inside, the 12-inch digital display screen, a glass glass head-up display and spartan accruements provide a look at Citroën’s bold cabin of the future. Personalization will be key, with flashes of red throughout. ConnectedCAM dashcam tech from the C3 hatch also features, as well as speakers in the seat’s headrests.
There’s no gearshift, thus allowing room for a wide centre console with wireless phone charging.
As with recent Citroën concepts the mirrors are replaced by cameras, but these won’t make it on to the production model. Nor will its rear-hinged doors.
The C-Aircross will go on sale in late 2017, with first deliveries before Christmas.