2023 Citroen C5 Aircross facelift due mid-year, price rise expected

The facelifted 2023 Citroen C5 Aircross is due in Australian showrooms mid-year – six months behind schedule and likely with a higher price.

As reported first by Drive in October 2022, the updated C5 Aircross – Citroen's competitor in the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 market segment – will be available in a single 'Sport' model in Australia.

It brings a refreshed exterior, new technology and luxury features previously unavailable in Australia, and a more powerful and efficient turbo-petrol engine.

Prices are yet to be revealed, however dealers canvassed by Drive said to expect a price in excess of $60,000 drive-away – compared to $56,600 to $58,600 drive-away previously, depending on state and territory government fees.

New features include a panoramic sunroof as standard (previously $1990 extra), nappa leather seat upholstery, leather-look centre console trim, a large 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated front seats, and massaging for the driver's seat.

There is now a full suite of advanced safety technology, including adaptive cruise control for the first time in Australia – after it was previously only available in Europe.

Lane centring assist is now available in Australia and overseas – which allows the car to steer, brake and accelerate within its own lane on freeways – joining carry-over autonomous emergency braking and traffic sign recognition.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert have returned to the standard equipment list after they were deleted last year due to the semiconductor shortage.

On the outside, the C5 Aircross Sport can be distinguished from the old Shine with its new front-end treatment and rear light signature, plus black-painted 19-inch alloy wheels, and a black exterior trim pack, with black mirror caps, roof rails, contrast roof panel and fog light surrounds.

Among the most significant updates is an overhauled 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, now developing 133kW and 250Nm – up from 121kW and 240Nm previously.

It is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission – up from a six-speed unit – with front-wheel drive, slashing claimed fuel consumption from 7.9 to 5.7 litres per 100km in mixed driving conditions.

The engine now complies with more stringent Euro 6 emissions regulations, and is equipped with auto stop/start technology that cuts the engine at the traffic lights to save fuel. It continues to require 95- or 98-octane premium unleaded fuel.

Government fuel-economy data derived from lab tests shows the updated C5 Aircross SUV's engine is also quieter, and pollutes less than its predecessor.

The updated model will be available in six colours: Polar White, Perla Nera Black, Platinum Grey, Steel Grey, Eclipse Blue and Pearlescent White.

The 2023 Citroen C5 Aircross is due in Australian showrooms before the end of June 2023. More details are due closer to launch.