Citroen C5 Aircross

• The engine is 1.6 litres, with a turbo and four cylinders. It makes 165 hp and 240 Nm of torque. The gearbox is a 6-speed automatic. Shifts feel smooth. Power is enough for daily use.
• The turbo engine has good mid-range torque. It helps when overtaking cars. Highway driving feels comfortable. The automatic gearbox makes smooth shifts, not sporty shifts.
• The front-wheel drive system features a special Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension. It gives amazing comfort. This tech comes from Citroën's rally racing cars. It has hydraulic stops that absorb shocks when the suspension goes down and comes back up.
• The wheelbase is 2,730 mm, which keeps the car stable. The interior feels roomy. Ground clearance is 230 mm. High enough for Saudi speed breakers.
• The fuel tank holds about 53 litres. The turbo engine is efficient. Running costs stay reasonable.

Some Compromises:

• Many buyers would definitely find the 165 hp modest compared to competitors in the segment. However, the performance is smooth but not exciting.
• The 6-speed automatic feels dated; most cars in this segment have 8-speed gearboxes. This is something buyers should consider. Also, this older gearbox lacks very fast shifts.

• On highways, the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension feels like "magic carpet" comfort. Hydraulic stops absorb energy when the suspension reaches its limits. It reduces the jolt passengers normally feel. The ride feels calm and smooth for families.
• Advanced Comfort seats add cushioning on long journeys. High-density foam with a thick top layer. Better than normal SUV seats. You feel the difference right away.
• The 6-speed automatic shifts fine during normal driving. The gearbox focuses on being refined rather than sporty.
• In cities, the compact size helps. It is effortless to drive and park. You sit high up. You can see over other cars. Electric power steering makes turning easy. Parking sensors on Feel and Shine models beep when close to obstacles.
• Back seats slide 150 mm, and they can adjust based on what you need. More legroom or more boot space. Three separate seats move independently. Most cars don't have this.

Things to Watch Out For:

• Comfort comes first, not sharp handling. The car leans in corners. The brand deliberately designed this vehicle not to be sporty.
• Engine noise is noticeable when you push hard. The turbo 4-cylinder gets louder under hard acceleration.
• The 6-speed automatic feels dated, as shifts aren't as quick as modern 8-speed gearboxes. The French automaker really needs to improve this aspect.
• Compact size means rear legroom depends on seat position. Slide seats back for maximum legroom? The boot shrinks from its maximum capacity.

• Advanced Comfort seats have special foam. The seats feature a high-density foam centre, topped with 15 mm thick textured foam. Wide cushions hold you nicely on long drives.
• The steering wheel is wrapped in leather with audio controls. The front has dual chrome strips widening toward the LED headlights.
• The touchscreen is 8 inches. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work here. Your phone apps stay easy to use.
• The instrument display is 12.3 inches on Feel and Shine models. Clear graphics. The base model gets a 4.2-inch display.
• Automatic dual-zone climate control keeps everyone comfortable in Saudi heat. Rear AC vents cool back passengers. The panoramic glass roof on top models makes the cabin feel open.
• Wireless charging pad, USB sockets, Bluetooth. Six speakers are on better models.
• Five people sit inside. Three individual back seats slide separately 150 mm forward and back. You choose between legroom or boot space. The boot holds about 516 litres normally, going up when the seats are slid forward, and 1,630 litres when folded.
• As far as the size of this SUV, you get an idea from the dimensions of 4,500 mm long, around 1,969 mm wide, and 1,710 mm tall.

The C5 Aircross gives genuine French comfort with great flexibility for the price. There are several strengths of this car that make it worthy of consideration for many buyers who look for some uniqueness and differentiation. 

• Front airbags for driver and passenger. Side airbags in the front seats. Side curtain airbags protect everyone's heads, for a total of six airbags. The anti-lock braking system stops wheels from locking up when you brake hard. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution helps spread braking power correctly. Brake Assist adds extra braking force in emergencies. Electronic Stability Program keeps the car steady. Traction control stops wheels from spinning and losing grip.
• Hill Hold Assist stops you from rolling backward on slopes. Really useful in multi-storey parking buildings. Cruise control helps on long highway drives. Less tiring for your leg. You can relax more.
• Parking sensors on Feel and Shine models beep when you're close to obstacles. The rear camera on the Shine model shows what's behind you on the screen. The 12.3-inch digital display on better models shows all information clearly. Easy to see while driving.
• Child safety locks keep rear doors from opening; this is vital for protecting the kids. ISOFIX anchor points let you attach child seats properly. Central locking with keyless entry on better models. Just press a button to lock or unlock. Doors and the tailgate lock themselves automatically when you drive, and they unlock automatically if you have a crash – quite a safety feature.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring tells you when any tyre needs air; the status is visible on the display. Crash sensors detect accidents and help emergency services respond faster. The rearview mirror changes between day and night modes. Auto-dimming on the Shine model stops bright headlights from blinding you.

What's less clear:

• Euro NCAP hasn't tested this exact C5 Aircross for the Saudi market yet. No official crash test scores are available for this specific spec. If you are really focused on safety, such an issue might worry you. Right now there is no local independent proof.
• The most modern safety tech is missing on lower trims. There is no adaptive cruise control that adjusts speed automatically, no lane-keeping assistance, no blind-spot monitoring, no forward collision warning and no automatic emergency braking as standard. Higher trims and other markets may offer more tech, but in KSA you mainly get basic safety systems, so if you see the competition, many of those SUVs have more advanced technology. Worth knowing before you buy.
• Citroën has a limited number of dealerships in key Saudi cities, operated by Almajdouie Motors. Check if there's one near where you live before buying. Important for servicing. Parts might take longer to arrive than Japanese or Korean brands. Bigger networks mean faster service. The warranty is 3 years or 100,000 km; here again, it is a little lower because many competitors offer 5 years or even more. This is shorter coverage.