Team-BHP - Citroen C5 Aircross Review

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Originally Posted by Frusciante (Post 5272592)

[*]I used to drive my City on the expressways at respectable 80+ speeds and every time I saw a swish SUV whiz past, I used to wonder what made them want to break speed limits and tear through when other cars are also almost at a 100kmph. Well now I know. The kind of torque and power on tap that this car can produce is mind-blowing and even going from zero, you won’t realize when the car is at 120 kmph+ if it were not for the warning beeps. I’m certainly not advocating breaking speed limits but I can completely relate to the restrained feel that drivers of cars like these feel on an open road when restricted to a speed limit.

I agree, coming from an i10 , going lower in an Alto K10 rl: and climbing up in the current Nexon, there's a day and night difference in highway driving at night, there's less glare from incoming traffic due to higher seating position (horrible in hatchbacks/sedans , every make and build), but in city, I guess one cannot escape the lord Activa with auto activated high beam, (every LED equipped 2 wheelers nowadays) , one needs a truck to avoid glare and un-necessary blinking maruti cars with led headlamps (Tech Goes Bold??)

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Originally Posted by Frusciante (Post 5242819)

a feature list on paper, more the merrier not thinking about what it really adds to their drive. I still can't fathom what value 64 colour mood lights add to a car if it doesn't give you an excellent ride. But priorities are skewed :Frustrati . For those shopping in the 30-45 L bracket and focused on SUVs/CSUVs, you either get a very dated Tuscon at the lower end of that price spectrum or one can join the herd and get a white fortuner coz that what everyone else does. In my humble opinion thats where the C5 hits a sweet spot, focusses on being a great car for the 40L you pay.

I don't care much for mood lighting but things like ventilated seats, 4x4 etc that the jeep compass gets is definitely something that can be useful and should be considered seriously. 360* camera as well is something that could be useful though its not really a deal breaker for me. Wireless charger is pointless unless it also comes with wireless carplay. Considering its also cheaper, the compass does make a fairly strong point for itself. However, the lethargic 9 speed gearbox and the average suspension takes it down a few notches and in the end, those are what really makes a car worth owning for someone who likes to reach his destination quicker.

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Originally Posted by Cresterk (Post 5299916)

Righto. It's all about the "Experience". In this day and age of cab aggregators and online portals, the only reason to still buy a car with its associated costs is if you enjoy the drive. And that's where the C5 triumphs over most of its competition including the entry level German biggies. I would extend the experience bit to reliability and hassle free ownership experience too. Having read yours and other responses on what TATA vehicle ownership feels like, I'm so glad I didn't pick the Harrier which was also one of my contenders when I was out in the market. The Compass, apart from the factors you have mentioned did not work out for me as it is significantly smaller and cramped, both for the passengers and luggage, and personally the ride quality felt much plusher in the C5.

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Originally Posted by the.city (Post 5271897)

Recently took 1060km round trip from Hyderabad to Hampi and back. Shared the route experience in the dedicated Hampi thread. Using this thread to share the ride experience.

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Originally Posted by Frusciante (Post 5272592)

Excellent points. And in continuum with my earlier comment on our car journeys being very similar :), I too took my C5 out for a long spin last week ( 1800 kms - Mumbai-South Goa-Murudeshwar).

Very encouraging to read your feedback for prospective buyers like me.

I have a Compass diesel manual and have been looking for a diesel automatic and that's how C5 comes into the picture. The usage of back seat is important for me as my wife and son travels quite a lot in the back seat.

I drove C5 for around 15-20 minutes in the city with my family. It was extremely easy to drive in the city compared to manual compass. The standout point was how muted were the speed breakers and road undulations in C5 as compared to the compass. Both myself and my family were very impressed with the ride comfort. The automatic gearbox was seamless and that mated with the powerful engine and a quiet cabin leaves a lasting impression.

However, there was one major turn-off point and for which I would like to have your opinion as you have experienced the car in long drives. The rear seat depth was low and as a result the under thigh support seemed inadequate even for average build person like me (I am 5 ft 7 inch by the way). The legroom was also very average. These two factors did not add to the comfort in the short drive. Any comments from your family members seating at the back? After the drive when my wife went back to our compass, her immediate comment was: "compass feels so much airy in comparison". It is only the "feel" factor, because dimension wise C5 is bigger. I must say that there is no such feeling in the front, it was only in the back.

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Originally Posted by sups (Post 5304453)

However, there was one major turn-off point and for which I would like to have your opinion as you have experienced the car in long drives. The rear seat depth was low and as a result the under thigh support seemed inadequate even for average build person like me (I am 5 ft 7 inch by the way). The legroom was also very average. These two factors did not add to the comfort in the short drive. Any comments from your family members seating at the back? After the drive when my wife went back to our compass, her immediate comment was: "compass feels so much airy in comparison". It is only the "feel" factor, because dimension wise C5 is bigger. I must say that there is no such feeling in the front, it was only in the back.

During my pre-purchase comparison, I too observed the same, that rear seat in the C5 seems less supportive. But I think in the Compass, the rear seat is at an angle which makes one feel the support is better. The rear seat in C5 is more flat in comparison. For someone 5'7", the thighs would certainly not touch the seats fully. The rear leg room is also just about adequate as you've observed, especially for tall people. The individual sliding rear seats is a marketing gimmick as this does not liberate more legroom (rather reduces legroom as it slides forward. This forward sliding is good to increase boot space).
In my C5, the rear seat is primarily occupied by my kids (and sometimes by my wife), and they've been extremely comfortable during the long drives. I've done Mumbai-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Mumbai and Mumbai-Goa-Coorg-Mumbai and all of us have been pretty comfortable. I'd like to add that the comfort also comes from the nice suspension, powerful AC, noise insulation, and the seamless gear changes.
The Compass' airy feeling is probably due to the light colored seats and interior. C5 isn't bad in any sense. Not sure which model you test-drove, but the panoramic sunroof does help to make the cabin feel super spacious and airy.
I see you are from Pune, thats where I had bought my car from. The B4S guys are good and quite helpful. Do another longish test drive before you finalize. DM me if you have any more queries.

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Originally Posted by sups (Post 5304453)

Similar observations as what @streetfighter has quoted above. I have had rear seat occupants who are in the 5.5 to 5.7 feet range accompany me on my outstation drives and they had no trouble whatsoever. Infact the 33% split seats took slightly more getting used to as we all come from cars with rear bench seats but the leg room/underthigh support is more than adequate for most passengers. Good luck with your purchase :)

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Originally Posted by Frusciante (Post 5272592)

[list][*]I usually abhor night driving, even in the city let alone the highways. But the C5 with its spectacular LED projector illumination, driving position, powerful braking and overall road manners and build quality enabled me to undertake an 8+ hour night drive from Kolhapur to Mumbai at highway worthy speeds. A small personal win for me. [*].

Are you sure the top end C5 comes with led projectors, the sales guy said LED's in reflectors or did Citroen cut down on this feature too :unhappy