Citroen C5 Aircross E-Series Hybrid joins our fleet | Long-term test

Another day, another grey Citroen C5 Aircross joins the Fleet News long-term test fleet.

That’s no bad thing, of course. We’re quite fond of Citroen’s mid-size crossover, after all. Regular readers, however, may remember that we tested the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, in 2023.

Our latest acquisition is the new, and significantly cheaper, Hybrid version. It’s less complex, as it doesn’t need to be charged, but CO2 emissions are higher, so company car drivers will pay more tax.

At £33,815 - in E-Series trim - ‘our’ C5 Aircross Hybrid is more than £5,000 cheaper than the equivalent PHEV model.

The powertrain uses a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, paired with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. It develops 136PS and promises around 50mpg.

CO2 emissions of 130g/km place the car in the 31% benefit-in-kind (BiK) tax band. If you opt for the lower-ranking Max trim level (£31,225) then it slips into the 30% banding.

By opting for the range-topping E-Series trim, our car comes with larger 19-inch wheels (hence the BiK penalty) but also gets a full suite of advance driver assistance systems, Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry and a panoramic sunroof.

The C5 Aircross also benefits from Citroen’s Advanced Comfort suspension and seat technology, giving luxury-car comfort levels. This really makes it stand out against just about anything else in the segment.

It competes with some the UK’s best-selling models, including the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage. Citroen’s market share in this segment is relatively small, at less than 2%, in comparison to the industry heavyweights. True fleet sales account for around a quarter of all C5 Aircross models sold last year.

Over the coming months, we’re looking forward to putting the car through its paces and seeing if the new hybrid engine is worth consideration.