Citroën is a leading French automobile manufacturer, now owned by Netherlands based Stellantis N.V., which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Italian/ American) and Groupe PSA (French). Stellantis owns a diverse and comprehensive portfolio of leading automotive brands, to include, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Jeep, FIAT, Alfa Romeo etc. Previously, Peugeot owned a 89.95% stake in the company.
But of course, Citroën started life in 1919 in a much humbler context. The company was founded by André Citroën, a French industrialist. Though Citroën has had many successful models, the Citroën 2CV certainly stands out. The car was unveiled in 1948 and remained in production up until 1990. In total, over 9 million 2CV variants were manufactured during this period. In 2009 Citroën announced the introduction of a premium brand ‘DS’ (Different Spirit/ Distinctive Series). Citroën is present in 101 countries and has a network of 6,200 points of sale and service throughout the world.
The Citroen electric vehicle (EV) portfolio includes both, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models:
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
The Citroen C5 Aircross SUV has been manufactured since 2017. The concept Aircross vehicle was unveiled at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show. Sales in Europe commenced in 2018. The Citroën C5 Aircross is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
The distinctive exterior styled C5 Aircross PHEV SUV is worth consideration for those individuals, families and corporate drivers keen on a spacious plug-in electric SUV, but at more affordable prices. As is the case for electric driving, there is significant room for financial savings when driven on e-mode.
Driving on electric mode will cost between 5 pence and 10 pence per mile, significantly lower compared to using a petrol or diesel combustion engine. Moreover, taking advantage of the electric hybrid drivetrain, powered by the onboard EV battery, will improve the fuel economy of the electric vehicle.
Citroen claims that the C5 Aircross PHEV has a fuel economy up to 166 mpg, considerably better than the equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) variant (45.56 mpg). Of course, if the PHEV is driven primarily on the combustion engine, expect the fuel economy to be closer to 45 mpg.
The C5 plug-in hybrid SUV has a 13.2 kWh onboard EV battery, with a WLTP certified electric range up to 34.1 miles. Both the size of the EV battery and the claimed range, is what we have now come to expect of most PHEVs currently available in the market. Though an electric range up to 34 miles may not seem a lot, the reality is that the majority of commutes in the UK are shorter commutes, and in fact, an average daily distanced travelled by 2/3rd of drivers is 30 miles.
Even taking into account factors that will reduce the claimed electric driving range, the PHEV should be able to delivery close to 30 electric miles on a fully charged EV battery i.e. more than sufficient for most driving needs. Of course, the key is to keep the EV battery charged and adopting a good habit of ‘topping up’ on a regular basis, will be imperative in taking advantage of all that the electric drivetrain has to offer!
Another way to improve the efficiency of an EV is to take advantage of the regenerative braking profiles on offer. Getting used to regen braking does not take time!
For company-car drivers, there is the added incentive of a lower benefit-in-kind (BiK-12%) tax charge for PHEVs, given the lower tailpipe emissions. The C5 PHEV has a claimed 32g CO2/km tailpipe emissions and a far lower BiK tax rate compared to the equivalent combustion engine variant, resulting in lower tax bills.
The Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV combines the 1.6-litre (4 cylinder) PureTech 180 petrol combustion engine with an electric motor (80 kW). The performance of the electric vehicle (EV) is not going to help you win the Formula 1, but is adequate for the affordable price tag.
The front-wheel drive Aircross plug-in hybrid can achieve 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds. Total available power is 225 HP and 250 Nm torque. Top speed is 140 mph. The electric car has three driving modes: electric, hybrid and sport. The higher performance sport mode will most impact the EV range!
In terms of practicality, the plug-in hybrid SUV has much to offer. The EV is spacious for adults seated in the front and rear (ample headroom and legroom). The visibility from the driver seat is good and despite the placement of the EV battery, the boot space is 460 L. The interior quality and specification is adequate and reflects the retail price of the vehicle.
The PHEV does not qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
The Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV SUV(credit: Citroen)
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