√2023 Citroen C5 Aircross due in Australia this year, price rises likely

More power, lower fuel consumption and new luxury features are bound for the Citroen C5 Aircross family SUV in Australia before the end of 2022.

The facelifted 2023 Citroen C5 Aircross mid-size SUV is expected in Australian showrooms before the end of this year, with more power and luxury features – but likely price rises.

Information provided to Citroen dealers – and published on government websites – indicates the updated C5 Aircross is due in showrooms in November or December in a single model variant, expected to wear the ‘Sport’ badge.

In addition to the new look seen in European photos, the facelifted C5 Aircross in Australia will introduce a more powerful and efficient engine and transmission combination, as well as plusher leather and new safety features.

Peugeot Citroen Australia is yet to announce any details of the new model – such as pricing, arrival timing or features – beyond confirmation in recent months the updated C5 Aircross will be sold locally.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, however dealers estimate drive-away prices to break $60,000 drive-away – correlating to a price rise over the current Shine model’s $56,600 to $58,600 drive-away price, depending on state and territory government fees.

The Shine is priced nationally from $52,300 before on-road costs – $8310 more than the Shine cost in 2019 ($43,990 plus on-road costs), despite the deletion of blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors in that time (but addition of LED headlights).

Helping to justify the expected price rise is a revised 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which now develops 133kW and 250Nm – up from 121kW/240Nm – and complies with stricter Euro 6 emissions standards. Automatic stop/start tech is also expected to feature.

With an eight-speed automatic transmission (up from six speeds), claimed fuel economy in combined (urban and highway driving) falls from 7.9 to 5.7 litres per 100km – a reduction of 28 per cent – while claimed CO2 emissions have dropped from 179 to 130g/km.

Government data suggests the upgraded engine – also fitted to the related Peugeot 3008 GT Sport – is quieter, producing 73 decibels at 3750rpm in government testing, compared to 75 decibels previously.

Premium (95-octane) unleaded petrol is still required, and it remains front-wheel drive.

In addition to the new engine and gearbox, dealers have been advised of a higher level of standard equipment, including nappa leather seat upholstery and adaptive cruise control (previously offered in Europe, but not in Australia).

A panoramic sunroof is expected to be optional.

As reported previously by Drive, highlights of the facelifted C5 Aircross in Europe include a new front fascia with twin-stripe LED headlights, new wheel and tail-light designs, a restyled centre console, and an enlarged 10-inch infotainment touchscreen (up from eight inches).

While Australia will receive a more potent petrol engine, there’s no sign of the plug-in hybrid available overseas, nor the 2.0-litre diesel engine approved for sale locally in government documents.

The 2023 Citroen C5 Aircross is due in Australian showrooms before the end of this year. Pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.

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