New Citroen C5 Aircross gets mild-hybrid power

The 2023 Citroen C5 Aircross will soon be available with a new electrified powertrain that’s claimed to boost efficiency of the mid-size SUV by up to 15 per cent compared to the current 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo offered in Australia.

On sale in parts of Europe from July but not yet confirmed for Australia, the new Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 uses the French car-maker’s new 48-volt mild-hybrid technology in concert with a revised 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.

Whereas the Citroen C5 Aircross is already available with plug-in hybrid powertrain options in overseas markets (Hybrid 180 and Hybrid 225), the Hybrid 136 does not require plugging in but still enables full-electric power for shorts bursts at low speeds.

The latest 1.2 Puretech engine (100kW/230Nm) combines with an electric motor (21kW/55Nm), a belt-driven starter/generator, a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission and a small 0.4kWh lithium-ion battery.

In the city, Citroen claims the C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 can complete 50 per cent of its journey in EV mode, using up to 30 per cent less fuel overall on the urban cycle compared to models fitted with the same 1.2-litre turbo (with eight-speed auto).

Under hard acceleration, the electric motor provides an additional 9kW of boost, while the new electrified dual-clutch e-DCS6 transmission is said to offer quicker changes than a traditional torque-converter auto.

Helping drivers maximise the benefit of driving in EV mode, the rev counter now glows blue when in 100 per cent electric mode.

There’s new graphics showing the energy flow, battery charge level and driving mode (Charge, Eco or Power), and the car will also keep tally of how far you’ve driven in EV mode.

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au