Citroen adds a frugal non-plug-in Hybrid engine to its C5 Aircross. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 model.

Ten Second Review

Citroen's C5 Aircross always used to sell best with diesel power. Well this petrol Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 version aims to convert black pump loyalists - and quite a few other customers seeking an efficient, practical mid-sized SUV.

Background

Here's something new. A non-plug-in Hybrid engine in a Citroen - in this case, the C5 Aircross mid-sized SUV. We've seen a Plug-in Hybrid powertrain fitted to this model for some time, but that's quite a pricey confection. We've never had a non-plug-in Citroen Hybrid of any sort - until this car, the C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 e-DCS6. You probably didn't notice its arrival on sale, but it could hardly be more significant. For most of this century you see, Citroen sales have relied heavily on diesel power, as did initial versions of this C5 Aircross when it was first launched back in 2017. But diesel has been castigated by the green lobby in recent years and sales of black pump-fuelled models have fallen off a cliff, though Citroen still defiantly offers them. But only until the new Hybrid engine we look at here gets into its sales stride. Diesel economy, petrol refinement and sensible pricing. It ought to create the ideal C5 Aircross, but does it?

Driving Experience

At first glance, you might dismiss the engine on offer here as Citroen's usual 1.2-litre PureTech petrol unit with a bit of electrified tinsel - but there's a lot more to it than that. This three cylinder powerplant's been redesigned (over 40% of the parts are new) and it works not with the usual EAT8 8-speed auto gearbox but with an all-new 6-speed dual clutch transmission called e-DCS6, which has been specifically designed to work with the Hybrid system. The set-up's 48V electric motor is actually built into that gearbox and adds 12hp and 55Nm of extra power to an engine upgraded in output from 127bhp to 136bhp over the (continuing) un-electrified PureTech original unit. This is one of those proper hybrids able to run regularly without the aid of fossil fuel: indeed Citroen claims it will do so for around 50% of the time around town. Get beyond the city limits and performance is reasonable enough, 62mph from rest dispatched in 10.2s en route 124mph. You might be disappointed to find that those stats are broadly the same as those of the ordinary PureTech 130 model, but this Hybrid 136 variant goes about its business more quietly, except for a bit of electrical whine when it's in regen mode. You'll know there's an engine under the bonnet when you start up, but if you're commuting in suburbia, you'll quickly forget the fact once underway as the Hybrid system cuts in. As usual in a C5 Aircross, urban driving is also aided by Citroen's Advanced Comfort Suspension set-up, which adds extra bump stops to the shock absorbers, which smooth progress over poor surfaces.

Design and Build

Apart from the badge work, there are no visual changes to this Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 model. The C5 Aircross was revised in early 2022, borrowing some of the styling cues of the brand's executive C5 X as part of a refreshed exterior design, with a more vertical and modern front end that brought sleeker aerodynamics. The front grille was restyled and gained a revised version of the iconic Citroen logo, seemingly detached from the daytime running lights, with chevrons that appear in black lacquer in a chrome setting, this standing out overtly against the central grille. The C5 Aircross shares the same EMP2 platform as the Stellantis Group's other mid-sized SUVs, the DS7 and the Peugeot 3008, the latter sharing exactly the same Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 drivetrain. This Citroen's 4.5m long and 1.84m wide with a 2.73m wheelbase, so is a touch bigger than cheaper cars in this class like Nissan's Qashqai and SEAT's Ateca. The brand's signature 'Air Bumps' make an appearance just above the lower side sills, but they're toned down here, just as they are in the current C4. Inside, front seat occupants get the brand's unique 'Advanced Comfort' seat design, which features a core of high-density foam and an additional 15mm top layer of textured foam to ensure maximum comfort and support for the driver and passengers. There's a 12.3-inch digital driver's display and a 10-inch high-definition touchscreen that's been positioned higher up on the dashboard to reduce stress by ensuring the driver keeps their eyes on the road. Nice touches include an active air quality system that uses an air-purifying carbon filter. This Gallic SUV's lengthy wheelbase translates into a cabin that feels significantly larger than that of most models in this class. In the rear, unlike most of its class rivals, the car features three individual, same-width seats that slide, recline and fold flat. Not only does this mean that everyone on-board enjoys an exceptional level of comfort no matter where they sit, but it also creates the numerous possibilities for configuring the interior space. It means the boot can be increased in size from 580-litres to 720-litres with the rear seats in place. That boot by the way, is the same size as the conventional petrol variant. A Plug-in Hybrid C5 Aircross gives you 120-litres less. With the rear seats folded down in a C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 e-DCS6, there's up to 1,630-litres of boot space.

Market and Model

Citroen is offering this Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 model with the top two C5 Aircross trim levels - 'Max' and 'e-Series', priced respectively at either just over £31,000 or around £33,500. That entry-level figure, by the way (just over £3,000 more than an ordinary PureTech 130 auto variant), is around £3,000 less than the mechanically-identical Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 136 e-DSC6 model. You've really got to want the Peugeot's sharky looks to pay that. With base 'Max' trim, buyers get the brand's 'Drive Assist Pack' with Adaptive Cruise Control, Advanced Comfort Seats with Alcantara upholstery and Active Safety Brake with video and radar assistance, while the 'Urban Black' interior ambience brings an upmarket feel to the cabin. The 'e-Series Edition' sits at the top of the range. It has been tailored specifically for the UK market and gains a 'Perla Nera Black' bi-tone roof with an exclusive Anodised Bronze Colour Pack. There is also an opening panoramic glass sunroof, wireless charging and a motorised tailgate with hands-free access. Safety-wise, there are a total of 19 driver-assistance systems available across the range, including Highway Driver Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Active Lane Departure Warning. Buyers can heavily personalise their C5 Aircross, creating a model that suits them perfectly, primarily through Colour Packs which add flourishes to the front air intakes and the side Airbump panels. Four Colour Packs are available: Glossy Black, Dark Chrome, Anodised Bronze and Energetic Blue. There's also a wide choice of body paint colours intended to complement the more assertive look: Polar White, Pearl White, Perla Nera Black, Platinum Grey, Cumulus Grey and Eclipse Blue.

Cost of Ownership

The efficiency stats for this C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 model look encouragingly competitive, with the combined cycle fuel figure being 53.3mpg. For some reason, the 129g/km quoted CO2 return is higher than the lowest figure quoted for a comparable identically-engineered Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 136 eDCS6. Which is significant because if this Citroen could have got closer to the 120g/km mark that Peugeot manages, it would be a closer rival for a key class player, Nissan's Qashqai e-POWER. Most other competitors though, offer emissions at or around this Citroen's level and quite a few of them struggle to match its fuel figure. For reference, the last time we looked at a C5 Aircross BlueHDi 130 diesel auto model, it was rated at up to 145g/km of CO2 and up to 54.1mpg on the combined cycle.  Citroen reckons that this Hybrid 136 e-DSC6 model's 48V mild hybrid petrol engine technology reduces fuel consumption by 15% over an ordinary PureTech 130 model, with these savings mostly being achieved during urban driving, where as we told you in our 'Driving' section, the brand claims the car can run on just electric power for up to 50% of the time. Motorway efficiency remains unchanged. Helping you keep garage costs in check is the affordable three year servicing plan that's available at point of purchase. Finally, there's the usual unremarkable Citroen three year / 60,000 mile warranty.

Summary

Having spent years with the C5 Aircross hoping the customer transition from combustion power to EVs could be covered by an efficient petrol engine and a minority-interest PHEV option, Citroen has finally got around to bringing us a proper self-charging Hybrid. It's a pity we didn't get this Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 model earlier as it looks to be the current pick of the range. With this variant, you get diesel-like efficiency returns, town travel that will be largely battery-powered and impressive highway refinement. All for a price that no similarly-sized full-Hybrid mid-level SUV in the segment can get anywhere close to. It's quite likely that the C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 isn't currently on your shopping list if you're looking for a crossover in this class. But on this evidence, there's every reason why it should be.