The Citroen C5 Aircross I (Phase II), specifically the 1.2 PureTech 131 horsepower variant, was produced from February 2022 to July 2024. This model represents a mid-life refresh of the first-generation C5 Aircross, a compact SUV designed to offer a blend of comfort, practicality, and distinctive styling. Positioned as an entry-to-mid-range offering within the C5 Aircross lineup, the 1.2 PureTech 131 hp model aimed to provide a balance between affordability and acceptable performance for everyday driving. It competed with other popular compact SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, and Hyundai Tucson.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Citroen |
| Model | C5 Aircross |
| Generation | C5 Aircross I (Phase II, 2022) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 PureTech (131 Hp) |
| Start of production | February, 2022 |
| End of production | July, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 7-7.1 l/100 km (33.6 – 33.1 US mpg, 40.4 – 39.8 UK mpg, 14.3 – 14.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 6-6.1 l/100 km (39.2 – 38.6 US mpg, 47.1 – 46.3 UK mpg, 16.7 – 16.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 5.3-5.4 l/100 km (44.4 – 43.6 US mpg, 53.3 – 52.3 UK mpg, 18.9 – 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 6.1-6.2 l/100 km (38.6 – 37.9 US mpg, 46.3 – 45.6 UK mpg, 16.4 – 16.1 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 140-142 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp, 93.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm, 163.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 131 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 109.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1750 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | HN05 |
| Engine displacement | 1199 cm3 (73.17 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1405 kg (3097.49 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1940 kg (4276.97 lbs.) |
| Max load | 535 kg (1179.47 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 580 l (20.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1630 l (57.56 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 53 l (14 US gal | 11.66 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1350 kg (2976.24 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 740 kg (1631.42 lbs.) |
| Length | 4500 mm (177.17 in.) |
| Width | 1969 mm (77.52 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2099 mm (82.64 in.) |
| Height | 1689 mm (66.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2730 mm (107.48 in.) |
| Front track | 1579-1601 mm (62.17 – 63.03 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1608-1630 mm (63.31 – 64.17 in.) |
| Front overhang | 917 mm (36.1 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 853 mm (33.58 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 230 mm (9.06 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.7 m (35.1 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/55 R18; 205/55 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 18; 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this C5 Aircross variant is the PSA Group’s (now Stellantis) 1.2 PureTech engine, specifically the HN05 code. This is a three-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine with direct fuel injection. The engine utilizes a single-scroll turbocharger and an intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. The 1199cc displacement produces 131 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 230 Nm (169.64 lb-ft) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine features four valves per cylinder and a timing chain for durability. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, directing power to the front wheels. While an automatic transmission was available on other C5 Aircross trims, the 1.2 PureTech 131 hp was exclusively offered with a manual gearbox in many markets.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.2 PureTech 131 hp engine, coupled with the manual transmission, provides adequate performance for typical urban and highway driving. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 10.5 seconds. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in power, but the three-cylinder engine can feel somewhat strained at higher speeds or when fully loaded. The manual transmission offers precise shifts, but the gear ratios are tuned for fuel economy rather than outright performance. Compared to the more powerful 1.6 PureTech or diesel variants, this engine delivers a more economical driving experience but lacks the same level of responsiveness. The relatively low weight of the vehicle helps to mitigate the engine’s limitations.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.2 PureTech 131 hp C5 Aircross typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, rear parking sensors, and a suite of safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Higher trim levels offered upgrades such as a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a larger touchscreen display, and advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for partial leather trim on higher-spec models. The dashboard layout was consistent across the range, featuring a modern and functional design.
Chassis & Braking
The C5 Aircross utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup prioritizes ride comfort, a hallmark of Citroen vehicles. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and controlled ride. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The C5 Aircross features electric power steering, which provides light and precise steering feel. The vehicle’s ride height of 230mm (9.06 inches) provides good ground clearance for navigating rough terrain.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.2 PureTech 131 hp C5 Aircross was generally well-received by critics as a practical and affordable option within the compact SUV segment. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could feel underpowered, particularly when carrying passengers or luggage. Fuel economy was praised, with combined WLTP figures ranging from 6.1 to 6.2 l/100 km. Compared to the diesel variants, the 1.2 PureTech offered lower purchase price but higher running costs due to fuel consumption. Against the 1.6 PureTech, it provided a more economical option but sacrificed performance.
Legacy
The 1.2 PureTech engine has become a mainstay in the Stellantis lineup, powering numerous models across various brands. While generally reliable, early versions of the 1.2 PureTech engine were known to experience issues with the timing chain, although these issues were largely addressed in later iterations. The C5 Aircross, as a whole, has established itself as a comfortable and stylish SUV. The 1.2 PureTech 131 hp variant remains a popular choice in the used car market, offering a balance of affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. Its relatively simple mechanicals and readily available parts contribute to its long-term appeal.
