It doesn’t really do sharp handling, it’s not quite big enough to match the best in class for practicality, nor does it come with seven seats. Yet don’t overlook the C5 Aircross if those limitations don’t worry you, because it has a lot of other things going for it; its ride is superb on most roads, it cruises along supremely quietly, it has a reasonable purchase price and very reasonable running costs.
Pros Mostly a super-smooth ride Quiet inside at speed Frugal engines
Cons Wallowy handling No seven-seat option Question marks of Citroën's reliability
The C5 Aircross is Citroen's (late) leap onto the family-crossover bandwagon.A plug-in hybrid arrives early in 2020. The big draw with that one will be better fuel economy for commuting, and lower tax. Interestingly Citroen elected to make its PHEV front-drive only to keep the price down. Whereas Peugeot, which sells 3008s at a higher price, went for a more expensive PHEV system with 4WD via an extra rear-mounted motor.
Pros Very comfortable in all sorts of ways. Looks different. No sporty pretence
Cons No sporty actuality. Ride not as consistent as billed. Occasionally irritating screen system
Pros Eye-catching looks Generous boot space Comfortable to drive
Cons Some low-rent interior bits Awkward infotainment system Rear space is tight
Range-topping MG SUV big on value, and now available as a plug-in hybrid.
PROS Roomy and practical interior Comfortable seats and ride Well equipped with loads of kit Great value for money
CONS Unresponsive, noisy engine Uninspiring handling Some hard interior plastics Less than amazing finance deals
PROS Powerful and engaging driveline Heaps of standard kit Australia's cheapest PHEV SUV
CONS Fuel figure on test far from claim Misses out on seven-year warranty Benefits may be misconstrued
PROS Smooth power delivery Cheaper and better-equipped than rivals Spacious interior
CONS Shorter warranty than other HS models Heavy steering Infotainment set-up needs some finessing
