Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid Archives

During 2022, most manufacturers stopped production of their cars in plants located in Russia, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, according to the latest information, the Russians have found a way to continue the production of some models, such as the Citroen C5 Aircross, in the Stellantis plant with parts manufactured in China.

The Chinese manufacturer Dongfeng Motor Group, Stellantis’ partner in China, supplied parts to the Russian company Automotive Technologies, which began assembling the Citroen C5 Aircross. This is not the first time that Chinese companies violate agreements with other manufacturers, and this time the reason could be the agreement that Stellantis reached with another Chinese company (Leapmotor).

Customs records do not indicate that Stellantis knew about the imports, but evidence obtained by other companies shows a lack of control over their brands in Russia after leaving the country. The Chinese company Dongfeng, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade and Automotive Technologies did not comment on this case.

How Stellantis will respond to this cheeky move by Chinese and Russian companies remains to be seen.

Russia is taking advantage of the current situation to continue producing cars in factories abandoned by their owners through parallel imports. Stellantis and Mitsubishi Motors in Russia own a plant in Kaluga (70% + 30%) where 125,000 vehicles were produced annually. Leaving Russia had a negative impact on Stellantis Group, with a loss of EUR 144 million plus and EUR 87 million in cash.

Source: Reuters

At the beginning of the year, Citroen unveiled the refreshed C5 Aircross, and now the French automaker has released a hybrid version of the popular family SUV.

The plug-in hybrid C5 Aircross is powered by an electric motor that, in combination with a 1.2-liter petrol engine, delivers a total power of 225 hp (165 kW) and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque. The company claims that the Euro 6 engine emits 129 gr of CO2/km, which is almost 12 percent less than the diesel version and 15 percent less than the petrol version. It has a full electric range of up to 41 miles. Power is sent to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The car has a new design language in which curves give way to more structured lines. At the front, LED daytime running lights with a 3D effect stand out. There are also 18″ PULSAR alloy wheels with two-tone graphic elements, new Glossy Black door mirror shells, Glossy black functional roof rails with a new matt black insert in the lower surface, three-dimensional LED light signature at the rear. It is equipped 48V Puretech hybrid technology, and drivers can choose between 3 driving modes: Electric, Hybrid and Sport.

Inside, new Flamine black structured fabric and new gray leather-effect fabric were used. The seats are upholstered in Alcantara black and a black leather-effect fabric that also covers the central console, dashboard and door panels.

When it comes to the price, Citroen says that the price of the hybrid version will not differ much from the diesel and petrol versions. This could be a good choice for drivers who spend more time in city driving, given the reduced consumption of up to 30 percent.

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