The Aircross is Citroen's riposte to the likes of the Hyundai Tucson and Nissan Qashqai, and it's based on the same chassis and engine family as Peugeot's 3008. Citroen has decided, though, to go for a heavy-on-the-comfort vibe, and fitted the C5 Aircross with softly sprung suspension (to invoke the influence of classic cars such as the CX and DS) and sofa-like seats.
In that, it has been partially successful - the ride quality really is very soft and springy, and rather a pleasant change from the hard-riding deportment of many rivals. There are downsides, though. Handling through corners is a touch more roly-poly, and while those seats are initially comfortable, for some of our testers they induced backache on longer journeys.
It is a very spacious car, though, and for growing families it has one major advantage - three individual seats in the back, making the fitting of booster seats and the like a relative doddle.
Best model: C5 Aircross BlueHDI Feel for €32,395
Price range: €26,495 to €41,945. Finance from €250 per month.
Co2 emissions: 138 to 168g/km
Sum up: Different, and practical, but an acquired taste.
* A note on Co2 figures: For almost all the cars in the Top 100, we've quoted the stricter WLTP figures for Co2 emissions. A few are still quoted on their older NEDC2 figure, and that's the number they'll be taxed on. If you're confused at all, just consult your local dealer for specific data for the make and model in which you're interested.