Citroen has expanded the engine lineup for its C5 Aircross SUV with a new, simpler and less powerful option that will most likely cost less than the others, although the price is pending.
The original C5 Aircross came with two plug-in hybrid systems to choose from: one makes 180 PS (178 hp / 132 kW) and the other one 225 PS (222 hp / 165 kW). The new version is called ‘C5 Aircross Hybrid 136’ and delivers the titular 136 PS (134 hp / 100 kW) alongside 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque. Its 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine is mated to a six-speed DCT where a compact e-motor resides, adding 28 PS (28 hp / 21 kW) and 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) of torque when most needed.
The internal combustion engine has been reworked with 40% new parts, Citroen says. It runs according to the Miller cycle and is highly heat-efficient. The electric motor mostly just assists it during the launch, but you can use it to park the car with precision at a low speed. When braking, the motor switches to power recovery mode. Finally, it can briefly exceed its output by 12 PS (12 hp / 9 kW) when rapid acceleration is needed.
The battery is rather modest at just 432 watt-hours of capacity (that’s 0.432 kWh). The all-electric range is not specified anywhere. but the carmaker claims the fuel economy lets you save an additional liter of petrol per 100 kilometers of range compared to the standard C5 Aircross with a 130-PS (128-hp / 96-kW) engine. That, and it produces 15% less emissions.
The bookings will become available soon, and dealerships in Europe expect the novelty to arrive early in the second half of the year.
