The new Citroen C5 X Plug-in Hybrid will make its Australian debut in Victoria this weekend, at the Citroen Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo cycling event, ahead of a confirmed market entry next year.
Citroen Australia launched the new C5 X last year, featuring a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine producing 133kW. However, overseas the model has been offered with a plug-in hybrid option as well. Now, the option is finally joining Australia.
Local specifications are yet to be confirmed but overseas the PHEV option comprises of a 1.6-litre turbo paired with an 81kW electric motor. It remains front-wheel drive and unfortunately misses out on the PHEV package offered in the Peugeot 3008 PHEV.
Instead of receiving the full 222kW power hit like in the AWD 3008 PHEV, the two-wheel drive setup develops a combined 165kW, as seen in the Peugeot 508 PHEV which is now available in wagon form in Australia. Citroen claims 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds in overseas trim, making it the quickest variant in the lineup.
The hybrid option continues with an Aisin eight-speed auto like in the existing C5 X. The 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery provides a full charge range of 63km. But again, this is in overseas form so Australian specs might be slightly different. Speaking about its local arrival, Citroen Australia managing director, Kate Gillis, said:
“We’re delighted to offer more choice to Australian consumers as we get ready to introduce the new Citroen C5 X PHEV, a vehicle that champions Citroen’s core design language. Combining Citroen’s defining Advanced Comfort technology with the tranquillity of electric driving, the C5 X PHEV is the perfect car for modern Australian living.”
Standard features and whatnot are yet to be outlined for the local market, but we can expect the same new 12-inch touch-screen multimedia system inside, offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 3D sat-nav and digital radio, as well as Citroen’s renowned comfort-focused seats and suspension.
Boot space is rated at 545L in the regular C5 X, expanding to 1640L with the rear seats folded. That’s reduced to 485L in the plug-in hybrid due to the electrical gear under the cabin.
C5 X sales have been trickling along in Australia, according to VFACTS new vehicle registration figures. The August report shows 46 units shifted in the first eight months of the year. Despite being an SUV, or at least a crossover, it is listed in the ‘large car below $70,000’ category by VFACTS, where it accounted for jus 2.4 per cent market share. Its rivals are apparently the Kia Stinger and Skoda Superb.
With the regular C5 X priced from $57,670 in Australia (excluding on-roads), we’d suggest the PHEV will be around $10,000 dearer. Interested punters can register their interest now via Citroen’s website, however, more details and pricing is expected to be announced later this year. It’s scheduled to arrive during the first half of 2024.