Mat’s Car of the Day: why I’d choose the Citroen C5 Aircross over the Jaecoo 7
Car changing is a big deal
Mat Watson reckons the Citroen C5 Aircross is a brilliant family SUV, and there are some cracking deals available on this car which make it look more appealing than the Chinese competition.
The new Citroen C5 Aircross is a Carwow Award winner – currently holding the Family Values trophy for its blend of space, tech and comfort. Chinese alternatives such as the Jaecoo 7 may be cheaper on paper, but in reality the Citroen may work out more cost-effective in the long run.
Here are three reasons why I think you should consider this car over a Jaecoo 7, as well as my tips for getting the best deal on a new Citroen C5 Aircross.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Three reasons I love the Citroen C5 Aircross
1. It’s brilliant to drive
The Citroen C5 Aircross may not be that much fun on a twisty road, but that’s not what it’s for. This is a comfy cruiser with fantastic suspension that absorbs bumps really well. It’s much more relaxing on a long drive than the jiggly Jaecoo 7, and the steering is more precise as well.
2. There are loads of engine options
There’s a version of the Citroen C5 Aircross to suit pretty much every need. You can get a 1.2-litre petrol hybrid which will return more than 50mpg, or there’s the plug-in hybrid with up to 62 miles of electric range. Fancy a full EV? Well there’s an electric e-C5 Aircross which can do up to 420 miles on a charge.
3. It’s really practical
There’s loads of room in the back of the Citroen C5 Aircross – even lanky teenagers will find it hard to complain. The 565-litre boot may not be class-leading, but it’s 65 litres more than you get in a Jaecoo 7 and it’s easy to load thanks to the low lip.
Citroen C5 Aircross deals: why leasing makes the most sense
The Citroen C5 Aircross starts from just over £31,000, which is a couple of thousand pounds more than the Jaecoo 7. However, it’s a different story when you lease your car.
Over three years and 30,000 miles, a Jaecoo 7 will cost you £282 per month with an up-front payment of £3,390. That works out to a total of just under £13,300.
On the other hand, I found a deal on a Citroen C5 Aircross over the same three years and 30,000 miles for £270 per month. With an upfront payment of £3,542, that brings it to a total of just under £13,000.
And this isn’t for the basic version either, it’s the top-spec Max model with the 1.2-litre engine. You get heated front seats, adaptive cruise control which will steer to keep you in lane, 19-inch alloy wheels and a surround-view camera.
Three annoying things about the Citroen C5 Aircross
As good as this car is, the Citroen C5 Aircross isn’t perfect. Here are three annoying things to consider before buying.
1. Fiddly infotainment system
The C5 Aircross may have an impressive-looking portrait touchscreen, but in practice it’s pretty annoying to use. The menu layout is pretty confusing, and the screen itself isn’t the most responsive. I prefer the infotainment system in the Jaecoo 7.
2. Scratchy interior plastics
While there are details in the cabin which make the C5 Aircross look upmarket, such as the fabric on the dashboard and soft leather seats, the hard, brittle plastics on the doors and centre console do let the side down a bit.
3. Rubbish cupholders
Family SUVs need to do cupholders right, and the C5 Aircross fails at this. There’s one weird-shaped cupholder next to the gear selector, then the other two are underneath the floating central screen. Getting anything in or out involves an awkward reacharound, and I managed to spill my coffee while retrieving it.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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