Citroën's journey in India has been marked by challenges and perseverance. Since its market entry in April 2022, the company has sold over 17,000 vehicles up to February 2024, with the C3 hatchback leading sales at 11,869 units. Now it is coming up with C5 Aircorss which has hybrid powertrain. Let's get into it.

The C5 Aircross is already a big SUV, and the 2025 C5 Aircross 5 is even 150 mm longer—making it larger and more spacious. But size isn’t everything. The real game-changer could be the hybrid powertrain. If Citroën can prove better fuel efficiency, especially for Indian buyers who prioritize mileage, it might just have a shot at success.

Price will be crucial. With Maruti’s Grand Vitara gearing up for a 7-seater version, Citroën can’t afford to price the C5 Aircross too high. Indian buyers are practical—why choose a Citroën when there are more reliable, familiar brands offering similar features?

The 2025 C5 Aircross will be built on the STLA Medium platform, which it shares with its Stellantis siblings like the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, as well as the Opel Grandland. This shared platform allows Stellantis to offer a range of powertrains—including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric—across different models while keeping production costs down.

The STLA Medium is one of four modular platforms Stellantis developed to support multi-energy vehicles. It is designed specifically for C- and D-segment cars (mid-size SUVs, sedans, and crossovers). This platform is flexible—it can accommodate everything from traditional engines to fully electric setups.

Unlike older platforms limited to petrol or diesel, STLA Medium supports hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and pure electric (BEV) models.

For electric models, it can handle battery packs up to 98 kWh, offering a range of up to 700 km (in ideal conditions).

C5 Aircross 2025 Expected specs

Given its competition with the Grand Vitara's upcoming 7-seater and Hyundai Alcazar, the 2025 C5 Aircross will likely offer practical and fuel-efficient engine options. Here’s what to expect:

1.5L Petrol Engine with Hybrid Powertrain

• Likely a mild-hybrid or strong-hybrid system for better fuel efficiency.
• Could deliver around 115-130 hp, similar to the hybrid setups in competitors.
• This option would target mileage-conscious Indian buyers looking for affordable running costs.

2.0L Diesel Engine

• A tried-and-tested turbo-diesel option for long-distance and highway users.
• Expected power: 150-170 hp, with strong torque for a more planted drive.
• This would directly challenge the Alcazar diesel and offer a robust alternative for SUV buyers.

A Cheaper Hybrid Alternative to the Innova Hycross?

With a size difference of around 150 mm between the C5 Aircross and Toyota Innova Hycross, Citroën could position itself as a more affordable strong-hybrid alternative. While the Hycross is larger and more established, the C5 Aircross could undercut it in price while still offering:

• Hybrid Efficiency: Similar mileage benefits as the Hycross but at a lower price point.
• Spacious Cabin: Increased length means more interior room, competing with larger 3-row SUVs.
• Feature-Rich Package: Expect ADAS, a digital cockpit, and premium comfort—Citroën’s known for its smooth suspension.

Expected price

To compete effectively, the 2025 C5 Aircross will need to price its hybrid variant aggressively. Given that the Grand Vitara already offers a mild-hybrid system starting at ₹13-14 lakh, Citroën could aim to start its hybrid range in the same bracket. This pricing strategy would attract customers who want better fuel efficiency without spending Innova Hycross money.

Expected Prices:

• Base Hybrid Variant: Expected at ₹13-14 lakh to lure budget-conscious hybrid buyers.
• Fully-Loaded Hybrid: Likely to touch ₹20-22 lakh, competing with Alcazar and Hycross.
• Diesel Variant: If offered, it could range between ₹16-20 lakh, appealing to highway users.