FLOATS LIKE A BUTTERFLY

Does Citroen’s first product in India also sting like a bee?

-  Aditya Upadhyaula

I’m sure you’ve heard of Citroën before, but I’m going to walk you through the company’s history anyway. It’s a company that has been making automobiles since the turn of the century, the 20th century, that is. Over the years, it has pioneered automotive technology we take for granted these days. The Citroën Traction Avant is known to be one of the first cars to feature the front-wheel-drive layout that we’re so used to these days. Not only that, the car was also one of the first to feature a monocoque construction as well. Not satisfied with making executive sedans, Citroën also made one of the most recognisable cars of all time. I’m talking, of course, about the Citroën 2CV. It showed the world that a mass-market, people’s car could still be fun to drive. The innovation didn’t stop there, though. After making some legends like the DS, CX and SM, we finally come to 2021 and the C5 Aircross SUV.

For starters, more options in the marketplace is always a good thing, but that aside, the C5 is also a fresh take on the SUV form factor. On the outside, it still has classic SUV proportions, but the details within these proportions are anything but classic. Starting at the front, the smiley-face grille houses the chevrons that form the Citroën logo and integrates nicely with its split headlamps. Large air dams in the lower grille and side cladding can be had in a contrasting colour, a feature that’s been inspired by sneaker design. Coming to the back, you’re greeted by a wide-set cluster of LED taillamps. Overall, there’s lots to admire about the C5’s design. It’s definitely French and it attracts a lot of attention on the road.