Stellantis is gradually electrifying its fleet with the addition of the new turbo 1.2-liter PureTech 48V mild hybrid powertrain. After launching it in the Peugeot 3008 and 5008 earlier this year, the mill found its way under the bonnet of the mechanically-related Citroen C5 Aircross, adding more efficiency into the mix.
The Citroen C5 Aircross was already available with plug-in hybrid powertrains (Hybrid 180 and Hybrid 225) but this is the first time it gets a mild-hybrid system, slotting below them in terms of power and pricing.
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The turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine is mated to a new electrified 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (e-DCS6), sending power to the front wheels. The small permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor produces 28 hp (21 kW / 29 PS) and is integrated within the gearbox casing alongside the inverter and the ECU.
The powertrain’s output is 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS) and 230 Nm (170 lb-ft) of torque, but the electric motor can contribute an additional 12 hp (9 kW / 12 PS) under strong acceleration. Energy is sourced from a 48V lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 432 Wh that is mounted under the driver’s seat.
According to Citroen, the overall savings in the average fuel consumption compared to the non-electrified equivalent is 1 lt/100 km, representing an improvement of 15% that can go up to 30% in the city. In fact, Citroen suggests that despite the mild electrification, as much as 50% of urban driving can be done with zero emissions. The average CO2 emissions under the combined WLTP cycle are 129 g/km while the model is compatible with the Euro 6.4 standard.
Citroen didn’t change anything on the exterior of the C5 Aircross which was originally introduced in Europe in 2018, with a facelift following in 2022. Likewise, interior changes compared to the ICE-only models are limited to the graphics of the digital instrument cluster. The tachometer turns blue when the ICE is switched off, there is a new power meter with Charge, Eco, and Power markings, while special graphics are showing the energy flow and the percentage of driving completed in EV mode.
The Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 will be available to order soon with the first deliveries set to commence in the second half of 2023. The mild-hybrid SUV will be offered in Feel, Feel Pack, Shine, and Shine Pack trims, as with the other powertrain options in its lineup.
