New Citroën C5 Aircross acclaimed in the UK: a royal entry

The new C5 Aircross has barely arrived in European dealerships, yet it is already beginning its harvest of awards. Breaking with tradition, it is in the United Kingdom that Citroën's new large SUV receives the Family Car of the Year award, a title received for the second consecutive time.

C5 Aircross: the benchmark for "Family Values" in 2025

Recognition came from one of the most influential players in the digital automotive world. At the highly anticipated Carwow Car of the Year Awards 2025, the new Citroën C5 Aircross was crowned winner in the "Family Values" category. These awards are not given lightly. The objective of the Carwow awards is to highlight the very best vehicles the automotive industry has to offer. To achieve this, they rely on the expertise of judges with decades of experience in car testing. These experts put hundreds of vehicles through their paces, meticulously evaluating their performance, everyday practicality, and pricing.

In this competitive landscape, the brand's SUV stood out thanks to a winning combination: top-tier comfort, distinct style, and premium equipment, all offered at a competitive price point. This is a significant achievement for the Citroën C5 Aircross, which obtains this reward for the second consecutive time, the previous model having already been crowned in the same category in 2024.

Mat Watson, Chief Content Officer at Carwow, had high praise for the vehicle:

"I’m a long-time fan of the Citroën C5 Aircross. The old car won this category in our 2024 awards, and the all-new one honours it with a thoroughly deserved win. The recipe is simple: the C5 Aircross is spacious, comfortable, stylish and great value. I love how the pillowy suspension harps back to Citroëns of old, yet it’s thoroughly modern with the latest tech and a properly futuristic look."

This victory is based on concrete features. The jury particularly appreciated the spacious interior and generous rear space, which are crucial for a family car. Furthermore, the consistent boot volume, regardless of the powertrain chosen, is a major asset. Technically, the C5 Aircross's multi-energy offer, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and two 100% electric versions offering up to 677 km of range (WLTP), perfectly meets modern needs. In the UK, the ë-C5 Aircross is particularly relevant as it is the first vehicle of its type to be awarded the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant (ECG) by the government, making its price point highly attractive. The high-tech environment, featuring progressive hydraulic suspension and the large intuitive "Cascade" touchscreen, completes the package.

The C3: The ideal partner for "Urban Living"

The C5 Aircross is not the only one to be rewarded, as the Citroën C3 obtained the title of "Highly Commended". This distinction was awarded in the "Urban Living" category. This accolade highlights the relevance of the versatile city car in an environment where compactness and agility are key.

Carwow experts praised the new C3 for its overall package, perfectly calibrated for the city. They highlighted its compact size and practicality, as well as its performance, which was deemed fun and efficient. The jury particularly appreciated the 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo engine delivering 100 hp, paired with a dynamic six-speed manual transmission. The 110 hp hybrid alternative, coupling this same engine with a 48V electric system allowing for 100% electric driving at low speeds, was also cited as an ideal solution for traffic jams.

Mat Watson explained this choice enthusiastically:

"The all-electric Citroën ë-C3 was a Commended car in our ‘Smart Spender’ category last year, but it’s the new petrol model that we think is ideal for the urban jungle. Available as a manual petrol or a peppy automatic hybrid, its small dimensions and high driving position make it perfect for narrow city streets. Plus, it won’t cost you a lot to buy or run."

This recognition is accompanied by a special mention for the onboard technologies that make city driving safer, such as video-based automatic emergency braking and driver attention alert.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, welcomed this double success:

"It’s a huge honour for Citroën to have not one, but two vehicles recognised in Carwow’s Car of the Year Awards. The C5 Aircross winning the Carwow Family Values Award for the second time is a testament to Citroën’s continued commitment to providing practical, accessible vehicles designed to meet modern family needs and deliver driving pleasure every day. We are also extremely proud to receive a ‘Highly Commended’ mention for the New C3 in the Urban Living category, where Carwow’s experts agree with our customers that this compact car offers class-leading comfort, a high level of standard equipment and excellent value for money, perfectly suited to city driving."

A positive momentum for the Citroën range

In conclusion, Citroën is receiving numerous awards in the UK, a sign of the brand's positive perception by the British media. These two awards obtained at the Carwow Car of the Year 2026 show that the brand's new range is winning over critics. While the C3 confirms its intrinsic qualities for the urban environment, the highlight remains the new C5 Aircross, which is starting its career across the Channel under the best possible auspices, validating the brand's strategic choices regarding comfort and electrification.