Citroën C5 Aircross Named Family Car of the Year at News UK Motor Awards 2026
Key Takeaways
- The New Citroën C5 Aircross has won the Family Car of the Year category at the News UK Motor Awards 2026.
- The award was judged by automotive journalists from News UK publications: The Sun, The Times, The Sunday Times Magazine and LUXX Magazine.
- Judges highlighted the comfort of the vehicle, specifically noting the comfortable seats and soft suspension.
- Powertrain options include petrol hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric variants.
- Plug-in hybrid variants are capable of up to 50 miles of electric-only driving on a single charge under WLTP testing.
- Fully electric Comfort Range variants offer up to 322 miles of WLTP range and qualify for the full Electric Car Grant, providing a £3,750 saving from the MRRP list price; prices start from £31,030
- Fully electric Long Range variants provide up to 423 miles of WLTP range on a single charge.
- The New C5 Aircross is available to order now through the Citroën UK retailer network.
Overview
The New Citroën C5 Aircross has secured the title of Family Car of the Year at the News UK Motor Awards 2026. Selected by a panel of automotive journalists, the mid-size SUV was recognised for its focus on passenger comfort, practical cabin space and diverse powertrain options. The vehicle is designed to accommodate everyday family requirements while offering petrol hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric propulsion systems.
Award Recognition and Judging Panel
The News UK Motor Awards 2026 panel consists of motoring writers from major national publications, including The Sun, The Times, The Sunday Times Magazine and LUXX Magazine. The panel designated the New C5 Aircross as the premier family vehicle of the year, emphasising its practical layout and ride quality. Judges noted the vehicle features sofa-like seats, pillow-soft suspension and generous rear legroom suitable for tall adults, indicating a design focused on practical daily use.
Comfort and Interior Technology
The New C5 Aircross incorporates Citroën Advanced Comfort technologies as standard. This system pairs Advanced Comfort Seats, which utilise high-density foam to mimic a supportive seating surface, with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension. This suspension setup is engineered to filter out road surface imperfections and deliver a smooth ride. The interior layout prioritises passenger space, offering legroom suitable for adult passengers in the rear seats alongside a configurable luggage compartment.
Powertrain Specifications and Electric Range
The model range offers three distinct propulsion technologies:
- Plug-in Hybrid: Combines a petrol engine with an electric motor, capable of up to 50 miles of electric-only range on a single charge under WLTP testing.
- Electric Comfort Range: Features a fully electric powertrain delivering up to 322 miles of WLTP range on a single charge.
- Electric Long Range: Features an extended-capacity battery delivering up to 423 miles of WLTP range on a single charge.
- Petrol Hybrid: Offers an efficient petrol-electric hybrid system.
UK Pricing and Availability
The New C5 Aircross is available to order immediately through the Citroën UK retailer network. Priced from £31,030 OTR, with full electric versions starting from £34,085 OTR, New C5 Aircross offers remarkable value across its three trim levels.
The Ë-C5 Aircross Comfort Range variant qualifies for the full UK Electric Car Grant. This grant provides a £3,750 reduction from the manufacturer recommended retail price (MRRP).
Greg Taylor, Managing Director, Citroën UK, said: "We're delighted that the New C5 Aircross has been named ‘Family Car of the Year’. For Citroën, comfort is about much more than ride quality. It's about creating a car that makes everyday life easier for families, whether that's taking the stress out of the school run, providing plenty of space for passengers and luggage, or offering powertrains that suit different lifestyles. The New C5 Aircross embodies that approach, so it's fantastic to see it recognised with this award."
Positioning Context
The New Citroën C5 Aircross competes in the mid-size family SUV segment. It is designed for private and fleet buyers requiring a multi-powertrain family vehicle with an emphasis on ride comfort, rear passenger space and flexible cargo capacity.
Citroën was founded in 1919 and operates as a global automotive brand under parent company Stellantis. The company is present in 101 countries with a network of 6,200 points of sale and service. Its product lineup includes passenger cars, SUVs, commercial vehicles and the Ami electric mobility vehicle.