DRIVERS of Citroen's plug-in hybrid C5 Aircross SUV are to be notified automatically if they do not recharge the vehicle regularly.

The move is designed to help motorists get the optimum performance from the vehicle which has a theoretical fuel return of up to 168mpg and is capable of up to 34 miles of emission free motoring. Emissions are 32g/km.

Citroen says that that 55 per cent of journeys in the C5 Aircross of less than 25 miles are made using electric only power and 52 per cent of motorists y recharge their vehicle once or twice every 62 miles.

The notifications come in the form of a messages on the touchscreen so that drivers can take full advantage of the efficiency benefits of a PHEV - coupled with obvious environmental benefits.

PHEV technology provides a viable solution for many customers whose needs are not compatible with 100 per cent electric usage and the C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid pairs a PureTech 180 petrol engine with an 81kW electric motor, combined with an eight-speed ë-EAT8 automatic gearbox, to offer the equivalent of up to 225hp.

The car can be fully recharged in around two hours.

The warning will activate after five days and 10 journeys have been made without the vehicle being plugged in and, the software will issue one notification via the touchscreen per day.

If the vehicle is not then plugged in after 30 days, the notification is then displayed twice per day whilst the vehicle is in use.

The C5 Aircross PHEV costs from £34,575 and the notification system will also feature on Citroen's new C5 X Hybrid when it comes to the UK in 2022.