Citroen C3 Aircross

The Citroen C3 Aircross, a midsize SUV, distinguishes itself in a crowded market with its unique design and exceptionally comfortable ride. In this review, we delve into the heart of this vehicle, focusing solely on its engine and performance characteristics.

Underwhelming Engine Offerings

When it comes to engine options, it offers only one: a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine generating 109bhp and 190Nm of torque. This powerplant is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, which regrettably exhibits a vague and rubbery feel. The absence of an automatic transmission option may disappoint those seeking convenience in their driving experience.

Adequate for City Commutes, But Lacks Vigor

The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine proves adequate for urban driving, but it lacks the punch and refinement found in some of its competitors. The engine becomes noisy at higher revs and struggles when tasked with heavy loads or navigating steep inclines.

While the claimed fuel efficiency of 18.5kmpl is decent, it fails to excel in comparison to rivals. Furthermore, the C3 Aircross lacks certain expected features in this segment, including LED lights, hybrid technology, or four-wheel drive.

A Smooth and Comfortable Journey

It prioritizes ride comfort over exhilarating performance. It caters to those who seek a stylish and spacious SUV capable of handling rough terrain while providing a smooth ride. With its extended wheelbase and generous ground clearance and maintains a stable and composed stance on the road.

Riding on Comfort-Oriented Features

The suspension is finely tuned to prioritize comfort, adeptly absorbing most bumps and potholes. While the steering offers light and manoeuvrable handling, it falls short in terms of feedback and precision. To enhance stability and grip, It comes equipped with a Grip Control system, offering various modes tailored for different surfaces. This system proves invaluable when navigating slippery or uneven terrain.

French cars are known for their unique design flair and individuality, and the Citroen C3 Aircross lives up to this reputation. It stands out in the midsize SUV segment with a refreshing and distinct appearance, reminiscent of the C3 hatchback due to their shared C-Cubed platform.

Familiar Front Design

The front end of the C3 Aircross closely resembles that of the C3 hatch, sharing the same sheet metal panels up to the B-pillar. This isn't a drawback, as the C3 hatch itself has a striking and distinctive look. The C3 Aircross, however, elevates this design with a new lower bumper featuring a prominent skid plate and distinctive dummy housings above it.

Enhanced Front Details

Notable changes to the front include a wider air intake that accentuates the car's width. The Chevron logo, finished in glossy black with a silver surround, adds a touch of class. While the headlamp and Daytime Running Lamp cluster are carried over from the C3, the absence of LED lighting, even as an option, is somewhat surprising in this segment.

Balanced Side Profile

Moving to the side profile, the Citroen C3 Aircross exhibits a well-balanced design. Citroen's designers have achieved this by skillfully blending its upright stance with impressive dimensions, boasting a best-in-class 2,671mm wheelbase and a length of 4,323mm. The tight overhangs, well-proportioned wheel arches, and glass areas contribute to the harmonious look.

Attention to Detail

The side profile also highlights generous plastic cladding on the doors, a distinct crease in the rear fender, a two-tone roof, and eye-catching 17-inch 'Quadratic' alloy wheels. These elements enhance the overall aesthetics and give the C3 Aircross a unique character.

Striking Rear Design

The rear of the C3 Aircross is no less impressive. It features striking C-shaped tail-lights, a prominent roof spoiler, and a chunky rear skid plate, making it attractive from every angle.

Unique Undercarriage Placement

One distinctive feature worth noting is the positioning of the spare tire under the floor, rather than inside the boot. While this design choice may make changing a flat tire a bit messy, it adds to the C3 Aircross's uniqueness.

A Standout in the SUV Crowd

In summary, the Citroen C3 Aircross stands as a testament to French automotive design flair and individuality. With its refreshing exterior, familiar yet enhanced front details, balanced side profile, and striking rear design, it sets itself apart from the crowded SUV market. Despite some minor omissions like the absence of LED lighting options, the C3 Aircross makes a compelling case for those seeking a distinctive and unique SUV experience.

When you first approach the Citroen C3 Aircross, the initial point of contact is the somewhat old-school flap-type door handle, which is accompanied by a cheap-looking keyhole nearby. The non-foldable key itself appears to be a relic from a budget car of the 1990s. These elements set the tone for an in-your-face approach to cost-saving that you'll find throughout the cabin.

Stylish Two-Tone Dashboard

Moving inside, the two-tone dashboard immediately catches your eye, bearing a striking resemblance to the smaller C3 model. This design choice brings a sense of style to the cabin, with sculpted contours and intriguing design details that add character.

Familiar Steering Wheel with Upgrades

The steering wheel, borrowed from the C3, comes equipped with an additional set of buttons, featuring a piano black surround. These buttons provide convenient control over the various modes displayed on the new, customizable, and easy-to-read digital instrument cluster.

Budget-Focused Interior Choices

Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident where Citroen's accountants have made decisions in favor of budget-conscious choices. One glaring example is the clunky set of knobs used to manually adjust the air conditioning controls, a stark contrast to the electronically actuated systems found even in hatchbacks today. In the five-seater version, rear passengers won't find any air conditioning vents, while the 5+2 variant features a somewhat tacky-looking roof-mounted rear vent.

Cooling Considerations

Thankfully, despite the lack of rear vents, the C3 Aircross incorporates a robust three-speed blower system for effective cooling in the back row. However, there are noticeable omissions, such as the absence of a front passenger grab handle and the lack of an auto up function for the windows. The latter is a consequence of not including an anti-pinch feature, a mandatory safety requirement for preventing injuries, which would have raised costs.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 10.2-inch infotainment system mirrors that of the C3, offering smooth operation, responsive touch controls, clear graphics, and the convenience of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite these tech-savvy features, the C3 Aircross disappoints in terms of safety with just two standard airbags, falling short of class standards.

Noteworthy Omissions

One of the most glaring omissions in a modern SUV is the absence of a sunroof, leaving enthusiasts questioning Citroen's product planning decisions. Additionally, the placement of the rear window switches is unconventional – they are neither on the rear doors nor the driver's door. Instead, a single pair of switches serves both front and rear passengers, inconveniently positioned between the front seats. This design quirk, which eliminates the possibility of a central storage box and armrest, drew criticism in the C3 and remains unchanged in the more expensive C3 Aircross.

Small Details Matter

Lastly, the cabin lacks wireless charging, and while the central console shelf can accommodate large smartphones, it lacks a lip and a rubberized surface. Consequently, under hard acceleration, your phone is prone to slipping. These seemingly minor details can be irksome, highlighting the need for greater attention to user experience and convenience in future iterations.

Citroen's approach to the C3 Aircross is nothing short of ingenious when it comes to accommodating passengers. In the 7-seater configuration, or as Citroen aptly terms it, the 5+2 seats, the C3 Aircross distinguishes itself as the sole SUV in its class to offer a third row of seats. Accessing this third row is a breeze, thanks to the smooth tilt and tumble operation of the second row. Although the rear seats are primarily intended for children, adults can manage short journeys with some comfort.

Driver's Comfort: Finding the Sweet Spot

The driver's seat, while somewhat narrow, manages to strike the right balance of comfort with its well-apportioned cushioning. Despite offering only manual adjustments, achieving an optimal driving position is a straightforward task. Shorter drivers can elevate themselves to an ideal height for superior outside visibility, and all controls are conveniently positioned and within easy reach.

Rear Seat Comfort: Room to Relax

In the rear seat, passengers are treated to a comfortable space with ample headroom and legroom, even for taller individuals. Although the under-thigh support could be more generous, the overall cushioning and elevated seating position ensure long journeys are endured in comfort. Citroen's expertise in determining the ideal foam density for their seats shines through, providing a Goldilocks-level of firmness – not too hard, not too soft.

Practical Cabin Amenities: Storage and More

While the five-seater variant boasts an armrest, it's conspicuous by its absence in the seven-seater version, a compromise necessary for engineering the tumble function of the second row. However, in its place, you have a reclining seat back, a welcome feature for extended drives. Cabin storage is ample, with spacious door bins and bottle holders for all passengers, cupholders at the front, and a reasonably sized glovebox.

Versatile Rear Seating: Clever Design

For outings with friends, the small rear seats prove invaluable, potentially obviating the need for an additional vehicle. When not in use, they can be effortlessly removed in just 20 seconds (yes, we timed it!), providing the flexibility to either store them away or use them as picnic chairs.

Cargo Space and Configuration Flexibility: A Game Changer

With both rear seats removed, you unlock a generous 511 liters of luggage space, a notable 67 liters more than the 5-seater configuration. This capacity expands further to 839 liters when you fold down the second-row seats. Moreover, you have the option to remove just one seat, converting the C3 Aircross into a practical six-seater with additional luggage space to spare. This adaptability and the myriad of seating configurations exemplify the brilliance of the C3 Aircross – a testament to clever design that doesn't need to be intricate or costly to be effective.

The Citroen C3 Aircross, a compact SUV, places a premium on safety, offering a range of protective features designed to safeguard both occupants and fellow road users. Here's a closer look at the safety features integrated into the C3 Aircross:

Dual Airbags: Shielding Front Occupants

Equipped with dual airbags for both the driver and the front passenger, the C3 Aircross prioritizes passenger protection. In the event of a collision, these airbags serve as a crucial line of defense, mitigating the impact and potentially averting serious injuries.

ABS and EBD: Braking Confidence

To enhance braking efficiency, the C3 Aircross incorporates an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). These systems prevent wheel lock during hard braking, ensuring that optimal braking force is applied to each wheel. This not only improves stopping power but also maintains steering control, contributing to overall safety.

Hill-Hold Control: Navigating Uphill Challenges

A valuable feature for tackling inclines, the C3 Aircross is equipped with hill-hold control. This function prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an uphill slope, offering peace of mind and stability in challenging driving conditions.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System: Maintaining Stability

The C3 Aircross is equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the vehicle's stability and fuel efficiency. It promptly alerts the driver if any tire becomes underinflated or overinflated, allowing for timely corrective action.

Reverse Parking Sensors: Maneuvering with Precision

Backing up safely is made easier with the inclusion of reverse parking sensors in the C3 Aircross. These sensors detect obstacles behind the vehicle and provide both audible and visual warnings to the driver, facilitating precise and secure parking.

Rearview Camera (Max Variant): Visual Aid for Parking

The Max variant of the C3 Aircross boasts an additional safety feature—a rearview camera. This camera displays the rear view of the vehicle on the touchscreen infotainment system, greatly aiding the driver in parking safely and accurately.

LED DRLs (Plus and Max Variants): Enhanced Visibility

The Plus and Max variants of the C3 Aircross come equipped with LED daytime running lights (DRLs). These lights serve to improve vehicle visibility in low-light conditions, enhancing safety and making the vehicle more conspicuous to other road users.

Front Fog Lamps (Max Variant): Cutting Through Fog

In foggy or misty weather conditions, the Max variant of the C3 Aircross offers an added safety feature—front fog lamps. These lamps illuminate the road ahead, improving visibility and enabling the driver to navigate safely.

Safety Considerations

While the Citroen C3 Aircross prioritizes safety with these features, it's important to note that it may not offer some of the advanced safety features available in rival SUVs. Notably, the absence of features like a sunroof, automatic climate control, automatic transmission, or a collision mitigation braking system may influence the choice of buyers seeking a more feature-rich and safety-focused SUV.