Introduction
The Citroen C3 Aircross is a compact crossover SUV that was first introduced by French automaker Citroen in 2017. It is positioned below the larger Citroen C5 Aircross in Citroen’s SUV lineup. The C3 Aircross brings Citroen’s distinctive style and comfort-focused ethos to the growing compact crossover segment.
Styling and Exterior
The Citroen C3 Aircross has the brand’s familiar quirky styling, with a chunky and rugged look that sets it apart from more conservative rivals like the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur. The front-end features Citroen’s signature two-tier headlights, with LED daytime running lights positioned above the main headlights. The horizontal grille and Airbumps on the lower bumpers give it a protective look.
In profile, the C3 Aircross has a floating roof design thanks to the color contrast between the roof and body panels. There is plastic cladding and skid plates on the lower body areas to emphasize the crossover’s rugged appeal. The rear continues the two-tier light theme with 3D-effect taillights and a tailgate spoiler.
The C3 Aircross measures 4.15 meters long and 1.76 meters wide, making it one of the most compact models in its class. It has a short front overhand and a 2.60 meter wheelbase for good maneuverability. Ground clearance is a respectable 170 mm for moderate off-roading ability.
Interior Comfort and Practicality
Inside, the C3 Aircross follows Citroen’s focus on comfort. The cabin utilizes soft-touch materials and padding wherever occupants might interact directly. Front seats are wide and designed for relaxation, with integrated headrests. The reclining and sliding rear bench seat also prioritizes passenger comfort.
Interior space is impressive for a compact crossover. There is generous headroom and legroom in both rows of seating. Small item storage areas abound, with large door pockets, trays under the front seats, and a configurable central console.
Citroen designed the C3 Aircross to offer class-leading versatility and practicality. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats can slide fore and aft over a 150 mm range, allowing users to balance legroom and boot capacity as needed. The boot offers 410 liters of storage with the rear seats up and a cavernous 1289 liters with the seats folded down. The two-level cargo floor is another neat feature that helps organize the boot.
Technology and Connectivity
The C3 Aircross is available with Citroen’s ConnectedCAM system, which integrates a forward-facing camera behind the rearview mirror. It can take pictures of the road ahead and share them on social media. The camera also works as a dashcam in the event of an accident.
Higher trim levels get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Citroen’s smartphone integration technology. This allows users to mirror and control their smartphone’s apps and features directly through the touchscreen. A colorful head-up display is another high-tech option.
Standard equipment across the range includes features like automatic headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors, and keyless entry with push-button start. There are over 90 exterior color combinations available to buyers who want to customize their C3 Aircross.
Powertrains
The Citroen C3 Aircross is sold with a choice of small turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines to suit different markets.
For petrol power, there is a 1.2 liter three-cylinder unit producing 81 kW/110 hp and 205 Nm torque. This engine can be paired to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
Diesel options include a 1.5 liter four-cylinder diesel offered in two states of tune – 74 kW/100 hp with 250 Nm and 96 kW/130 hp with 300 Nm. The more powerful version has a high-efficiency particulate filter system. Both diesel engines get a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Front-wheel drive is standard across the range. While not designed for serious off-roading, the C3 Aircross can handle mild trails and unpaved roads thanks to its Grip Control system. This provides optimized traction for different conditions like snow, mud, and sand. Hill-start assist is another useful feature for tackling inclines and slippery surfaces confidently.
Driving Experience
On the road, the Citroen C3 Aircross offers a comfortable and relaxed drive as you’d expect. The emphasis is on soaking up bumps and noise rather than dynamic response. The light steering is great for city driving and parking maneuvers. The higher driving position and large glasshouse also give excellent outward visibility.
Ride quality is a real highlight, with the softly sprung suspension absorbing imperfections without feeling floaty. Wind and road noise are also muted, adding to the cabin’s airy and peaceful ambience.
While no performance car, the turbocharged engines offer reasonable acceleration for merging and overtaking. The manual and automatic gearboxes are both smooth and responsive. The Grip Control system works well to distribute power effectively over slippery surfaces.
In terms of fuel economy, the C3 Aircross is competitively rated. The turbocharged petrol engine can return around 45 mpg combined in real-world driving. Expect the diesel models to achieve 55-60 mpg in regular use.
Overall, the C3 Aircross delivers the relaxed long-distance cruising ability Citroen is known for, while also being nimble enough for urban duties. Affordable running costs and low emissions also make it quite economical to operate as a daily driver.
Conclusion
With the C3 Aircross, Citroen has applied its long-running focus on comfort, style, and practicality to the compact crossover segment. For buyers who prioritize these attributes over performance and handling, the Aircross makes a compelling choice in the class. Clever interior versatility, strong fuel economy, and unique styling give it an edge over more generic rivals. While not configured for serious off-road use, the Aircross can hold its own on mild trails thanks to Grip Control and decent ground clearance. For those seeking an easygoing and family-friendly compact crossover, the Citroen C3 Aircross deserves a test drive.
Engine Puretech110
FuelType Petrol
No of cylinders 3
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
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