Read Caroline’s Citroen C3 Aircross review for everything you need to know about Citroen’s new small SUV.
The Citroen C3 Aircross first launched back in 2017 and hopped on the trend in the market for small SUVs. With its chunky, colourful looks, it was a success for the brand.
Now there’s a new one on the way to Ireland that will introduce hybrid and electric powertrains for the first time, as well as five and seven seat options.
I travelled to Barcelona with Citroen Ireland to drive it ahead of its arrival in a few month’s time.
Design
Built upon the Stellantis Group’s new ‘Smart Car’ platform, the new Citroen C3 Aircross shares much of its underpinnings with the upcoming Fiat Grande Panda and Opel Frontera.
But it manages to look quite distinct with its boxy, square look inherited from the smaller Citroen C3 supermini and chunky cladding around the wheel arches. It also gets the new face of the Citroen brand, with a new logo and sharp LED lighting at the front and rear.
There will be two trims for the Irish market, Plus and Max, with both getting 17-inch alloy wheels. New colour clips in three different colours and a contrasting white or black roof colour offer a bit more personalisation.
What is the difference between the C3 and the C3 Aircross?
The C3 is Citroen’s much-loved supermini. The C3 Aircross is the SUV version of it and is larger in all directions, with five or seven seats possible.
Inside the Citroen C3 Aircross
There’s a focus on affordability in the C3 Aircross offering and that’s no more apparent than inside, where it does feel quite pared back. There are plenty of hard plastics visible in the doors and dashboard, broken up by a few plusher fabric finishes and Citroen’s gorgeous ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats with thicker foam.
But it’s modern enough with a slim digital display sitting above a new compact steering wheel. Other standard features include a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, cruise control and automatic air conditioning. The Max version adds wireless smartphone charging, front parking sensors, heated acoustic windscreen, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and blind spot detection.
Practicality
The new C3 Aircross is longer than the model it replaces, with more space between the wheels contributing to a larger cabin. It feels generously sized inside for a small SUV thanks to its elongated proportions and tall roof. There’s lots of legroom in the back and handy features like USB-C ports, a 12-volt socket and pockets in the back of the front seats. Family buyers will also find two Isofix child seat fixtures on the two outer rear seats.
The 460-litre boot is also an excellent size rivalling some crossovers from the class above. It features a handy two-position floor and the rear seats also drop 60:40. There will be a seven seater version available, though the two extra seats will be a squeeze for anyone other than small children.
Driving the C3 Aircross
The new C3 Aircross is built upon a multi-energy platform so offers a great range of power options. There is no more diesel, replaced by a new petrol hybrid and all-electric version. The entry model is a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with 100hp and a six-speed manual gearbox. The new hybrid is offered with 136hp and promises lower carbon emissions and even greater fuel economy by running up to 50% of the time in town and city driving in electric mode only.
For the first time, the C3 Aircross is also now available as a full battery electric vehicle with a 44kWh LFP battery and range in the region of 300 kilometres. A longer range version will join later with up to 400 kilometres. It’s smooth and refined to drive and feels perkier on the road than what the 113hp motor powering the front wheels might suggest. There’s no problem driving in traffic or even joining motorways.
The new C3 Aircross also gets Citroen’s Advanced Comfort suspension for the first time with progressive hydraulic bump stops. This translates to a very smooth and relaxed drive. The downside is it does lean a bit in the corners, but there’s plenty of grip from the front wheels and the steering is firm enough to make it easy to place on the road.
Charging
Up to 11kW AC charging is possible for the electric C3 Aircross and 100kW DC charging for a 20-80% charge in at least 26 minutes at a suitably fast charger.
How much is the Citroen C3 Aircross in Ireland?
Pricing is yet to be confirmed but it’s expected to come in under €30,000 and offer good value.
Verdict
Altogether, the new C3 Aircross feels like a timely reinvention of Citroen’s small SUV. While Irish pricing is yet to be confirmed, it’s expected to be keenly priced against rivals, with a focus on simplicity and practicality.
In its favour, it has loads of character and the bold, chunky looks keep Citroen’s joie de vrie alive for another generation. Inside it’s simple and functional, with an element of style despite being quite pared back. The cabin finish reflects a more budget car but it does excel on the space, practicality and versatility it offers – the seven seat option is a real bonus point.
It’s also a comfortable and easy drive with lively power options that will offer a little something to everyone.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
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