The same 1.2L NA and 1.2L turbocharged petrol engines from C3 hatch are likely with Citroen C3 Aircross – The former generates 82 PS and the latter kicks out 110 PS
Citroen’s C-Cubed program is currently in its second phase. After launching C3 and eC3, the French brand introduced C3 Aircross, a three-row compact SUV. It takes on the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and MG Astor. Citroen C3 Aircross is venturing into a highly competitive segment with a couple of aces up its sleeve.
Aces are quirky styling with customisation and a 7-seat option (5+2). This 7-seater compact SUV formula was first embraced by Honda BR-V, based on Honda’s roomy 4.45m Mobilio MPV. Citroen C3 Aircross is 4.3m in length and gets neatly packaged interiors. There are 5-seat options too, if 7-seat is not your cup of tea.
New Citroen C3 Aircross SUV – Tough on the Outside
Citroen has nailed the proportions and design to the T. Rear door is large and there is a chunky C-pillar adding a lot of muscle. Speaking of muscle, Citroen C3 Aircross gets tough body claddings, fairly flared wheel arches, and a high bonnet. Rear is quite boxy, unlocking a ton of space, and executed in a rather SUV-ish way.
From the photos we can see how tastefully rear glass wraps around its sides. C-shaped tail lights grab attention. Roof rails, a high 200mm ground clearance, body cladding all around, front and rear faux skid plates, 17” alloy wheels with a clover leaf pattern add that SUV touch.
There is a new face at the front. It follows a similar theme, adhering to Citroen’s family genes in the Indian lineup. That said, the horizontally split front grille creates a separate distinction from C3 hatchback. Citroen offers two-tone roof options. Looks best with darker base shades and lighter contrasting shades.
Features, space on the inside
Citroen C3’s dashboard is similar to Aircross’. It gets a similar 10.2” horizontal infotainment display with wireless Apple and Android connectivity. There is a new fully digital driver’s display as well. Steering wheel is similar, but the left side blank switches on the C3 hatch are not blank in Aircross. These buttons operate the new driver’s display.
Rear AC vents are roof mounted with blower controls. Driver now gets an armrest and rear seats get a reclining function in 7-seat versions. 5-seat variants get 444L boot space and decent knee room for rear passengers. 7-seater (5+2) gets modular 3rd-row seats, which can be taken out entirely to liberate 511L of boot space. Take a look at the official Citroen C3 Aircross TVC below.
What Citroen C3 Aircross still lacks
Not the essentials. But automatic climate control, auto headlights and wipers, cruise control, LED and projector headlight setup, push-button start, ADAS, rear disc brakes and more. That said, Citroen is offering TPMS, ESP, hill assist and other features too. Indians will miss a sunroof. I don’t mind it because even though we want one, we don’t need one.
The same Puretech 82 (82 PS, 115 Nm, 5-MT) and Puretech 110 (110 PS, 190 Nm, 6-MT) powertrains will be on offer. Pricing is likely to be the main USP of Citroen C3 Aircross. At around Rs. 8 lakh of expected starting price, the glaring feature omissions are easily forgivable. Aggressive pricing should enable a boost in sales for Citroen as the prospect of a 3-row compact SUV is quite unique.
