Citroen C3 Aircross : The Indian compact SUV market is a crowded one with so many options to choose from, however, the Citroën C3 Aircross comes with a refreshing change of pace.
Instead of playing the same old game, Citroën has made this SUV feel French in all the right ways—which means comfort, simplicity, and clever packaging take precedent over overt styling or a relentless numbers race.
After establishing itself in India, C3 Aircross is Citroën’s answer to the fiercely fought mid-size SUV segment.
Based on the C3 hatchback, the SUV is bigger but boasts more space, more flexibility and a more comfortable and practical ride for urban families.
Citroen C3 Aircross Design – Quirky but Useful
The first thing that makes the C3 Aircross unusual is its styling. Citroën has gone for a playful butrugged look – mixing typical French car design touches with SUV proportions.
The front fascia features split headlamp setup, Y shaped LED DRLs and a single piece bold grille garnished heavily with chrome. Its squared-off wheel arches, and roof rails and body cladding add to its SUV appeal.
And while it’s not attempting to appear aggressive as some rivals, the Aircross has a smart road presence. With a dual-tone palette and some crazy design accents, the vehicle targets buyers on the lookout for something quirky but useful.
Interior – Less Is More With Space is Key!
The C3 Aircross remains simple in the cabin. The dashboard is plain but tidy, with a 10.2-inch dashboard touchscreen display and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
There is the use of hard plastics throughout, but fit and finish is what you would expect at this price-point.
The true highlight is inside the cabin. The SUV features best-in-class legroom, particularly in the second row. At the upper end, Citroën also provides a 5+2 seating option: few, if any, other small SUVs offer seven.
The third row is most suitable for kids or sporadic use, but folds flat if not required to liberate extra storage in the boot.
Thanks to smart packaging and wide-opening doors, getting in and out of the C3 Aircross is easy, a major bonus for family-centric buyers.
Engine and Driving Experience
Under the bonnet, the Aircross gets a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol motor that develops about 110 hp and 190 Nm of peak torque.
It is paired with 6speed manual transmission. There’s no auto diesel, however, which will rule it out to some urban buyers.
Power is sufficient in both city and highway driving. The turbo engine provides good low-end pull, and the gearbox is smooth and easy to use. Aggressive driving, however, is not its strong suit.
Ride quality is where the car excels though, one of the best in its segment in my opinion.
The suspension is dialed to absorb bad roads without much drama, providing passengers with a comfortable ride on even pothole-ridden roads. The steering is light and the car stable in city traffic. In terms of highway stability, it’s good, though not sport sedan good.
Features and Equipment
So the C3 Aircross has the basics covered with:
Digital instrument cluster
Rear AC vents (for 7-seater)
Power-adjustable ORVMs
Steering-mounted controls
USB ports for all rows
But it lacks some bells and whistles its competitors offer like push-button start, a sunroof, automatic climate control and side/curtain airbags.
Pros:
Great comfort to drive – best in segment ride quality setting
Large second row, optional 7-seat versatility
Unique and trendy design that is comfortable
Frugal and zippy little turbo petrol motor
competetive rate for space provided
Cons:
The lack of a (yet) automatic transmission option
There are no premium features found in competitors
Average third-row usability
Interior materials feel basic
Not enough dealership/service reach as compared to other larger brands
Citroen C3 Aircross Final Verdict
The Citroën C3 Aircross is a vibrant newcomer in a segment that can sometimes feel stuck in a rut. It’s not filled with fancy features, and it doesn’t scream sporty.
What it doesn’t, however, supply is underfoot feel, grip and agility, but this car is not about that.
For those looking for an individual, matter of fact family SUV that still has the capability to fill that void if needs be, the Aircross is a deceptively strong proposition.