MOTORING REVIEW: Competitively priced Citroen’s C3 Aircross offers 50 or 7-seats

The recent launch of their new C3 and C5 Aircross SUVs has moved the Citroën brand up several notches in the style stakes, making both models more attractive to potential customers who want their cars to be stylish as well as practical. It ticks both boxes. 

The C3 Aircross offers customers a choice of five or seven seats, making it a real proposition for families, as it gives them the option of more space or two extra seats. The five-seater is available in petrol, hybrid, and electric versions; the seven-seater is available in petrol and hybrid only.

This third generation of the C3 Aircross has been restyled with a robust exterior design that includes sculpted and muscular front bumpers, larger wings, LED headlights, distinctive daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels on the entry-level Plus grade. My car was the ePLUS version in a lovely exterior colour of Elixir Red, with a contrasting black roof, roof rails, pillars, and privacy glass. The second level, MAX, adds 3D LED rear lights, blind spot detection (which should also be in the entry-level grade), front and rear parking sensors, a white or black tinted roof depending on the body colour, and 3D Navigation. 

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Citroën is associated with comfort, and these new models take that to a new level with lounge-like interiors with soft materials, providing a calm and comfy cabin, which Citroën Ireland people say offers the best-in-class comfort for all passengers. 

My initial test drive at launch certainly impressed. Comfort is paramount, delivered with Citroën’s C-Zen Lounge concept and their Advanced Comfort seats - completely redesigned seats have 10mm of high-density foam added, making them extra-comfy. Seats in my review car had manual adjustments. 

There’s no traditional driver’s screen behind the steering wheel. It’s been replaced by a new head-up display with all driver information, including your remaining range and current speed, projected onto a narrow screen at the base of the windscreen. A novel idea that works perfectly.

Centre dash is the latest generation, and user-friendly, 10.25-inch infotainment screen, slightly angled towards the driver and compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Graphics are colourful and easy to read, and its neat size doesn’t distract the driver when on the move. 

The dash is clutter-free except for the physical buttons for climate control, air conditioning, air direction, and fan. A wireless charging pad is tucked in below, along with USB-C ports, two cupholders, and the Stellantis lever-type controls for the automatic transmission, which are surrounded by gloss black trim. The compact, multi-function steering wheel has a flat top and bottom, and can be heated. 

Row 2 passengers have good head and leg space, small door bins, pockets on front seat backs, a very low transmission tunnel that doesn’t impede foot room, and two charging ports. With all seven seats in use, the boot volume is 330 litres, reducing to 40 litres in the 7-seat configuration. 

The large rear door facilitates access to the third row seats, which are really only suitable for children or young teens. 

Three versions are a 1.2 three-cylinder petrol 100hp petrol paired with a six-speed manual transmission; a 48V, 136hp hybrid that uses a 1.2 petrol engine developed specifically for hybrids and paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission; and a fully electric version powered by a 113bhp motor combined with a 54 kWh battery offering a claimed range of 400km. You can charge the e-C3 from 20 to 80 per cent in just 26 minutes on a 100kW fast charger.

My car offered a comfortable ride, good visibility, and instant torque. I was able to get a really good driving position with my 5.4-inch height, courtesy of the high driving position that allows for very good visibility. This car is designed for urban commuting but can be taken much further afield with confidence. I found the very light steering ideal for easy manoeuvring on city streets and in car parks. Citroën’s impressive Advance Comfort Suspension is included for the first time on a B-SUV vehicle for even more ride comfort. 

The car’s entry price of €27,790 means it can now compete favourably with Chinese competitors. All models carry Citroën’s 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, 3 years’ roadside assistance, and a free home charger in partnership with Energia. The car has not yet been tested by Euro NCAP.

The petrol version is from €27,790; the Hybrid from €29,390 for 5 seats and from €30,590 for 7 seats; the electric is from €28,452 including grants.