The Citroën C3 Aircross, also in hybrid version

A new and affordable model arrives in the compact SUV segment, with a new platform, an attractive SUV style with over 20 cm of ground clearance and a raised driving position, featuring the latest technology, Citroën Advanced Comfort suspension and the C-Zen Lounge architecture with Head-Up Display.

It has a longer body: 4.39 metres, and now offers up to 7 seats, for an additional 850 euros. Initially, sales begin with the five-seat electric variants (26,490 euros) and petrol versions (from 18,990 euros), although a 136 CV hybrid version will be added to the range shortly.

It shares the Smart Car platform with the recent C3, with which it maintains brand identity traits and the same formal language, both inside and out, but the height and dimensions of the new C3 Aircross increase noticeably to offer more interior space. With a length of 4.39 metres, width of 1.79 m and height of 1.66 m, it has a wheelbase of 2.67 metres and a boot capacity of 460 litres.

Five- or seven-seat versions

The five-seat version offers the greatest space in its segment in the second row. The new seven-seat version, unprecedented in the segment, offers greater flexibility of use, although the third-row seats are limited to children or exclusively temporary use. It has a 40/60 split bench that is 65 mm further back than in the seven-seat version, and the 65 mm of bench reclining do not interfere with the 460-litre boot.

In addition to the 1.2 petrol engine, the C3 Aircross will be electrified with the fully electric 113 CV version and a 48 V, 136 CV hybrid powertrain, which will go on sale later. With a range of around 300 km, the electric version promises to charge from 20% to 80% in just 26 minutes, and in 2025 a version with greater battery capacity will be available, promising over 400 km of range.

The seven-seat variant has two additional 50/50 folding seats, which provide a flat load surface when not in use. The third row is equipped with headrests, armrests, cup holders, a USB socket and air conditioning. With all seats folded down, boot volume is 40 litres, and 330 litres in the five-seat configuration, which can reach 1,600 litres if the rear seats are folded.

Also hybrid

The C3 Aircross will have a Hybrid 136 version equipped with an e-DCT automatic gearbox. With a 48 V architecture, it uses the 1.2 three-cylinder Miller-cycle engine and produces 100 kW/136 CV. It features a variable-geometry turbocharger and timing chain, combined with an electrified e-CDT dual-clutch automatic transmission, which incorporates a 21 kW/28 CV electric motor powered by a 48 V lithium-ion battery. The electric motor assists the combustion engine to reduce fuel consumption, promising 100% electric driving for much of urban use, and is capable of recharging the battery during deceleration.

The entry-level version consists of the 1.2 three-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 75 kW/100 CV, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 100% electric C3 Aircross variant is limited to the five-seat version. It is powered by the 83 kW/113 CV motor combined with a 44 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery, which promises a range of over 300 km and a top speed of 145 km/h.

The standard AC charge takes around 4 hours and 10 minutes at 7 kW to go from 20% to 80% of battery capacity, and about 2 hours and 50 minutes if connected to an optional 11 kW three-phase charger. Fast charging is available with DC charging up to 100 kW, which would allow going from 20% to 80% in 26 minutes.

Comfort-focused

As in other Citroën models, the C3 Aircross also offers suspension with progressive hydraulic bump stops, which act as a second, smaller damper housed at the ends of the main shock absorber. There are two progressive stops per damper, one for compression and one for rebound. This suspension design offers greater flexibility and comfort over minor irregularities, without compromising the damping needed to keep the body stable on undulating roads. The system gradually slows the movement at the end of its travel and, unlike the mechanical stop of a conventional shock absorber — which absorbs energy and reduces comfort by releasing part of it as a jolt — the hydraulic stop absorbs and dissipates this energy.

It also features Advanced Comfort seats with a seat surface that includes an additional 10 to 15 mm of foam, offering a very pleasant cushioning. The horizontal dashboard is divided into two levels: information elements at the top, where it is projected onto an original Head-up Display integrated into the dashboard itself.

Driver assistance

As is only to be expected, it comes with a wealth of driver assistance systems, such as active emergency braking, which works day and night, from 5 km/h up to the C3 Aircross top speed of 135 km/h. It also includes active lane keeping assist, which activates from 60 km/h, driver alert, speed sign recognition, high/low beam assist, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot detection which activates from 30 km/h, reversing camera, etc.

The You version comes as standard with Citroën Advanced Comfort suspension, 6 airbags, manual air conditioning, a Smartphone Station with an integrated smartphone holder and NFC wireless technology, which allows direct access to smartphone services via voice recognition for the radio, playlists and navigation. It also features active emergency braking, active lane departure warning, driver attention alert, cruise control with speed limiter, speed limit sign recognition, rear parking sensors, automatic lighting, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, front electric windows, 40/60 folding rear seat, LED headlights and daytime running lights, and 16-inch wheels.

The Max trim level also offers 17-inch Aragonite Diamond Cut alloy wheels, 3D LED rear lights, a roof tinted white or black depending on the body colour, 3D navigation, wireless smartphone charging, exterior mirrors with blind-spot detection, front parking sensors, and an electrochromic interior mirror. It uses a 10.25-inch colour infotainment screen with widgets; the shortcuts give access to the main navigation, phone, radio, apps and multimedia functions, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It includes two USB-C sockets at the front and two more in the second row, plus a 15 W wireless smartphone charger.

Full range

The C3 Aircross range has two identical designs and dimensions: a five-seat version available in petrol and electric, and a seven-seat version available in petrol and, soon, hybrid. It is offered in six colours: Perla Nera Black, Mercury Grey, Elixir Red, Montecarlo Blue, Polar White and Montana Green, combined with the two roof colours available: white and black. It can be personalised with coloured clips in three different colours, each coordinated with the body colour, although additional specific personalisation colour clips will be offered.

Citroën C3 Aircross image gallery