Ah, the Citroën C3 Aircross. The name itself sounds like it could be the hero in a French action movie. “Citroën C3 Aircross, saving the day, one pothole at a time.” But alas, it’s not quite a superhero – just an SUV trying to blend the best of French charm with Indian practicality.
Citroën C3 Aircross was first launched in 2017, and the model you’re seeing now is the 2023 second-generation variant. It is available only in petrol, with prices starting from ₹10 lakh ex-showroom, and the top model priced at ₹12.76 lakh. The top model showcased here is the Max Vibe Pack. This is a 5-seater variant, but there is also an option for a 7-seater, which includes a third row.
The assembly of this vehicle takes place in India and Brazil. The codename for this generation of the C3 Aircross is CC24. It is built on the Small Car Platform developed by Tata Consultancy Services for Stellantis, which also underpins the C3, eC3, and Fiat Panda. This car has been designed and developed primarily in India.
You can purchase the C3 Aircross directly from the Citroën India website, offering a convenient buying experience.
The Looks: Bonjour, Mon Ami!
First things first, let’s talk about the design. The C3 Aircross, with its glossy black grille and chrome chevron logo, looks like it’s ready to take on the world… or at least the traffic. Those dual LED DRLs and halogen headlamps give it a face that’s both friendly and slightly bewildered, like it’s wondering how it ended up in this crazy traffic jam. The cosmo blue color is stunning, though you can also opt for white or grey if you want to blend in with the rest of the parking lot.
Size Matters
The Citroën C3 Aircross measures 4.3 meters in length, 1.7 meters in height, and 1.8 meters in width, with a ground clearance of 200 mm and a turning circle of 5.4 meters. The kerb weight is 1200 kg, with a gross weight of 1600 kg for the standard model, and 1800 kg for the 7-seater variant.
It features 17-inch Quadratic Diamond Cut alloy wheels, with an option for steel wheels. The car is equipped with disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear, complemented by 215/60 R17 96H Ceat SecuraDrive radial tubeless tyres on both front and rear.
Inside the Cabin: A Mix of French Café and Indian Dhaba
The interior is where Citroën’s quirky French design really shines. The dashboard is a sophisticated black-grey dual-tone with bronze or grey trim options. The upholstery is a classy beige leatherette fabric combination, though you can go full fabric if you’re not into the leatherette vibe. And yes, there’s a leather-wrapped electric power steering, making you feel like you’re in a swanky Parisian bistro instead of on a crowded Indian street.
The body of the Citroën C3 Aircross has been engineered for torsional stiffness to reduce vibrations and enhance passenger comfort. It includes the My Citroën Connect system, which allows access to 35 features via a smartphone app, such as car locator, door lock/unlock, lamps on/off, immobilization, geo-fencing, fuel indicator, intrusion alert, emergency SOS, child account, and more.
The vehicle offers a 444-liter boot space, which reduces to 44 liters in the 7-seater configuration. The C3 Aircross comes equipped with a six-speaker music system and features one-touch auto-down power windows.
Seating and Space: Room for Everyone
The 5-seater variant is spacious, but if you’re the kind who likes to ferry around the entire cricket team, there’s a 7-seater option. In the 7-seater, the third row is perfect for those you want to punish – I mean, accommodate – for short trips. The boot space is a generous 444 liters, which shrinks to 44 liters with all seven seats up. So, maybe pack light if you’re going on a family trip.
Under the Hood: The Heart of the Matter
Under the hood, the Citroën C3 Aircross sports a 1199 cc, inline 3-cylinder PSA EB2DT Puretech 110 petrol engine. With 108 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque, it’s got just enough oomph to make your daily commute feel like a mini adventure. The car delivers an average mileage of 18 km/l, which means you might actually make it to work and back without needing to refuel every day. The 45-liter fuel tank ensures you can keep going on those long road trips – or at least until the next dhaba.
Handling all that power is a 6-speed manual transmission. Yes, you’ll be shifting gears yourself, so get ready to feel like a race car driver every time you head to the grocery store.
Driving Experience: Like a Flying Carpet
Citroën promises a “flying carpet ride” with its advance comfort suspension. It’s smooth, it’s comfortable, and it makes you feel like Aladdin on wheels. MacPherson strut suspension at the front and twist beam suspension at the rear ensure you won’t feel every single pebble on the road.
Tech and Gadgets: The Future is Here
The 10.2-inch Citroën Connect Touchscreen is the highlight of the dashboard, supporting Bluetooth, wireless screen mirroring, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The 7-inch color digital Intelli-Smart TFT instrument cluster provides all the essential info – trip meter, range, average, outside temperature, and gear shift indicator.
Safety and Warranty: Peace of Mind
Safety is well-covered with two airbags, ABS, EBD, remote keyless entry, electronic stability program, hill hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, seatbelt reminders, high-speed alert system, rear parking sensors, and a rear camera. Plus, you get Citroën’s 2-year/40,000 km warranty and 24×7 roadside assistance. So, even if you end up stranded in the middle of nowhere, you won’t be alone.
Conclusion: The Verdict
The Citroën C3 Aircross is a delightful blend of French flair and Indian practicality. It’s stylish, comfortable, and packed with features. Whether you’re navigating the crowded streets of Mumbai or embarking on a family road trip, this SUV promises a ride that’s as smooth as a croissant and as reliable as a cup of masala chai.
So, if you’re in the market for an SUV that stands out in the crowd and offers a unique driving experience, the Citroën C3 Aircross is worth a test drive. Just remember to practice your “Bonjour” before you step in.
