Citroen C3 Aircross: Our Test Drive Review
CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS
Words by Marco Mancino / Photos by Bartolomeo Lazzarini
Let’s start by dispelling every doubt: the C3 Aircross is not an SUV, although some people insist on defining it as such. Both its size and the predominantly urban vocation of its design as well as its main characteristics identify it as a crossover – and what a crossover. One of the finalists of the 2018 “Car of the Year” award, the C3 Aircross is a breath of fresh air not only for the French brand – something like of unstoppable on these days – but for the entire automotive scene. Just take into account that an impressive number of customers have signed their order well in advance, even before seeing it in the flesh.
We are obviously not talking about an expensive supercar with blistering performance, but a car designed for an even wider range of users, who will put it under stress day after day, in any weather and in areas far away from those that can guarantee any sort of driving fun. The C3 Aircross, logically based on the compact C3, stands as a truly intriguing model, starting from the raised seating position that allows a better view on traffic and during maneuver, an aspect further confirmed by the discreet ground clearance of the car body itself, 16 cm longer than a normal C3. This translates into greater habitability within the passenger compartment, while still keeping a careful eye for parking problems in big cities. We have driven the one that is currently defined as top of the range, that is the version powered by a 1.5cc turbodiesel with 120 horses. Know that you can always opt for a similar engine but with just 100 horses, or for the petrol variants, both 1.2cc, respectively with 110 or 130 horses.
At least for the moment, the model of our test however succeeds in answering to all the questions that are put to the likeable crossover of the Double Chevron, beginning from the practicality of a cabin that doesn’t make to weigh a plasticky aspect and indeed substantially manages to make it a good point that goes to accentuate that jaunty look of a car that appeals to both young and old people, no wondering if women or men. We have an ergonomic and very simple cockpit, equipped with a touch screen display that controls every single parameter of the car (even climate, unfortunately), in our case with automatic transmission, a precise 6-speed box that further facilitates life in urban centers, while on secondary roads we would have preferred a manual stick, which could allow us to save a little bit in terms of fuel consumption. The C3 Aircross is a car that arouses curiosity and you will soon notice that the streets you walk on every day are literally invaded by other Aircrosses – logical to assume that there is a specific reason for that, in fact after a few days at the wheel we find ourselves in agreement that whether it is an exceptional hatchback, it does not forget to offer a pleasant look, especially when playing with specs and options, such as the two-tone body with a contrasting roof or with generous alloy wheels, which contribute to give the impression of a larger car.
Its 120 horsepower doesn’t make life very easy when overtaking, but a weight that is just over 1,300 kilograms helps not to make the C3 Aircross awkward when you’re really in a hurry. The steering is precise and parking is a child’s play, by the way it’s 416 cm long and 177 wide – the overall height is 161 cm, which translates into plenty of space for the head, with the 3 rear occupants having enough room for their legs. The company declares 4 l/100km in the mixed cycle, with a sensible increase in the city, where you can eventually count on Start & Stop. Traction is only at the front and here’s another reason why defining it an SUV would be a mistake, in the same way that Citroen itself goes to position its C3 Aircross in an affordable range starting at € 19,250 (1.5 diesel with 100hp) and 19.900 € (1.2 petrol 110hp). Then it takes at least € 23,000 for having 20 more horses, not just a shy number but an important power upgrade, especially in the case of out of town trips. Finally, there is the possibility of requesting the so-called Grip Control, which simulates the presence of a self-locking differential thanks to ABS and engine interventions, ideal for those who find themselves traveling along slippery roads. The C3 Aircross is one of those cars that would end invisible to performance-minded people – we’re not here to convince you otherwise – but for the automotive world it means a lot and not just because it proves able to bring a functional and nice design in the everyday life of millions of motorists, but because it combines effective abilities with a good looking face at a low cost and allows you to bring even the most stubborn SUVs and Crossovers detractors to a world that, unlike many might think, listens very well to the needs of the great public.
CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS
Layout – front-engine, front wheel drive
Engine – 4 cylinder 1.499cc – turbodiesel
Transmission – 6-speed automatic gearbox
Power – 120 hp @ 3.500 rpm
300 Nm @ 1.750 rpm
Weight – 1.308 kg
Acceleration – 10 sec.
Top Speed – 179 kph
Price – from € 23.050