Citroën C3 Aircross review: simplicity hits the mark, price is the icing on the cake

The new Citroën C3 Aircross delivers a well-judged dose of simplicity. Its price is the “icing on the cake”.

There are those who believe that, in certain circumstances, less is more. This entry-level-engined Citroën C3 Aircross is one such example.

At a time when cars are becoming ever more complicated, the days I spent behind the wheel of this French SUV made me forget the complexity of some rival offerings. Far from being a drawback, that is perhaps one of its greatest strengths.

It met every expectation I had. It is comfortable, (very) spacious and avoids excessive technology - something which can sometimes hinder the driving experience more than it should. In this C3 Aircross, however, everything appears to be just right.

As the following lines will show, it has no shortage of strengths, with the price perhaps being its most compelling one. It also made me consider the formula Stellantis engineers have found to provide plenty of equipment for relatively little money.

Available in Portugal from €19,290, the C3 Aircross is a direct rival to the Dacia Duster and promises to be a tough contender, offering plenty for comparatively little, just like its Romanian competitor.

A more adventurous C3

Its exterior immediately conveys a sense of sturdiness. Despite sitting in the B-SUV segment, the Citroën C3 Aircross has generously proportioned bodywork and high ground clearance (19 cm), giving it the appearance of an adventurous SUV.

Prominent wheel arches, roof rails and two-tone paintwork reinforce that impression, although the finish on the car I tested does not show off this model’s “muscular” lines to their best advantage. These lines stand out far more clearly in the red example André Mendes had the chance to test a few months ago:

Space on a grand French scale

Forgive the pun, but if the expression “on a grand French scale” were a car, the Citroën C3 Aircross would be an excellent candidate. Without the luxury and ostentation, naturally, but certainly with space to spare.

Space is precisely where this model stands out most. The C3 Aircross is 38 cm (!) longer than its C3 “sibling”, allowing it to offer more room for rear passengers and, better still, one of the biggest boots in the segment, at 460 litres: 112 litres more than the Dacia Duster.

As if that space were not already impressive enough, an optional €700 upgrade adds seven seats - a layout that makes it the smallest seven-seat SUV on sale, something not even the Dacia Duster can match.

Inside, the C3 Aircross retains that sense of robustness, while bringing a welcome simplicity that is particularly evident up front. This is thanks to the lack of conventional instruments usually positioned behind the steering wheel, as well as the “flood” of displays to which recent models have accustomed us.

Instead, the French SUV features a head-up display that projects the essential driving information. Fortunately, unlike the fully electric version tested by André Mendes, this one provides access to both average and instantaneous consumption figures.

Yet, as the saying goes, “every rose has its thorn”: it lacks a rev counter. It is not a serious issue, but it would be useful, especially as this version has a manual gearbox - is it simplicity or… cost-cutting?

There is also a 10.25-inch central screen - standard from the mid-range “Plus” trim onwards - which, although fairly basic, improves the onboard experience. It is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, probably the feature most people will use.

There is little to criticise about either the front or rear seats. The Citroën Advanced Comfort Seats stand out chiefly for their high level of comfort and the adequate support they provide.

Material-wise, the cabin combines fabric and hard plastics, which are used in various areas, including the door panels. Even so, the build quality deserves credit: it feels solid and free from unwanted noises.

100 hp and a manual gearbox: do you need more?

Fully electric models have helped make powerful cars more accessible. With a few exceptions, the new “normal” is a model with 150 hp or more, without even considering performance cars.

With that in mind, I admit I was concerned that the 100 hp and 205 Nm of torque from this 1.2 Turbo engine might feel “insufficient” and ill-suited to the bodywork it has to move. After all, this is the least powerful engine in the range.

But I was mistaken. Paired with a very light six-speed manual gearbox - ideal for urban driving - the 1.2 Turbo met the task perfectly, blending the strong responsiveness of a turbocharged engine with the efficiency of modern powertrains.

And, since efficiency has come up, its fuel consumption did not disappoint either. Having covered more than 400 km, I returned the C3 Aircross with the trip computer showing 6.2 l/100 km - only 0.2 l/100 km more than Citroën claims.

At quicker speeds, as expected, the C3 Aircross feels like “a fish out of water”. The steering is overly light and provides little feedback. These are characteristics of little or no relevance in a vehicle of this kind.

As is customary with Citroën, the suspension with double hydraulic bump stops clearly prioritises comfort over handling. Together with the thicker-foam seats, it leaves no doubt that comfort remains a priority in the French brand’s brief. And rightly so.

Best value for money?

Regardless of the version or engine selected, one word prevails: rationality. In any configuration, the Citroën C3 Aircross offers one of the segment’s best value-for-money propositions, with prices starting at €19,290 for the entry-level You version.

Even so, I believe the range’s sweet spot is precisely the version I tested: the Plus with the 100 hp 1.2 Turbo engine. It does not come with unnecessary equipment, but neither does it offer less than you would expect.

It has exactly what I consider essential for everyday use: rear parking sensors and camera, automatic air conditioning, a 10.25-inch central screen with smartphone connectivity, tinted windows and Citroën’s “essential” Advanced Comfort Seats.

It is neither the most technologically advanced model nor the one with the most exciting engines, but it never failed to meet everyday demands. It did so honestly, without trying to be something it is not.

That said, if your budget is not restricted, choosing the mild-hybrid version may reduce fuel consumption. In that case, the 1.2 Turbo engine is dedicated solely to moving the C3 Aircross, while everything else is powered by a separate electrical system. Ultimately, it is all a matter of taste, priorities and budget.

Verdict

Technical specifications