New Citroën C3 and C3 Aircross: 2023 arrivals

This article is part of the 2023 New Releases Special. Discover more than 100 new launches, supported by Millennium bcp.

Citroën has earmarked 2023 for the arrival of the next-generation C3 and C3 Aircross, two models that are crucial to the French brand’s position in the European market.

New Citroën C3 Aircross leads the launches

The programme should begin with the unveiling of the new Citroën C3 Aircross. It has already been “spotted” during the customary winter testing programme and is expected to make its global debut in the second half of the year.

Introduced in 2017 and having sold more than 330 thousand units, the C3 Aircross is set to grow by around 150 mm. It will also adopt an increasingly adventurous appearance, closer to that of a “traditional” SUV.

As well as featuring the latest version of the French marque’s Double Chevron emblem, first shown on the Citroën Oli, the new Citroën C3 Aircross is also expected to use several styling cues inspired by that electric concept car.

Citroën C3 Aircross engines and electrification

Built on the CMP/eCMP platform, also used by models including the Peugeot 2008 and Opel Mokka, the Citroën C3 Aircross will finally become electrified.

It should therefore be offered with petrol engines, mild-hybrid variants and, very probably, a fully electric version. The Diesel engine available in the current generation, meanwhile, is not expected to “survive”.

New Citroën C3 is also on the way

Later this year, although only towards its end, the Citroën C3 will receive its fourth generation, following much of what will be revealed on the C3 Aircross several months earlier.

A styling revolution is anticipated, again largely shaped by elements that the brand previewed with the Oli. The youthful and fun character that has always defined the Citroën C3 is therefore set to remain.

Sharing the CMP/eCMP platform with its Peugeot 208 and Opel Corsa “cousins”, the new Citroën C3 is expected to adopt an engine line-up very similar to that of the C3 Aircross. It will retain its focus on petrol power - with the 83 hp 1.2 PureTech unit expected to continue - while gaining a fully electric version called the ë-C3.

Citroën has not yet confirmed when it will reveal the new-generation C3, but the latest rumours point to a presentation towards the end of the year, followed by its market launch during the first quarter of 2024.

This article is part of the 2023 New Releases Special. Discover more than 100 new launches, supported by Millennium bcp.