Citroen is underlining its commitment to becoming as known for its SUVs as its small, frugal hatchbacks with the launch of the C3 Aircross.
Very similar indeed to the C-Aircross concept shown earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, the C3 Aircross looks SUV-ish, but is actually a roomy replacement for the outgoing C3 Picasso MPV.
Based on the same platform as the Peugeot 2008 and the newly-launched Opel Crossland X, the C3 Aircross is 4.1-metres long, has raised ground clearance, plastic bash panels and optional ‘Airbump’ door protectors, and even front and rear skid plates in an attempt to convince you that, no, really, it’s a tough and rough off-roader. You can even have Grip Control (Citroen and Peugeot’s multi-stage traction control setting) and Hill Assist Descent systems if you really want to get off the pavement.
For all that though, this car is all about its cabin space and practicality, and Citroen claims that it offers best-in-class floor-to-ceiling height and legroom, as well as a boot which can expand to 520-litres depending on where you have the rear bench positioned.
"After the new C5 Aircross, a C-segment SUV presented in Shanghai, Citroen is accelerating its international SUV offensive with a second model. Unveiled today in Paris, the new Citroen C3 Aircross Compact SUV will be launched in Europe between now and the end of the year. Bringing together all of Citroën's expertise in cabin space, modular design and comfort, this people-minded SUV stands out in the B SUV segment with its unique body styling. It has a different mind set, a source of protection and adventure, consistent with the expectations of customers today” said Linda Jackson, Citroen’s CEO.
While the styling of the C3 Aircross sticks closely to that of the C4 Cactus and new C3 hatchback, there is one little visual innovation - the rear c-pillar is actually a translucent polycarbonate, which allows light in and lets you see out, but which from the outside looks like a solid panel. Rather neat, that. On top of which, there are eight body colours and four roof colours, and thanks to a lengthy options list, Citroen claims that there are 90 possible combinations of exterior style, plus five distinct interior design schemes - standard, ‘Metropolitan Grey,’ ‘Urban Red,’ ‘Hype Mistral,’ and ‘Hype Colorado.’
Engines include the familiar 1.2-litre PureTech petrol three-cylinder engine, in 82hp naturally aspirated and 110hp and 130hp turbocharged forms. Diesel power comes from the 1.6 BlueHDI diesel engine in either 100hp or 120hp forms. There is an automatic option, but only on the 110hp petrol for now.
It’s also one of the debut cars for Citroen’s new Advanced Comfort technology. That starts with spaciousness, thanks to a 2.6-metre wheelbase, and is added to with seats that have broader, more generous width and soft cushioning, hefty soundproofing to keep the cabin quiet, and suspension that has been tweaked for comfort rather than sporty responses.
On the tech front, you can have options such as keyless entry and ignition, a heads-up display, top-down view reversing camera, parking assistant, emergency active braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitor, speed limit recognition, high-beam headlights assistant, and driver attention alert.
On the infotainment front, the seven-inch touchscreen includes MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, plus there’s an emergency services calling system, wireless phone charging, and a 3D sat-nav system. Sales will start in the second half of the year wit prices set to be announced in July.