What's the news?
The all-new Citroen C3 Aircross is due to arrive in Irish showrooms from November. It's Citroen's smallest SUV to date and enters a highly competitive segment, which currently accounts for 16 per cent of all new vehicle registrations in Ireland. Unlike the C3 and C4 Cactus, the C3 Aircross does away with the distinctive Air Bumps in favour of an upright look that emphasises its SUV roots.
Like many of its rivals, such as the newly unveiled Kia Stonic and Volkswagen T-Roc, the C3 Aircross will be available in a wide selection of colours and contrasting colour packs. The latter bring some additional style by offering a second colourway that features on the roof bars, headlight surrounds, wheel centre caps, door mirrors and on the rear C-pillar, which is perspex to allow more light into the cabin. Higher spec models will also get chunky looking plastic bash plates on the front and back that are painted in anthracite.
Citroen will offer buyers the choice of both diesel and petrol engines. Although four-wheel drive isn't available, the C3 Aircross will be available with the company's Grip Control technology. This uses electronics and software to control the amount of intervention given to the front wheels depending on the surface, theoretically allowing for greater levels of traction.
Inside, buyers will be able to have keyless entry and start, a reversing camera, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring among the many available options. The car will also feature the choice of voice-controlled 3D satellite navigation and wireless smartphone charging. On the practical side, the 60/40 split folding rear seats are capable of sliding fore and aft, enabling the boot to increase from the standard 410 litres to 520 litres.
Anything else?
Citroen Ireland has made some improvements to its product offering across both the C3 and C4 Picasso ranges. Starting with the C3, the entry-level Touch spec now gains rear parking sensors, electric heated door mirrors, 15-inch alloy wheels, black plastic wheel arch trims and side skirts along with front fog lights. This will have a starting price of €16,395, with the move to mid-level Feel specification now costing €1,600. For that extra money, you now gain rear parking sensors, a brushed aluminium gear selector, Air Bumps and a bi-tone roof. The top-level Flair model will now start from €19,845 and gets the Safety Pack included. This features Active Safety Brake, Driver Attention Alert, Collision Alert and Smart Beam.
On the C4 Picasso range, Citroen is adding €300 worth of additional equipment to the entry grade Touch model. It will have a starting price of €29,995 and gains rear privacy glass and a height adjustable passenger seat. Bigger gains are to be had with the mid-level Feel Exclusive model, which now gets an additional €1,600 worth of equipment thrown in for its €32,820 starting price. These new additions include half leather upholstery, aviation trays from the backs of the front seats, flat loading space, height adjustable and folding passenger seat, drawer under the driver's seat, electric leg rest for the front passenger, massage function for both front seats including electric lumbar support and the kid's pack. The C4 Picasso Feel Exclusive & Techno Pack carries a €1,600 premium and gets the Safety Pack. For this, buyers get Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Information with Intelligent Speed Adaptation, Electrochrome interior mirrors, Smart Beam and Drive Attention Alerts along with Xenon lights.