Citroen is marching into the lucrative midsize SUV segment and has unveiled the Citroen C3 Aircross SUV. The Citroen C3 Aircross will be the brand’s fourth product in India and go on sale in the second half of 2023. With 90 percent localised production, the French carmaker is expected to price the C3 Aircross aggressively to help it lure buyers away from the likes of Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Kia Seltos. While Citroen has revealed limited information, here is what we know so far about the Citroen C3 Aircross.
- 4.3 metres long with a 2,671mm wheelbase
- Available in 5-seater and 7-seater configuration
- Powered by 110 PS 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine
Citroen C3 Aircross: Design
As far as length is concerned, the Citroen C3 Aircross will be around 4,300 mm long which will make it on par with the Hyundai Creta. On the surface, the C3 Aircross appears to be a larger version of the C3 hatchback. Like most Citroen cars, the C3 Aircross gets the trademark logo in its grille which is two parallel chromed strips making upward arrows in the middle. Two strips of DRLS on two sides of the triangular headlamps are also something that gives the C3 Aircross its unique look. The tall upright front bumper and large dedicated air intakes also add to the macho appeal. On the side, there is black cladding bordering the SUV at the bottom end and on the lower part of the doors. With 200 mm ground clearance, the C3 Aircross sits 10 mm higher than Creta, which will further enhance the already well-received suspension setup on the C3 hatchback. Like the front and side profiles, the rear feels like an enlarged C3 with a large tailgate, tall bumpers, and squarish tail lamps.
Citroen C3 Aircross: Interior
What can become a great advantage for the Citroen C3 Aircross over the Creta is the option of removing the third row. There will be a standard five-seat iteration whereas a third row can be added for seven passengers.
Feature-wise, the C3 Aircross will get roof-mounted aircon vents in the second row to cool the rear passengers. Buyers, however, will miss the automatic climate control as manual knobs with three levels of fan speed are provided. The 10.2-inch infotainment system will be similar to the C3, and it will also get a full digital multicolour instrument cluster with a tachometer that C3 misses. Some other features that are part of the package are a height-adjustable driver seat and steering-mounted controls.
Citroen C3 Aircross: Engine & Transmission
The C3 Aircross is equipped with a 1.2-litre Turbo-petrol engine that produces 110 hp power and 190 Nm torque. This is the engine that powers the turbo variant of the C3 variant. Initially, the Citroen C3 Aircross will be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the automatic transmission is expected to join the lineup later.
Citroen C3 Aircross: Price & Rivals
Citroen is expected to price the C3 Aircross at Rs 10 – 15 lakh (ex-showroom) and the SUV will rival the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos, the Maruti Grand Vitara, the Toyota Hyryder, the Volkswagen Taigun, and also the Skoda Kushaq. If priced as expected, Citroen will have the distinction of having the most affordable midsize SUV in India. This will help the French SUV rival more popular compact SUVs as well.
