Global debut of Citroën C3 Aircross in India
Citroën revealed the All-New C3 Aircross in India this week – a midsize family SUV on the value and versatility promise. With 5-seat and 5+2 seat packages, the SUV has been developed with a focus on the Indian market.
Following the 2022 launch of the C3 sub 4m hatchback & Ë-C3 All Electric, the new C3 Aircross – a 4.3m midsize SUV, will go on sale in India in the second half of 2023. It will be produced in Thiruvallur, India with close to 90% local integration. Local production would mean ear to the ground, improved customers satisfaction, faster parts availability and overall lower cost of ownership.
Unmistakably Citroën by design with bold & muscular SUV cues, the C3 Aircross steps into a very competitive segment with a product that promises compelling value. Tough, distinctive, and well proportioned, but slightly old-school in terms of design, fit & finish, the SUV offers signature Citroën comfort and well-being, plus versatility in the segment for up to 7 people.
C3 Aircross is the second in a family of three new models specifically aimed at international growing markets under Citroën’s C-Cubed programme announced in 2019.
C3 Aircross features an assertive front face with a high bonnet, wide track width, Citroën Y-shaped lighting signature, and double grille with a lower skid plate to deal with varying road conditions and maximise cooling. It has a 200mm ground clearance, muscular wheel arches with large wheels and tyres, and resilient protective claddings.
The wide C-pillar adds strength to the body, while rear quarter windows adding to the feeling of light and space inside the cabin. Windows and long rear doors allow easy access to the rear rows of seats.
Customers can personalise their vehicle by choosing from a range of themed packs and accessories tailor-made to market expectations and designed to add character, street presence and value. Additionally, Citroën’s signature contrasting roof colours create an eye-catching dual tone effect.
The spacious cabin offers a ride quality that is tuned to maximise comfort and minimise body roll. The steering and turning circle add to the agility and ease of manoeuvrability. The underbody structure and approach angles ensure that the SUV can tackle rough road surfaces with ease and climb up or down steep slopes. It is easy over bumps and undulating road-surfaces, low on vibration and high on occupant comfort. The SUV is particularly roomy, with the 5-seater offering one of the best knee room for rear seat passengers and up to 444 litres of luggage volume. The 5+2 seater adds intelligent modularity for multiple uses, with a third row of two individual seats. These can be folded down or removed individually to balance the room for passengers with up to 511 litres capacity for luggage.
The spacious interior is reasonably well equipped, and embodies a 360-degree approach to comfort and occupant well-being. Comfortable seats combine with a powerful air-conditioning system, particularly in the second and third rows of the 5+2-seater version thanks to a roof mounted blower. Storage include cup holders that double as smartphone holders in the second and third rows so that occupants can power their connectivity and get entertained on the move.
The big misses? Climate control, sunroof, wireless charging, ventilated seats, are features that just cannot be overlooked in this segment. But the C3 Aircross doesn’t have them.
The SUV is powered by a 1.2L turbo petrol with peak power of 110 bhp and 190Nm of torque. The gearbox is a 6-speed manual for the launch edition, which once again, may be a deterrent for those aspiring for an automatic.
Prices for the C3 Aircross will be revealed at a later date.
