pocket seven-seater… also for the price

A few months ago, the new C3 was unveiled, bearing styling cues from the 2021 Oli “concept car.” Even before the first copies arrived at dealerships. The following is the Aircross version: that this time it won’t work oriented to the “all-terrain” image (the normal C3 already has plastic fins and a good 20 cm of ground clearance), but to offer more interior space, accommodating five to seven passengers.

Like its brother (and other equivalent Stellantis models such as the new Opel Frontera), the C3 Aircross is based on a multi-energy “Smart Car” platform that integrates thermal, hybrid or electric motorization.

And this model has them all: Three-cylinder petrol turbo engine with 100 hp power.

with manual transmission; “Mild hybrid” kit with a power of 136 hp. (with 28 hp electric motor and 48 V battery) and e-DCT automatic transmission; and – in M-S3 – a synchronous electric motor with a power of 113 hp. with a 44 kWh battery, LFP technology and a range of approximately 300 km. A larger battery will soon be added that will allow a range of 400 km.

loud presence

Externally, The C3 Aircross has a three-quarter rear end that differs from the regular one.. By lengthening the wheelbase (now it is 2.67 meters) The rear door has been enlarged to provide easier access to the two rear rows of seats. as well as the rear pillar. The rear window now slides out from the sides, offering a different profile to the model. And the entire rear end has been redesigned as well, from the roof spoiler to the bumper that runs through the taillights. To be a B-segment SUV, The Aircross is 4.39 meters long, 1.66 meters high and has 690mm wheels.

The real novelty of the C3 Aircross can be seen in the interior. If the front seats, dashboard, steering wheel and trim are the same as the C3 (including the large touchscreen and the “heads-up display” projected onto the base of the windshield), everything behind it is new. Really There are two cabin versions: five-seater and seven-seater.

Firstly, the rear row is 65 mm further back than in the second, offering more legroom (Citroën claims this is a category record) and a 460-litre rear boot, which rises to 1,600 with the seatbacks folded down.

At the end allows two adults.

The seven-seat version of the C3 Aircross adds two more seats in the rear. sharply reducing cargo capacity, which is only 40 liters with all seats occupied and 330 liters if only five people are traveling. But on short trips it can accommodate two children and even two adults, as they are not too spacious or comfortable. With all seats deployed, the trunk volume is 40 liters, in the 5-seater configuration – 330 liters.

These seats are not removable when screwed down, but only recline to place items on them when not occupied. Of course, these bystanders are very vulnerable in the event of a rear-end collision. The electric version (due to the position of the battery) does not allow this seven-seat configuration.

Price is a great argument

The new C3 Aircross is equipped numerous driving aids, cozy seats, which the brand has already accustomed us to and –“Advanced Comfort” suspension is standard. It is offered in six color combinations with two roof colors and two trim options: You and Max. These are all strong points of the Citroën offer, but this time it includes one more, more decisive for the buyer: price.

Given the avalanche of subsidized Chinese models entering our market, the figure of 20,000 euros is now key to conquering the popular market segment. Thus, The new C3 Aircross is presented in Spain with a very competitive price from 18,990 euros. (gasoline 100 hp) or 26,490 (electric MC-S3). The hybrid version is still a few months away, and the electric version will have two additional batteries in the near future.