2024 was first and foremost an opportunity for Citroën to renew its B-segment with the launch of the C3 and the presentation of the new C3 Aircross, which is radically different. With these two vehicles, the brand hopes to make a comeback in Europe with the aim of regaining 5% of the market. What are the advantages of the new C3 Aircross? Here is the answer.
A complete makeover
While the first generation C3 Aircross inherited the genes of an MPV and, in particular, the C3 Picasso, the new generation makes the obvious choice of being a real SUV without forgetting its family vocation.
With a very flat bonnet and a very vertical front and rear, the new C3 Aircross has a voluminous profile, but above all it wants to be a real adventurer with an assertive personality. The new C3 Aircross adopts the headlights and bonnet of the C3, but is 2.5 centimetres wider, allowing the brand's teams to fit generous fenders to give it a strong look. With a ground clearance of 20 centimetres, the C3 Aircross will be able to travel on all types of roads, although its preferred terrain will undoubtedly be urban and suburban areas, while also being able to go off the beaten track.
With a length of almost 4.40 m, more than 20 cm longer than the current generation, the new C3 Aircross offers a particularly generous living space, with the best roominess in its class, especially in the rear. This spaciousness was necessary because the C3 Aircross offers a 5-seater version and a 7-seater version with two folding seats in the boot, more suitable for children.
Inside, the C3 Aircross shares many elements with the C3, including the new C-Zen Lounge dashboard. By placing the instrument cluster at the base of the windscreen, the brand offers a very horizontal dashboard that does not encroach on the living space, but on the contrary frees it up.
The interior also adopts the C3's codes of warmth thanks to the light materials used on the dashboard and door panels, offering the occupants a large, comfortable and warm space that makes this C3 Aircross an extension of the home.
A range of engines finally electrified
A major shortcoming of the previous generation was the lack of electrified, hybrid or electric engines. This has been rectified in the new generation, as the C3 Aircross will be available from launch with a 136 bhp hybrid version and a 113 bhp electric version using the C3 engine and battery for a range of 300 km, with a version increasing the range to 400 km coming soon.
This electric range will undoubtedly be a strength for this C3 Aircross, as it will allow it to cover all market segments, whereas the old one was limited to thermal versions, thus addressing only 50% of the market.
The hybrid version should account for the vast majority of sales, especially as it is well positioned in terms of price, with a starting price of €25,500 for the well-equipped Intermediate Plus version, i.e. €2,000 to €3,000 cheaper than the previous generation in petrol or diesel. To offer an even lower starting price, Citroën offers a You version with a petrol engine just below the Dacia Duster, making the C3 Aircross a formidable competitor for the Romanian SUV, which will not have an easy time of it.
To sum up, the second generation C3 Aircross has real qualities to establish itself in this market segment, which has become the most important in Europe, ahead of the compact saloons. Livable, comfortable, well-equipped and sold at an affordable price (€8,000 less than the Renault Symbioz, for example), the Citroën C3 Aircross is well on the way to success, as evidenced by the number of orders it has already received, despite not being visible in dealerships.
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