After testing the 136 hybrid version, which should represent the majority of sales of the new C3 Aircross, here is the entry-level version equipped with the 1.2 Turbo 100 engine, the only version available with a manual gearbox in the range of Citroën's new urban SUV. Likewise, unlike its German cousin, the Opel Frontera, the C3 Aircross is the only entry-level model to have an internal combustion engine, in order to reduce prices and compete directly with the Dacia Duster, the star of the affordable SUVs. So what is this exclusive Citroën version worth? Find out in this test.
A Plus Convincing Finish
With the 1.2 Turbo 100 engine, the new C3 Aircross is only available in the first two trim levels, You and Plus, as the top trim level, Max, is not available with this engine. This is therefore an opportunity to discover the mid-range Plus trim level, now clearly identified as a separate trim level, and to be surprised by what this mid-range trim level has to offer, which proves to be both convincing and relevant.
Firstly, in terms of style, this C3 Aircross in the Plus trim level says goodbye to the 3D fabric covering the dashboard and the white TEP upholstery on the seats, replaced by a plain grey fabric, but the effect is very pleasing and allows the brand's latest model to benefit from a light and airy interior, one of the great qualities of this new C3 Aircross. The loss of the 3D effect on the dashboard is not to be regretted, and the simple grey fabric that replaces it is effective and adds character to the interior of this particularly competitively priced version.
The Plus trim level also gives access to the 10-inch multimedia screen, which doesn't offer navigation but can be controlled wirelessly via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. This isn't a drawback, especially as the Google Maps navigation system is still superior to Stellantis' own system. Finally, with the exception of the wireless smartphone charger, this Plus trim level is very well equipped, so much so that you might wonder why you should upgrade to the higher Max trim level for the other engines, since the latter, I remind you, is not available on this 1.2 Turbo 100.
A dynamic and responsive engine
To be honest, as the C3 Aircross is much larger than the smaller C3, I was a little apprehensive about getting behind the wheel of the 100 bhp petrol version, thinking it would struggle to move this big baby. However, the weight difference between a C3 and this C3 Aircross isn't huge, around 130 kilos, so the small 1.2 Turbo 100 engine feels perfectly at home, offering plenty of dynamism and drive while still being quite punchy. It revs deliberately to take the family along, but it can also be noisy, with a rather unpleasant three-cylinder noise in the first three gears. This then dies down, but other noises take over, namely the aerodynamic noise, which is very present on this C3 Aircross and is noticeable from 110 km/h, becoming more pronounced as the speed increases, while remaining perfectly acceptable around 120-125 km/h.
The engine is willing, but it also wants to be frugal: on my test drive I averaged 5.7 litres, with 5.9 litres in the city, almost 2 litres more than the 136 hybrid version, in line with Citroën's promise of 50% use of the electric motor in the city. However, on the 250 km of motorway travelled at 130 km/h, the C3 Aircross consumed an average of 6.7 litres per 100 km, exactly the same as the hybrid version tested previously, which shows on the one hand that the small engine can move the C3 Aircross quite reasonably and on the other hand that the electric motor of the hybrid version does not bring much on the motorway, even if its contribution is considerable in the city.
The only engine available with a manual gearbox, the C3 Aircross 1.2 Turbo has a well-positioned gear lever, borrowed from the C3 or the Peugeot 2008, with firm locks and relatively short travel. The gears are well spaced and rather short, allowing for a dynamic driving style, despite the very long sixth gear, which is mainly intended for motorway driving, where it helps to reduce fuel consumption. However, at 130 kph, and despite the fact that the C3 Aircross is very square and not the most aerodynamic car in the world, it allows you to take on bumps without having to use the gear lever; only emergency overtaking will require you to change down a gear or two.
All in all, the little engine in the C3 Aircross is a very pleasant surprise. It is willing, powerful but relatively frugal, but far too loud in the lower gears with a rather unpleasant noise, which is its main flaw. Otherwise, this petrol version is extremely comfortable. It's a real pleasure to find such a high level of comfort at this price, which is a testament to the expertise of the Citroën teams and the benefits of the Advanced Comfort suspension and seats, which make the C3 Aircross by far the most comfortable SUV in its segment.
Last but not least, the C3 Aircross retains another of its great qualities: its spaciousness, especially in the rear, where each passenger has all the space and comfort they need to enjoy a journey in the best possible conditions. This is truly one of the strengths of the new C3 Aircross, and even more so of the Citroën range as a whole: a vehicle designed for the family, where everyone can travel in space and comfort. It's not a zoom-zoom car that pleases the driver even if it annoys the other passengers; here everyone is treated equally: comfort at the highest level.
In conclusion, I went into this test with preconceived notions, but I was pleasantly surprised, impressed by the dynamic performance of the engine, by the very well equipped Plus version and still amazed by the comfort and spaciousness of this C3 Aircross, which I consider a real success. Especially since this Plus version with the 1.2 Turbo petrol engine costs around 22,000 euros, it's really very affordable, and for that price you get a lot of qualities that can easily forgive the few flaws, especially the engine and aerodynamic noise. When you consider that a Renault Captur TCe 90 costs almost €5,000 more, you can see that Citroën really has all the cards to make a killing in the urban SUV segment.
Average fuel consumption on the test track:
Highway: 5.6 litres against 6.1 for the MHEV 136 (note heavy traffic which reduced speed)
National/Departmental: 5.8 against 4.4 for the hybrid 136
City: 5.9 against 4 for the C3 Aircross hybrid 136
Average over 95 km: 5.7, or 0.6 litres more than the C3 Aircross hybrid 136
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