Citroen has gained for itself a useful slice of the lucrative small SUV market with this car, the C3 Aircross. Jonathan Crouch drives the revised version.

Ten Second Review

Just because a car is fashionable doesn't mean it can't also be practical too. For proof of that, Citroen brings us this C3 Aircross, now usefully revised in this updated form. This complete and highly personalisable package is their idea of what a little SUV should be.

Background

What if you could have the style and adventurous feel of a small SUV. Combined with the interior space and flexibility of a small MPV People Carrier? It's a combination of virtues that many brands have promised. But which possibly this car actually delivers - the Citroen C3 Aircross.

It first went on sale in late 2017 and prior to the launch of this facelifted version in early 2021, over 330,000 examples had been delivered. Why, they ask quite reasonably, would you want to take a supermini or family hatchback and, in pursuit of some mythical lifestyle orientation, make it heavier, clunkier, less efficient and less practical? What though, if those downsides could be minimised and the SUV in question could offer all the interior versatility you used to need one of those small supermini-MPVs to get if you required it in a really compact little car? Well that's the thinking behind this C3 Aircross, here usefully improved.

Driving Experience

The engine line-up hasn't changed much, so as before, it's broadly shared with its C3 supermini stablemate, though this SUV-orientated model steers clear of the feeblest C3 units. There are four efficient engine options; a 1.2-litre PureTech three cylinder petrol unit, offered in 110hp (manual) and 130hp (auto forms. And a 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel, offered in 110hp (manual) guise.

Ride quality is a little softer than the segment norm - which typical Citroen owners tend to like. This would-be SUV introduced new technologies to the C3 range, including Grip Control with Hill Descent Assist. The enhanced traction system claims to provide control and safety even on steep inclines, reducing the risk of slipping or acceleration as the vehicle descends in forward or reverse gear.

Design and Build

Citroen has taken the opportunity to entirely re-design the front end of this C3 Aircross, reflecting the brand's current styling 'language'. There's a fresh LED headlight signature, while the chrome-trimmed chevrons of the badge on the bonnet have been updated, extending out towards the LED lights. There's also a revised front grille. A higher-set bonnet is the final design change at the front. As before, this model aims to dominate the road with its raised ground clearance, elevated driving position, front and rear skid plates, large wheels and wheel arch extensions. The body styling is underscored by strong graphic features such as touches of colour on the roof bars, and the 'Venetian Blind' rear quarter-lights.

Inside, there's a re-styled central console featuring a large storage space at the rear. The car's centre-dash 7-inch colour touchscreen is there to de-clutter the dashboard but goes too far by including ventilation controls and concealing them behind menus that can be awkward to instantly access when you're using the screen's other functions. As for practicality, well there's a split sliding and folding rear bench, plus 60/40 split-folding and adjustable seat backs. The boot is large by class standards at 410-litres and can be further extended up to 520-litres with the sliding rear bench option.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £17,500 and there's a choice of three trim levels, 'C-Series', 'Shine' and 'Shine Plus'. Many buyers will be opting for the latter two spec levels, in which case a budget in the £20,500 to £23,000 bracket will be needed. With this revised model, the number of potential personalisation options has been increased. There are now 70 exterior combinations in total, including seven different body colours and an exterior bi-tone roof available in three colours which can be complimented by one of the four exterior colour pack options.

Inside, customers can select between five different interior ambiences comprising of special seat upholstery, a range of dashboard textures and door panel designs, and touches of colour on the central console surround, steering wheel, air vents and seat backs. Connectivity and infotainment is taken care of via a 7-inch touchscreen which groups together the key vehicle functions such as air conditioning, radio, telephone and Sat Nav. Safety-wise, there are up to 12 driving aids, including a colour Head-up Display, Speed Sign Recognition, an Active Safety Brake system, Intelligent Beam Headlights, Park Assist, a reversing camera, Lane Departure Warning and a Blind Spot Monitoring set-up.

Cost of Ownership

Almost every fashionable type of technology has been thrown at this car to drive its WLTP-rated running costs down and, as you'd expect, the best returns can be achieved from the BlueHDi diesel models. The BlueHDi 110 engine delivers up to 62.7mpg on the combined cycle and up to 126g/km of CO2. Don't automatically sign on the dotted line for a diesel though, particularly if, like many supermini owners, you don't cover a huge number of annual miles. In the Pure Tech petrol range, the 110hp unit manages up to 51.5mpg on the combined cycle and up to 141g/km of CO2. The top PureTech 130 petrol variant is rated at up to 47.3mpg and up to 150g/km. All quoted figures are WLTP.

Every C3 Aircross comes with a three-year and 60,000-mile warranty and there's also Europe-wide breakdown assistance included from new for the first year you own the car. Looking at the longer term, you also have a 12-year guarantee against rust and 36 months cover for any paintwork defects, though that doesn't include stone chips and other wear and tear damage.

Summary

When it all comes down to it, this is an appealing, distinctive and nicely equipped little SUV. Unlike most cars in this class, it's actually feels better on the road than the supermini it's based on and offers an awful lot more than the ordinary C3 in return for the reasonable premium in price being asked. It's Citroen's idea of what a small Crossover of this kind should be - and that makes it a little different from your other choices in this class. Which might mean you'll end up liking this car a lot more than you thought you were going to.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Citroen C3 Aircross

PRICES: £17,320-£23,080 – on the road

INSURANCE GROUPS: 14E – 17E

CO2 EMISSIONS: 123-142g/km

PERFORMANCE: [BlueHDi 110] Maximum speed 114mph / 0-62mph 10.8s

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [BlueHDi 110] (combined) 70.6mpg

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side & curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 4155/1765/1637mm