It is a great offering from Citroen, having many things right, but the price segment in which this car will compete have some drawbacks that you should know.
After the eC3, C3 hatchback, and C5 Aircross SUV, the new Citroen is back. The Citroen C3 Aircross SUV has made its global debut in India. It is the brand's fourth model designed specifically for the Indian roads.The second half of 2023 will see the launch of the new C3 Aircross SUV in India, which will provide Citroen in that country more traction.
Citroen C3 Aircross platform details
The C3 Aircross is the second product in the C Cubed programme that the company has announced for India and is built on the CMP modular platform. The C3 Aircross will compete in the midsize SUV segment while having a similar name, stylistic characteristics, and drivetrain to the C3 hatchback. The Aircross is also substantially longer and has a longer wheelbase than the C3 hatchback.
Exterior Design
The vehicle is comparable in length to the Creta at 4.3 metres. Unmistakable stylistic inspirations from the Citroen family and the C3 can be seen on the C3 Aircross. Its wider footprint, however, sets it apart significantly from the hatchback in terms of size. Like the majority of Citroens, the front grille features a two-layer design with piano black and chrome accents, and the logo is incorporated into it. Additionally, it has the headlamps positioned directly beneath the Y-shaped daytime running lamps that are a Citroen trademark. However, even in fully equipped form, the Aircross only comes with halogen headlamps, while the majority of competitors come standard with full LED headlamps. The fog lamp enclosures are arranged in a circle around the large, dedicated air intake vent on the front bumper. Additionally, the chin is prominent and finished in brushed aluminium.
Interior highlights
The C3 Aircross has a longer wheelbase than the Creta at 2,671mm and round wheel arches in appearance. It also receives additional cladding that is similar to that found on other Citroen vehicles right below the doors, on the wheel arches, and on the doors. The C3 has 200mm more ground clearance than the Creta does. The doors appear to be large, yet they have conventional lift-type door handles rather than common pull-type ones. Higher trim levels will include massive 17-inch alloy wheels with a fashionable X-shaped design and dual-tone exterior paint. It has a huge tailgate, tall bumpers with sufficient cladding, and square taillamps that, while resembling those on the smaller C3, are bigger. The roof rails also add to the SUV touch of this car.
There are two seating configurations available for the Citroen C3 Aircross. A three-row layout with a 5+2 seating arrangement will be available in addition to the normal five-seat version. The 5-seat C3 Aircross, according to Citroen, has a 444-liter trunk, while the 7-seater model, with the third row folded flat, has 511 litres.
Engine, Power and Variants
The dashboard design has been carried over from the C3 hatchback mostly unchanged, although new colours and textures have been added to create some distinctiveness. The 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system hasn't changed either, and it still operates well and has decent graphics and touch sensitivity.
Notably, compared to the C3 hatchback, the interior does feel improved. In addition, Citroen has upgraded its all-digital instrument cluster from the C3 to include electric wing mirror adjustment.
There is also a lot more information displayed, and the graphics are considerably more bright and clear. The top-spec trim's leatherette upholstery and padded door armrests contribute to the overall pleasant feeling.
Feature-rich on Safety and Tech
However, overall levels of quality and equipment are still far from those of competitors or what is at par for the segment. Even the top-spec trim lacks climate control, which is a significant oversight. In addition, the manual rotary knobs for the AC feel clumsy to operate and are completely undamped. Additionally, it lacks key amenities that buyers in this market find attractive, including a sunroof, wireless charging, and ventilated seats. Additionally, since the AC vents are mounted on the roof, there is no room for a sunroof at all. There are several harsh surfaces around the cabin, which indicates that the overall construction and plastics quality are not up to class requirements. The back power window controls are situated between the front seats in the second row, making it difficult to access them. This is a major annoyance.
Launch date timelines and considerations
However, Citroen is sure of its drivetrain. "The engine is really great and there is no need for a more powerful engine, and even when you test it against competitors, you will find we are really well placed," claimed Koskas, the CEO of Citroen. But the C3 Aircross will stand out because, like the C3 hatchback, it will eventually acquire an all-electric drivetrain. According to the company, it was able to creatively package the batteries so that even the all-electric model could be provided with three rows of seats.
When it debuts, the C3 Aircross will face off against seasoned competitors like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, and Skoda Kushaq. In the second half of this year, prices for the C3 Aircross will be announced.
Since the Aircross has fewer amenities and a smaller, less powerful engine than its competitors, aggressive pricing will be essential in attracting customers.
After all, this is one of the market categories that is most fiercely contested, with practically every big manufacturer having a sizable piece of the action. If the Citroen c3 Aircross price starts around 9-13 lakhs, it can be a strong contender in India. If you like this information, do share it with your friends and relatives if they are planning to buy one. We are open to suggestions! Comment your views or what you would like to see next.
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