Citroen C3 Aircross
Update Crossover wins new fans on trip to Wiltshire
AS soon as I got the keys to the Citroen C3 Aircross on our fleet, I promised my uncle and aunt I’d bring it to Wiltshire on a visit.
My relatives run a Citroen C3 Picasso on the Motability scheme, but it’s up for renewal next March, so they were curious to see how the small SUV fares as a potential replacement. Having heard plenty of good reports, they welcomed the chance to poke round the car for themselves.
I wasn’t sure what they would make of the new design direction Citroen has embarked on; the car certainly has an individual look. Still, the market has been softened up by the quirky C4 Cactus and C3 supermini, and the Aircross is undeniably a statement, moving things on from my family’s compact MPV. It’s an up-to-date crossover with a youthful, aggressive design.
It’s also well equipped, because I’m running a top-spec Flair model in Spicy Orange with a white roof and silver exterior pack, options that make it stand out from the crowd. My aunt and uncle thought so, too, because they both loved it.
The ride and interior are where it really shone for them. Sydna loved the jacked-up ride height and raised seating because they made access easy. It’s backed up by comfortable, supportive seats.
Our car’s predominantly black upholstery is complemented by grey and black houndstooth cloth, which gives the Aircross a classy feel. Alan found the driver’s seat and steering wheel easy to manoeuvre into a comfortable position, too.
The interior is one of the roomiest in its class and there was lots of room for the four of us when I gave them a lift home. We took in a mix of smoother A-roads and some twistier country lanes, and they found the ride comfortable. Alan is now itching to take one for a test drive himself.
Verdict
IT’S not just me that the C3 Aircross has impressed. My relatives found it a solid step on from their C3 Picasso supermini-mpv, which shows Citroen has nailed the brief in combining practicality with SUV styling. ★★★★★
“My aunt loved the jacked-up ride height and seating because they made access easy”