Citroen C3 Aircross
OUR PICK 1.2 PureTech 110 Flair (2018/68, 37k miles, £9,990)
COMBINING French design flair with impressive familyfriendly functionality, the C3 Aircross is a small SUV that’s as stylish as it is sensible. Introduced in 2017, the distinctive five-door is a two-time category winner in our annual New Car Awards, its blend of practicality and character elevating it above more mundane rivals.
Like Citroens of old, the C3 Aircross majors on different design and clever packaging. The bold exterior is matched by an equally imaginative interior, which looks great and is surprisingly spacious. Created with families in mind, the bright and airy cabin is packed with storage, while the rear bench slides to free up extra legroom or increase carrying capacity to a generous 520 litres. The armchair-style front seats are really comfy, and the seven-inch touchscreen delivers all the latest smartphone connectivity features.
Soft suspension means that comfort is the order of the day, the Citroen effortlessly soaking up bumps and potholes. Light steering and plenty of body roll mean this isn’t a car that will appeal to keen drivers, but that’s a small price to pay for the C3 Aircross’s relaxing and stress-free driving experience. This is enhanced by a wide range of eager engines, although for us the 108bhp 1.2-litre PureTech petrol gives the best blend of performance and economy.
Crucially, unlike Citroens of the past, the C3 Aircross is robustly built and features dependable mechanicals. Factor in low running costs thanks to its frugal engines and affordable maintenance, and the funky-looking French machine appeals as much to the head as it does the heart. Better still, with prices starting at under £9,000 for lowmileage three-year-old cars, this is a family machine that won’t break the household budget.
Quirky, characterful and comfortable, the C3 Aircross is a desirable and great-value second-hand SUV that very obviously stands out from the crowd.