NEW CAR DEBRIEF CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS
1 It’s just a jacked-up C3!
Pretty much. The C3 Picasso’s replacement, on sale in November, is a people carrier that’s moved with the SUV times. It’s inspired by the CAircross concept shown at Geneva in 2017. At the production car’s unveiling, Citroën’s Etienne Menant insisted it had retained MPV levels of comfort. 2 Is it less practical than the car it replaces? Citroën emphasises the continuing lexibility of the interior and the similar luggage space compared to the C3 Picasso. The rear seats can be independently moved and folded, and up to 520 litres of boot space is 203 more than a class-deining Nissan Juke.
3 In what sense is it an SUV?
In the lightest of senses. The Aircross shares its platform with the Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Crossland X, rides higher than a normal hatch and comes with Grip Control tech for low-grip surfaces, but don’t expect it to climb Everest. Citroën’s very focused these days on comfy seats and soft suspension.
4 Looks good, doesn’t it?
The Aircross has around 90 di¢erent colour, roof and wheel combinations. Even the rear quarter window can be covered with a weird Venetian blind e¢ect. There aren’t any Airbumps, though, as Citroën didn’t want to blur the lines between Aircross and Cactus.