Road Trip

Citroën C3 Aircross

- Text: Paul van Gass

The Citroën C3 Aircross SUV, based on the same platform as the Opel Crossland X following the partnershi­p between Groupe PSA and General Motors (now defunct, with PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobile­s (FCA) forming Stellantis), has been restyled with a distinctiv­e new look, greater in-cabin comfort, and enhanced personalis­ation options.

With 330 000 vehicles produced since its launch at the end of 2017, the C3 Aircross has proved popular in Europe in the highly competitiv­e BSUV segment, in part due to its ultra-customisab­le and unique design, spaciousne­ss, and practicali­ty.

The new, revised C3 Aircross features an entirely redesigned front face inspired by the Cxperience concept car. First introduced on the C3 last year, it represents the new design language of Citroën, with a bold and unique identity.

The chrome-trimmed chevrons now extend out towards the new LED lights and the grille has a brand-new geometric pattern. The bonnet is also higher set, and a new aluminium-grey skid plate with coloured inserts enhances its sturdy appearance.

The latest model is available with seven different body colours, including three new ones – Khaki Grey, Voltaic Blue, and Polar White – and customers have a choice of four colour packs, comprising eye-catching

coloured inserts on the leading edges of the front skid plate, the door mirrors, and the rear quarter-lights. A choice of three roof colours – monotone, white, or black – are also available.

The personalis­ation upgrades continue inside with three ambiences, each with its own identity, and the compact SUV offers new Advanced Comfort seats – an innovation first seen on C4 Cactus and C5 Aircross. The rear bench seat can slide longitudin­ally by 150 mm and a flat-folding front passenger seat is also available.

Boot volume can be increased from 410 l to 520 l with the rear bench placed in its forward-most position, and up to 1 289 l is available with the rear bench fully folded down. Depending on the version, a larger nineinch touchscree­n with Citroën Connect Nav functional­ity, Android Auto and Apple Carplay smartphone charging, and Citroën Connect Assist are available.

The C3 Aircross comes with up to 12 intuitive driving aids, including a colour head-up display, Active Safety Brake, keyless entry and start, and Top Rear Vision reversing camera. It will be available with a range of Puretech petrol and Bluehdi diesel engines coupled to sixspeed manual or automatic transmissi­ons. It is not yet known when the upgraded model will arrive locally.

 ?? | Images: Citroën United Kingdom ??
| Images: Citroën United Kingdom
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