C3 kitted to the brim, although not everyone’s cup of tea

In much the same way Volkswagen proved with the original CrossPolo more than a decade ago, the novelty of crossover-inspired hatchbacks has become engraved into the minds of many, despite the fact they offer no real traction advantage and command the forking out of more randelas.

What they do offer is a SUV-like driving sensation, thanks to the increase height and slightly more macho looks, but while Citroën has pulled many of these traits off with the C3 Aircross, the standard model impresses.

Despite being lower and doing without the painted-on vents on the C-pillar as well as the roof rails, the C3 looks every bit like a Citroën should from the outside; modern, funky, fabulously quirky and with obvious nodes to the erstwhile C4 Cactus in the airbumps on the doors.

The same goes for the interior that continues with the squared motif from the exterior. With its red wrap around dashboard, folded-up like seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus premium materials, the cabin is also spacious and the boot decent at 300 litres.

Like the Aircross, the C3 is powered by a 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 81kW/205Nm. It is a vocal unit when pushed and while the sixspeed automatic gearbox is reasonably slick, it develops a propensity to double shift with each cog swap, resulting in hesitation with a noticeable jerk.

Once on the move, the little three-pot is punchy and does do a good job of carting the C3’s 1 090kg kerb weight along with ease. The steering is light and ride comfortable if not completely soft.

Citroën’s return to SA has been a welcome one and with the brand working hard on tidying up its reputation, the C3 is certainly a step in the right direction. And while the top-spec Shine does offer a compelling and fully kitted-out package for its R289 900 sticker price, it will sadly remain a left-field choice in a segment where the desire to be different not always resonates with the masses