I recently spent some time with the 2023 Citroën C3 Aircross. This dynamic compact crossover SUV comes in two configurations—5-seater and 7-seater—both offering a combination of French flair and practicality for urban driving. Here’s a closer look at both versions along with their key features, driving experience, and pricing in South African.
Design & Comfort
The Citroën C3 Aircross maintains a distinctive, quirky design across both models, with a boots space layout that’s straightforward and functional. The 5-seater model is ideal for those who prioritise a spacious second row over the addition of a third row, which is available in the 7-seater configuration. The 7-seater version has a 5+2 seating setup, with the third row being suitable primarily for children due to its limited legroom and headroom. The rear seats in the 7-seater can be removed to expand the size of the boot capacity from a tight 130 liters to 510 liters, providing more utility space.
The cabin experience in both versions is well-equipped but somewhat lacking in advanced safety features, such as additional airbags and advanced driver-assist systems, to keep the price competitive. Common features include a 10-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a reverse camera, and steering controls. The higher trims offer a 7-inch instrument cluster and multiple USB ports, but both variants lack cruise control and wireless charging pads.
Performance & Handling
Both the 5-seater and 7-seater models are powered by a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 81KW and 190Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission which I found quite punchy. The engine delivers a lively performance and responsive in-gear acceleration, delivering a smooth in both city driving and highway cruising.
The ride quality is commendable, with Citroën’s well-known suspension setup providing comfort on bumpy roads. While the steering is light and nimble for city maneuverability, the car’s handling is stable, and braking performance is satisfactory.
Pricing in South Africa
As of July 2024, the pricing for the Citroën C3 Aircross in South Africa is as follows:
- 5-Seater:
- You Trim: Starting at around R344,900
- Plus Trim: R354,900
- 7-Seater:
- Plus Trim: Approximately R370,000
- Max Trim: R384,900
The 7-seater configurations are priced about R25,000 to R30,000 higher than the 5-seater trims, reflecting the additional seating capacity and slight enhancements in features.
In conclusion here are the Pats (what I liked) and Slaps (what I didn’t) for the Citroen C3 Aircross:
Pats
- The drive is smooth
- It is competitively priced
- The fuel consumption is good at an average of 6.5 liters per 100km
Slaps
- Given the times we are in, the USB port should have been the C-type.
