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.