How the Citroën C3 Aircross works, the SUV with a family vocation

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2 months ago

How the Citroën C3 Aircross works, the SUV with a family vocation

Citroën is clear about its objective in the most popular segment of the market. And it will do so with a diverse offer. The first to arrive was the C3 and the one missing is the Basalt. In the middle appears the C3 Aircross, the SUV with a family focus that Clarion just tried.

It is part of what the brand calls C-Cubo, a project that it carries out with manufacturing in Brazil and that is designed for emerging markets.

That is why this C3 Aircross is a vehicle that, in terms of operation and use, is very well adapted for the roads of our region and for the needs that users of a model of this type mostly seek.

But it is also true that, as happens with other models that are developed for this part of the world, the quality of some materials It is not the same than that found in global vehicles.

This SUV also adds an option with capacity for 7 seats, which becomes the most economical on the market with these characteristics. But that variant will be analyzed later.

What is the new C3 Aircross like?

The style concept of this new SUV follows to the letter the idea launched by the C3. What’s more, you could say that up to half of the vehicle are practically the same. The big difference emerges in the rear sector.

The roof line continues straight until almost the end of the vehicle, giving it an almost “van” appearance. This decision is key to offering a ample space in the rear area. This will be one of the aspects that will be most valued about this Citroën.

The C3 Aircross has good clearance, making it a comfortable vehicle for the city. Its height does not affect its trajectory on the road.

Produced at the Porto Real Industrial Complex (in Rio de Janeiro), the C3 Aircross measures 4.32 meters long, 1.79 meters wide and has a wheelbase of 2.67 m., a fairly large measurement because it is a compact model. Therein lies part of its secret to being able to offer so much interior space. The ground clearance is also generous: 233 millimeters.

The “decorative” part of its appearance plays with a body with many reliefs and different curves. For those who prefer more elegant styles, this model may be somewhat overloaded. But it is also true that this idea works well in a popular segment like compact SUVs.

The second row probably offers the widest space in the segment. A person of 1.85 meters can be accommodated without problems even if someone of the same size is traveling in front. He might even cross his legs. It is really big for its size. The head area also has a lot of free space.

The trunk is huge and offers a capacity of almost 500 liters. In fact, that is the place where the two individual seats of the seven-seat versions go. A true space captain.

The on-board iron is practically identical to that of the C3. You can see a surface in which a lot of work was done in the design, with several elements that draw different shapes and textures. But they are all built with hard plastics. The inserts show a correct fit.

The upholstery of this top-of-the-range version uses a material imitation leather that combines different shades of gray that is pleasant to the eye.

What should be questioned about this Citroën is the perceived quality. That is to say, it is a vehicle that when you begin to see it in detail you can see the intention that the brand had to reduce costs in order to be able to offer it at the price it sells.

For example, the rear windows are located between the front seats. There are no ventilation outlets for the rear passengers and the only equipment intended for them are the USB ports.

The air conditioning is not automatic (although Citroën warns that this will change soon) and its equipment in general is not very great. Yes, the center console screen is good, with good response and wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

In terms of safety, the list is even weaker and, except for the front side airbags, it only includes what is required by law: ABS brakes, front airbags and stability control (ESP). There are no driving assistance systems.

How the new C3 Aircross works

Where the new Citroën SUV does very well is the dynamic part. It is a comfortable vehicle for everyday use and that is where its “Mercosur set-up” is valued.

Although it is a model high and with great ground clearancedriving on uneven terrain or cobblestone streets is a pleasant experience, as it filters out any imperfections on the road quite well.

And that is not a problem when going on the road: although the body rolls are marked when turning quickly, the trajectory is not compromised. Let us also not forget that it is a family vehicle.

Where the French brand does have to work a lot is in correcting the noises that filter into the cabin, both in aerodynamic and engine issues. You can even hear the turbo discharge when you release the accelerator.

The other pleasant surprise precisely has to do with the engine. Take the propeller T200of Fiat origin, of a 1.0 liter turbo and three cylinders that deliver 120 horsepower. Its partner is a CVT automatic transmission.

Against any prejudice, it is a set that responds in any circumstance in a very satisfactory way. Although there is a small delay when the vehicle comes from a standstill, the response is notable.

The thrust manifests itself energetically and with surprising speed. The box, unlike what you might expect from a CVT with a small engine like this, acts quickly without any sensation of slipping.

And consumption ends up being a great ally, since on average you can do up to 8 L/100 km.

Anyone who chooses the C3 Aircross as a family vehicle will recognize that it more than fulfills these functions. But it is also true that the perception of quality and its user experience have room for improvement.