C3 Aircross becomes a crossover instead of a mini-SUV inspired hatch. Image: Citroën India
Realigned as the entry-level marque within Stellantis South Africa, Citroën has revealed price and spec details of the new C3 Aircross that also becomes the multi-brand conglomerate’s cheapest seven-seater.
Radically different from the previous generation made in Spain, the Aircross now originates from the Tiruvallur plant in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu as part of both it and the standard CC23 model representing products for developing markets.
As such, the European-flavoured previous generation’s designation as an off-road inspired take on the regular C3 makes way for a crossover variant based on the Smart Car platform that, ironically, underpins the latest Old Continent generation.
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On-sale in both India and Brazil since the end of March last year, the C3 Aircross, known internally as the CC24, measures 4 323 mm long, 1 665 mm high and 1 796 mm wide with a wheelbase length of 2 671 mm.
Longer by 181 mm, wider by 40 mm and taller by 28 mm with its wheelbase lengthened by 67 mm, the additional gain is boot space, which ranges from 444-litres in five-seat form, to 511-litres in the case of the seven-seat variant.
Somewhat strangely, no figures were disclosed for both model’s total capacity with their respective seats down, or in the case of the seven-seater, with the third-row being used.
As a comparison, space in the previous C3 Aircross ranged from 410-litres to 1 289-litres with the 60/40 split rear seat folded down.
Its ground clearance increased to 200 mm from 178 mm, up front, the C3 Aircross adds a turbocharger to the 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech petrol used in the C3 hatch without any forced assistance.
Although present in India, for South Africa, torque has been increased from 190 Nm to 205 Nm with power remaining unchanged at 81 kW.
The reason for the latter comes as a result of Citroën having opted to eschew the five-speed manual gearbox for a six-speed automatic available in Brazil where power options consist of a normally aspirated 1.6 or the 1.0-litre Firefly turbo.
Debuting in the fourth quarter of the year though, the entry-level Plus variant carries over the powertrain from the C3 hatch, namely the free-breathing 1.2 that sends its 61kW/115Nm to the front axle through a five-speed manual.
For now, the pair of Aircross models carry the Max trim grade with standard features consisting of the following;
On the colour front, Citroën has made four mono-tone hues available; Polar White, Platinum Grey, Artense Grey and Cosmo Blue.
Also offered on both variants are no less than six dual-tone options; Cosmo Blue, Artense Grey and Platinum Grey with a contrasting Polar White roof, Artense Grey and Polar White with a Cosmo Blue roof and Polar White with a Platinum Grey roof.
Included with each C3 Aircross’s price tag, which knocks R105 000 off of the previous generation’s starting sticker, is a five-year/100 000 km warranty and a four-year/60 000 km service plan.
Pricing for the Plus variant will only be announced at the time of its arrival.
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