Citroen C3 Aircross

The interior of the new Citroen C3 Aircross is also as interesting and vivacious as the exterior, if not more. There are multiple chic designer touches everywhere in this cabin, including on the door pads, seats, steering wheel, air vents, dashboard, centre console, and even the handbrake lever. As for features, the C3 Aircross brings with it keyless-entry & push-button start, automatic climate control, adjustable and split-folding rear seats, cruise control, and an all-encompassing 7-inch touchscreen display with built-in navigation, and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The roomy cabin comes with comfy and attractive looking seats, and it’s reasonably quiet and hassle-free as well. However, the thick door pillars and stupendously narrow rear glass are all detrimental for outward visibility. Also, the compact nature of the door mirrors and the fashionable “Venetian blind” don’t help matters much, either.

One of the biggest and most drawing reasons why one would choose to have a Citroen C3 Aircross in their life is its funky styling. Its polarizing design might not be to everyone’s liking, but it sure helps it stand out. The upper segment of the stubby yet intriguing front fascia comprises of a high-set muscular bonnet and sleek, multi-element LED daytime-running lights that are connected by the extended Citroen-signature grille piece. The centre portion of the massive front bumper houses the C3 Aircross’s peculiar-looking halogen headlights and a large air-intake grille in the middle. For the added aggression and SUV appeal, the lower portion of the designer front bumper also gets a rather large protective skid plate. The exuberantly-styled side profile gets some elaborately designed 17-inch alloy wheels, squared-off wheel arches, extended fenders, extensive black plastic cladding and a Citroen-special “Venetian blind” effect on the C-pillar.

The rear of the C3 Aircross features a pair of intricately-designed 3D-effect LED taillights, narrow back window, a roof-mounted spoiler, a protruding bumper with integrated foglights, and a skid plate. The Citroen C3 Aircross measures 4,154 mm X 1,976 mm X 1,637 mm in length, width, and height, respectively. Meanwhile, its wheelbase stands at 2,604 mm and its minimum boot capacity is a healthy 410 litres.

The C3 Aircross features independent MacPherson struts up front and a compound link setup at the back. Its tuning ensures a soft, supple and compliant ride over broken roads and bad pavement, but not at the cost of a boat-like dynamics. Of course, you do get body roll if corners are tackled with any verve or vigour, and the oddly-shaped, over-assisted steering wheel isn’t much fun, to begin with.

Powering the Citroen C3 Aircross is a 1.2-litre turbo three-pot petrol motor that’s good for 110 hp and 205 Nm of torque. It’s mated to a rather slow responding 6-speed automatic gearbox and drives the front wheels. Though this engine is reasonably responsive and adequate for the task at hand, the sluggish transmission blunts its actual output. Still, the C3 Aircross manages the nought to 100 kmph sprint in just over 10 seconds, before running out of breath at 200 kmph. This direct-injected motor is also quite the frugal one, returning close to 19 kmpl on a combined cycle.

Citroen has kitted the new C3 Aircross with all-around disc brakes that are further aided by ABS, EBD and emergency braking assist function. Also available are six airbags, electronic stability program, ISOFIX anchor points, and a gleaming five-star EURO NCAP safety rating for utmost peace of mind.

The new Citroen C3 Aircross is irrefutably one of the most distinguishable crossover SUVs on the market, today. Costing just under RM 116,000, and packed with some cool tech features and a comfortable cabin, this one represents a decent bang for the buck.