The stylish Citroen C3 Aircross is a practical and efficient crossover

Citroen returned to South Africa in October 2019 with a few models, one of which was the funky C3 Aircross with a practical take on the small crossover concept. Ideal for young buyers and small families who need a stylish lifestyle vehicle, the 2021 Citroen C3 Aircross can accommodate kids in the back and some equipment in the boot with the capability to go off-road. The skilful Aircross won the Auto Express ‘Small SUV of the Year’ twice, owing to its spaciousness, modularity, and usefulness. 

Citroen offers the C3 Aircross in two trim levels: Feel and Shine. Both variants carry the old and famous 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine generating 81 kW at 5,500 rpm and 205 Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm, which is on par with other small turbos from its competitors. It can get a little noisy on low revs but works well in the mid-power range. The mill pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Its acceleration will not get your blood pumping, but for a small SUV with a 1.2L mill, you shouldn’t expect to get an adrenaline rush. However, the good thing is the drive feels fairly close to a slightly bigger and taller variant of the C3 because both vehicles use the PSA Group's PF1 platform.

The 2021 Citroen C3 Aircorss features a robust and protective design with a high bonnet line, highlighted by chrome-finished stripes and lined by LED Daytime Running Lights. The rear quarter lights have a shutter-effect design in the centre. The entry-level variant comes sporting 16-inch alloy wheels, while the Shine wears 17-inch alloy wheels.

The real party starts inside, where the C3 Aircross offers the most exciting features, including squared-shape wide seats and a rake- and reach-adjustable steering column. 

Regarding the infotainment, you get a 7" Touchscreen on both the Feel and Shine, but Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility is available on Shine only. That’s a pity considering how tech-focused vehicle purchasers are these days. 

Thanks to the extended wheelbase, the 2021 Citroen C3 Aircross offers plenty of space inside for passengers. The boot capacity of 410 litres is better than most of its rivals. The Shine even allows you to adjust the rear seats through its rails. Slide the row all the way forward to get 110 litres more space for the cargo.

The automaker ensures passengers' safety inside the Aircross through stability control, ABS and EBD, hill-start, ISOfix anchors for the rear seats, and six airbags.

The 2021 Citroen C3 Aircross Feel starts at R369 900, while the Shine is R399,900. (Prices correct at time of publication.) 

The head-turning French styling, the roomy cabin as well as the cargo capacity, modern safety facilities, a 5-year warranty, and a 5-year service plan set the C3 Aircross at a suitable position in the small crossover segment.

Are you looking for similar entry-level SUVs? Check out our blog for our latest reviews. Every month we review the newest cars to hit SA’s roads. 

Please note the imagery supplied in this blog was taken off www.autoexpress.com