By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

Just because a car is fashionable doesn't mean it can't also be practical. For proof of that, in 2012 Citroen brought us a revitalised version of its first generation C3 Aircross small SUV. Square-shaped but well-rounded, this comfort-focused and highly personalisable package was in the 2021-2024 period their idea of what a little SUV should be.

Models

5dr SUV (Petrol - 1.2 [110hp] / Diesel - 1.5 BlueHDi [100hp])

History

What if you could have the style and adventurous feel of a small SUV. Combined with the interior space and flexibility of a small MPV People Carrier? Back in 2021, it was a combination of virtues that many brands had promised. But which this car strove to deliver - the Citroën C3 Aircross, the first generation version of which was revitalised and redesigned early in 2021 to create the model we're going to look at here. The French like practical, rational cars. Which is why brands from this nation were first to popularise the MPV, a most logical type of motor vehicle. They were early hatchback innovators, too, appreciating their extra practicality and functionality. And amongst the last to embrace the contradictory charms of the modern affordable family SUV. Why, French folk asked quite reasonably, would you want to take a supermini or family hatchback and, in pursuit of some mythical lifestyle orientation, make it heavier, clunkier, less efficient and less practical? Yet, usually, no more spacious or versatile? What though, if those downsides could be minimised and the SUV in question could offer all the interior versatility you used to only find in small supermini-based People Carriers? Well, that was always the thinking behind the C3 Aircross, first launched in 2017, then four years on refreshed with a new face, new tech and an easier-to-understand model range, creating the little crossover we look at here. This, we were reminded at launch, was a car 'full of innovation'. Before you get too excited, perhaps expecting an old-school Citroën that follows the DS, GS and CX models of the Sixties and Seventies with ground-breaking drive systems and quirky suspension set-ups, we should set the record straight by making it clear that the 'technical innovations' being offered here were rather less revolutionary, really just distinctions of the modern-era Citroën kind, most of them cosmetic. Things like a bewilderingly large number of paint combinations, customisable exterior colour inserts, a class-leadingly large sunroof and, more usefully, 'modular' rear seats that recline and slide. All this is the sort of thing the modern SUV crowd wants and Citroën felt compelled to play to it - understandably so as it was a formula that had clearly worked with the original version of this car, over 340,000 C3 Aircross models having been sold prior to this updated version's introduction. If you're familiar with the company's 2021-era model range, you can probably tell at a glance where the C3 Aircross fitted in. It was a smaller brother to the company's C5 Aircross model, but where that family hatchback-based contender targeted the likes of the Kia Sportage, Peugeot 3008 and Nissan Qashqai in the C-segment part of the SUV market, this smaller design had its sights set on supermini-based rivals like Nissan's Juke and Renault's Captur. You might, as we initially did, make the mistake of assuming this contender to be little more than a dressed-up C3 supermini in a pair of hiking boots, but actually, there's a lot more to it than that. Not least the fact that this Aircross variant sits on a wheelbase that's 60mm longer than a standard C3, which makes it significantly more spacious inside. In short, it's a small SUV with big ideas. Especially in this revitalised form, in which guise the car gained smarter looks, plump 'Advanced Comfort' seats, upgraded interior technology and more advanced driving aids. It sold until mid-2024, when it was replaced by a second generation model.

What You Get

This car feels like it's up for a bit of fun, doesn't it, it's styling all jaunty bulges, contrasting colours and tonka toy-like looks. Shy and retiring folk won't see the point, but the fashionistas should love it. This improved version of the MK1 design looks a bit more purposeful than its predecessor, but it's pitched at the same segment, sized halfway between the supermini and family hatch sectors, an SUV sweet-spot that back in 2021 every mainstream brand was fighting increasingly hard to compete in. Inside, as part of the 2021 update, this C3 Aircross gained a larger 9-inch centre screen and, with the top-spec trim level that most customers wanted, a pair of unusual over-stuffed front 'Advanced Comfort' seats. As with the original model, what you ultimately get with this car depends quite a lot on whether you've been able to stretch up to one of the pricier trim levels and therefore open up access to one of the three nicer interior design packs. But even without extra trimming tinsel, there are plenty of unique design touches to be found around a cabin - like the quirky little upright air vents, the retro-style instrument dial graphics, a curiously stylised handbrake lever, a squarical flat-bottomed steering wheel and even an indented 'reverse Airbump' theme on the door cards. There's a reasonable amount of cabin storage space too - and decent build quality from the Spanish factory. Go for a top 'Shine Plus' variant and you get the flexibility of a sliding rear bench that features a 60:40-split and moves back and forth over a 150mm range. It's a great feature to have on a car of this class, but it's really annoying that you can't have it on more affordable versions of this model. The seat back reclines too, for greater comfort on longer journeys. Another feature of note that requires a plushly-specced variant is the panoramic glass roof, which opens, has a powered blind and, occupying a glazed area of nearly 1-metre in length, was supposed to be the largest in the segment. Last but not least, let's consider the boot. Raise the rear hatch when the back seat is set for maximum legroom and there's 410-litres of capacity on offer. Push forward the entire rear seat and you'll reveal an (almost) flat loading floor with as much as 1,289-litres of total fresh air if you load to the roof.

What You Pay

Please contact us for an exact up-to-date valuation.

What to Look For

As with other small SUVs, check for child damage inside and alloy wheel scuffs outside. And of course you'll want a fully stamped up service record. If the model in question is a diesel, ask how it has been used. If only for local work, the 'DPF' 'Diesel Particulate Filter' may have got clogged up, as these need frequent highway journeys in order to self-clean. Other possible problems with the DPF-equipped cars come if the DPF has been shut off part way through its self-cleaning process. That results in contamination of the oil system with fuel, which leads to the oil level rising gradually over time. What else? Well examine for flaking of paint on the bumpers and check that the air conditioning works and that the pixels on the centre display are all good. Also check for rear bumper scrapes. Finally check that the Bluetooth pairs reliably with your phone handset. Electrical glitches are relatively common, so make sure everything electrical in the car works and double-check that there are no unexplained warning lights on the dashboard. Citroen's infotainment touchscreen software can sometimes cause the monitor to freeze or fail completely. A software reset may solve the problem, but some owners have had to replace the entire unit, which is not a cheap operation.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a 2021 C3 Aircross 1.2 110hp excl. VAT - autopartspro.co.uk) A pair of front brake pads are between £15-£23 depending on brand. A pair of rear brake pads are between £14-£22. A pair of front brake discs start in the £22-£42 bracket. Oil filters cost around £4-£18, air filters cost around £6-£15 and fuel filters cost £3-£19. A starter motor starts from £82 upwards.

On the Road

This improved version of the first generation C3 Aircross gained a bit of attitude but inevitably remained about as comfortable in the rough stuff as the average upper class Parisian would be in a tent - which of course won't bother potential buyers one jot. Instead, this car is destined for the urban jungle, an environment well suited to its beautifully supple suspension and easy manoeuvrability. Go beyond the city limits and start to push through the bends a bit and you'll have to contend with a bit of body roll but in compensation, there's plenty of grip and it's usually pretty straightforward to place the nose of the car where you want it. The steering helps in that regard, the power assistance being a bit more progressive in its input than it is in the conventional C3 model. This Aircross model gets the higher-end engine options you'd find with that car, with the core range based around Citroen's usual 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged petrol unit offered with 110hp in 6-speed manual form or with 130hp as an EAT6 6-speed automatic - which is capable of up to 47.3mpg on the combined cycle and up to 140g/km of CO2. If you want to do better, you'll be interested to know that a manual-only 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel model was available. Performance in the two petrol variants is acceptable, with 62mph coming up in just over 9 seconds, if you can get all the power down through the front wheels; as usual in this class, there's no 4WD option. Optional to new buyers was an extra cost 'Grip Control' system which tweaks the ESP stability control set-up so that there's extra front wheel traction when you need it most.

Overall

If the automotive market was sensible and rational, this would have been a small MPV - like the old C3 Picasso. And in many ways it was: just one with an SUV mindset. We like that combination and there's no reason why potential used buyers shouldn't too. When it all comes down to it, this is an appealing, distinctive and nicely equipped little SUV. Unlike most cars in this class from this era, it's actually feels better on the road than the supermini it's based on and offers an awful lot more than the ordinary C3 hatch in return for the reasonable premium in price being asked. It was Citroën's idea of what a small SUV of this kind should be - and that makes it a little different from your other choices in this class from this period. Which might mean you'll end up liking this car a lot more than you thought you were going to.

Body Glass

Electric front windows + one touch + anti-pinch

Rear wiper

Variable front intermittent wipers

Electric rear windows with one touch/anti-pinch

Tinted rear windows and rear quarterpanel glass

Brakes

ABS with Electronic brakeforce distribution and Emergency braking assistance

Hill start assist function

ESC (Electronic Stability Control)

Communication

eCall emergency call system

Driver Aids

Traffic signs and speed limit recognition and recommendation

Cruise control with speed limiter

Lane departure warning system

Mirror screen with Apple CarPlay and Android auto

Engine start button

Variable assistance power steering

Rear parking sensors

Coffee Break Alert

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Driver Information

Outside temperature sensor

Driver instrument cluster including trip computer and rev counter with white text LCD display and white needles and chrome decor

7" touch screen

Driving Mirrors

Heated door mirrors

Electrically adjustable door mirrors

Electrically folding door mirrors

Entertainment

Steering wheel mounted controls for stereo and telephone

Bluetooth hands free and media streaming with USB socket

Citroen connected DAB radio with 6 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Body colour painted door handles

YOU signature

Rear side wing doors

Front and rear body coloured bumpers

Roof aerial

Integrated roof spoiler

Chrome chevrons front grille

Exterior Lights

LED daytime running lights

Automatic lights and windscreen wipers

Automatic Eco LED headlights

LED third brake light

3D effect LED rear lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Front and rear door storage

12v socket in front

Glovebox with closable lid

Leather steering wheel with satin chrome inserts and radio controls

Driver and front passenger cup holders

Manual handbrake with chrome insert

Satin chrome interior door handles

Centre console with open storage

Height and reach adjustable steering wheel

Interior Lights

Boot light

Front and rear courtesy reading lights

Passenger compartment headlight adjustment

Packs

Gloss black colour pack - C3 Aircross

Safety

Mono-tone horn

3 point, height adjustable, pre tensioned front seatbelts

Three 3 point rear seatbelts

Driver airbag

Front passenger airbag

Rear door child safety locks

Front passenger airbag deactivation switch

Front lateral airbags

Automatic illumination of hazard warning lights

Curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitor

Drivers/passengers and rear seats unfastened seat belt warning

Seats

60/40 split folding rear seat

Front head restraints

Height adjustable driver's seat

Row 2 - Three seats with individually adjustable head rests

Single front passenger seat

2 rear isofix mounting points (outside seats) with top tether

Security

Perimetric and volumetric anti theft alarm

Automatic door and boot locking with automatic unlocking in case of impact

Vehicle locater function (headlights illuminate when button on key pressed)

Automatic locking of the vehicle (after 30 seconds if door or boot unopened)

Remote central locking + deadlocks

Immobiliser

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and passenger sunvisor with courtesy mirror

Wheels - Alloy

16" X Cross diamond cut alloy wheels

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 134

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 147

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 134

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Engine and Drive Train

Catalytic Convertor: No

Gears: 6 SPEED

Transmission: MANUAL

CC: 1199

Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90.5

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 75

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 45.6

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 44

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 40

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 57.7

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 62.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 7.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 6.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 4.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 7.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 6.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 43.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 54.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 39

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 50.9

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 49.4

General

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 18E

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 110

Badge Engine CC: 1.2

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Coin Description: PureTech 110

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Coin Series: You

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - RPM: 1750

Engine Torque - NM: 205

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 151

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Power - KW: 81

0 to 62 mph (secs): 10.1

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Torque - MKG: 20.9

Top Speed: 116

Engine Power - BHP: 110

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 205/60 R16

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Rear: 205/60 R16

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Wheel Style: X-CROSS

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2604

Width (including mirrors): 1976

Height: 1637

Width: 1765

Length: 4155

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1795

Minimum Kerbweight: 1216

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 45

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 840

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 600

Max. Loading Weight: 579

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 410

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1289

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.8

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Bi-tone perla nera black roof

Interior Features

Brasilia leather effect and flecked cloth upholstery with metropolitan graphite ambience, advanced comfort seats and wrapped dashboard

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Perla nera black

Metallic - Cumulus grey

Metallic - Pepper red

Metallic - Voltaic blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Polar white

Trim - Cloth

Mica cloth - Grey with grey ambience

Brasilia leather effect and flecked cloth - black/grey with with metropolitan graphite ambience, advanced comfort seats and wrapped dashboard

Wheels - Spare

Spare wheel pre-conditioning