Get social with me on Twitter and Instagram @DanielCalbacho

Citroën’s local range is a dynamic trio of two SUVs and a funky hatchback.

It makes sense to import these three vehicles to our market as it’s these two categories that are showing growth. 

As mentioned in my two other reviews, the C3 hatch and C5 Aircross, I enjoy Citroën’s laid-back character with a strong focus on unique aesthetics and comfort that’s felt with its supple ride. Arguably these are the two cornerstones of why you’d buy a Citroën. 

The C3 Aircross is a compact crossover/SUV designed solely for on-road with a smidge of soft off-roading. Like its siblings, it features a playful design language that differentiates it from its competitors. In my eyes, the car resembles a cartoon character. Funnily enough, I saw the TV commercial for the car. It goes a little something like this - a friendly PAC-MAN devouring luggage as it drives throughout the commercial - the C3 Aircross is visual entertainment. The C3 Aircross features muscular lines on its bonnet, which is both short and high. It conveys an impression of robust strength, with a light signature that attracts the eye at both front and rear angles. At the same time, it is non-aggressive, with its horizontal balance and generous contours.

Where form meets function, the C3 Aircross has succeeded in winning the ‘Small SUV of the Year’ award for the second year in a row. The judges of the Auto Express panel praised C3 Aircross SUV for its spacious interior, modularity and practicality. 

Citroën’s promise is comfort - a sense of feeling cocooned.  This can be felt in the seat comfort. Large wide seating provides great comfort, in addition, suspension comfort, with classic Citroën settings for all driving conditions. This is particularly beneficial locally with our pockmarked roads. Exterior sound insulation is also noteworthy.

Not just a cute looker with a soft character, the C3 Aircross has the largest boot in the segment. A feature I enjoy, the dual-height mobile boot floor which provides a flat floor when the rear seats are folded down. Additionally, rear legroom is also class-leading.

The focus of the dashboard revolves around Citroën’s touch screen infotainment system. The table features a Mirror Screen function including Android Auto, Apple Car Play™ and MirrorLink® that lets you take advantage of the multimedia content and apps of your smartphone in safety, by duplicating them onto the 7-inch screen.

Driven by a 1.2-l turbocharged 3-cylinder motor, it does an ample job of hauling the little character from robot to robot. It exudes a peppery note when asked to rev, a sound that harmonises well on the ear. Sprints to 100km/h are done in around 10.5 seconds with average fuel consumption sitting at around 9.0-l /per 100km.

You can’t have your cake and eat it too – with Citroën’s bias towards comfort, the soft suspension means the C3 Aircross does lean into corners as a result. Comfortable it is. Sporty it isn’t.

If comfort is your thing and better-than-the-rest boot and rear legroom, go test drive the C3 Aircross!

The competition

Fiat 500X, Ford EcoSport, Honda BR-V/HR-V, Hyundai Venue/Creta/Kona, Jeep Renegade, KIA Seltos, Mahindra XUV300, Mazda CX-3 Opel Crossland X, Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, Suzuki Vitara, Toyota Rush/C-HR and Volkswagen T-Cross.

Pricing 

Citroën C3 Aircross FEEL R345 900 

Citroën C3 Aircross SHINE R369 900 

Service and warranty

5 year/100 000km

www.citroen.co.za