Citroën C3 Aircross: A Practical & Stylish SUV

Exploring the Citroën C3 Aircross (2017): Style Meets Versatility

In the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive market, the small SUV segment has become a highly competitive arena. Citroën, a brand renowned for its innovative and distinctive designs, has carved out a significant niche with its C3 Aircross. This compact SUV masterfully blends the fashionable, adventurous appeal of an SUV with the practicality and spaciousness typically associated with MPVs. First launched in late 2017, and subsequently updated in early 2021, the C3 Aircross has proven its mettle, with over 330,000 units delivered before its facelift, demonstrating its appeal to a wide audience.

Citroën's philosophy behind the C3 Aircross was to address a fundamental question: why should buyers have to compromise between the elevated driving position and stylish aesthetics of an SUV and the interior flexibility of a more utilitarian vehicle? The C3 Aircross aims to deliver the best of both worlds in a compact and highly personalisable package. This article delves into the intricacies of the 2017 model, providing a comprehensive overview for prospective owners and enthusiasts.

Finding Your Perfect C3 Aircross: A Simple Guide

Navigating the various options to find the precise Citroën C3 Aircross that meets your needs is straightforward. Follow these three simple steps:

1. Select Trim: Begin by choosing your desired trim level from the provided drop-down menu. The C3 Aircross is available in three main specifications: 'You', 'Plus', and 'Max'.
2. Select Engine: Next, identify the engine that best suits your driving requirements from the second drop-down list.
3. Select Exact Version: Finally, pinpoint the exact version of the vehicle you are looking for.

Once these selections are made, you will be presented with the full specification details of your ideal Citroën C3 Aircross SUV 2017.

Who Drives the Citroën C3 Aircross?

The Citroën C3 Aircross appeals to a broad demographic, attracting drivers who value practicality, style, and a degree of customisation. It's particularly well-suited for families and individuals who require a versatile vehicle for both urban commuting and weekend adventures. Its compact footprint makes it easy to manoeuvre in city environments, while its elevated driving position and SUV styling offer a sense of confidence and capability.

The appeal of the C3 Aircross lies in its ability to defy the conventional wisdom that stylish cars can't also be highly practical. Citroën has managed to imbue this model with a sense of adventure without sacrificing the fundamental needs of everyday usability. It’s a car that doesn’t demand a compromise between fashion and function.

Driving Experience and Powertrain Options

The 2017 Citroën C3 Aircross offers a selection of engines that are largely shared with its C3 supermini sibling, although this SUV-oriented model omits the less powerful C3 engine variants. The range typically includes:

• 1.2-litre PureTech 110: This three-cylinder turbo petrol engine is exclusively paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
• 1.2-litre PureTech 130: For those seeking an automatic transmission, this more powerful petrol engine is mated to Citroën's EAT6 automatic gearbox. This powertrain is compliant with the latest Euro 6.3 emissions standards.
• 1.5-litre BlueHDi 110: The diesel option is a 1.5-litre BlueHDi unit, also typically offered with a 6-speed manual transmission.

In terms of ride quality, the C3 Aircross leans towards a softer, more comfortable setup than many of its rivals. This characteristic is often appreciated by Citroën owners who prioritise a smooth and compliant ride, especially over less-than-perfect road surfaces. While it's an SUV, its off-road capabilities are enhanced by optional technologies such as Grip Control with Hill Descent Assist. This system is designed to provide improved traction and control on challenging surfaces, mitigating the risk of slipping or sudden acceleration on steep inclines.

Design and Interior Innovation

Citroën has consistently championed distinctive design, and the C3 Aircross is a prime example. The 2017 model, and its subsequent updates, feature a redesigned front end that aligns with Citroën's current styling language. Key design elements include:

• Updated Lighting Signature: A fresh LED headlight signature gives the C3 Aircross a modern and recognisable face.
• Chrome Chevrons: The iconic Citroën chevrons on the bonnet are finished in chrome and extend towards the LED lights, mirroring the design cues found on the latest C3 and C4 models.
• Revised Grille and Skid Plate: A restyled front grille with a more geometric pattern and a redesigned aluminium-grey skid plate, featuring coloured inserts, contribute to the model's robust appearance.
• Higher-Set Bonnet: The bonnet line has been raised, enhancing the vehicle's SUV stance.

The overall exterior styling reinforces its SUV credentials with raised ground clearance, an elevated driving position, front and rear skid plates, larger wheels, and prominent wheel arch extensions. Colourful accents on the roof bars and distinctive 'Venetian Blind' effect rear quarter-lights add further visual flair and customisation options.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

Inside, the C3 Aircross continues to impress with its focus on comfort and practicality. Notable interior features include:

• Re-styled Central Console: A redesigned central console offers a generous storage space at the rear, accessible by both front and rear occupants, complete with a sliding shutter for a cleaner look.
• Advanced Comfort Seats: On higher trim levels, Citroën offers its 'Advanced Comfort' front seats, providing enhanced support and comfort for longer journeys.
• 7-inch Touchscreen: The central dashboard features a 7-inch colour touchscreen. While designed to de-clutter the dashboard, its integration of ventilation controls within menus can sometimes make immediate adjustments slightly less intuitive when other functions are in use.
• Flexible Seating: Practicality is further boosted by a split sliding and folding rear bench, along with 60/40 split-folding and adjustable seat backs.
• Generous Boot Space: The boot capacity is substantial for its class, starting at 410 litres. With the sliding rear bench option, this can be extended to 520 litres. Folding down the rear seats opens up a cavernous 1,289 litres of cargo space.

Market Positioning and Customisation

The Citroën C3 Aircross positions itself as a distinctive and appealing choice in the competitive B-segment SUV market. Pricing for the 2017 model typically started around £17,500, with mid-range 'Plus' trim levels often falling within the £20,000 to £22,000 bracket. The C3 Aircross is renowned for its extensive customisation options, allowing buyers to create a truly personal vehicle:

• Exterior Combinations: There are up to 70 exterior colour combinations available, including seven body colours and a bi-tone roof option in three different colours.
• Colour Packs: These exterior colour choices can be further complemented by one of four exterior colour pack options, adding subtle yet distinctive accents.
• Interior Ambiences: Buyers can choose from five different interior ambiences, which include unique seat upholstery, a variety of dashboard textures, different door panel designs, and colour accents on the central console, steering wheel, air vents, and seat backs.

Safety and Technology

Citroën has equipped the C3 Aircross with a comprehensive suite of modern safety and driver assistance technologies. These systems aim to enhance safety, convenience, and the overall driving experience:

• Head-Up Display: A colour Head-Up Display projects key driving information directly into the driver's line of sight.
• Speed Sign Recognition: This system reads road speed limit signs and displays them on the dashboard or Head-Up Display.
• Active Safety Brake: An autonomous emergency braking system designed to prevent or mitigate collisions.
• Intelligent Beam Headlights: Automatically adjusts headlights between dipped and main beam to improve visibility without dazzling other drivers.
• Park Assist: Aids in parallel and perpendicular parking manoeuvres.
• Reversing Camera: Provides a visual aid when reversing.
• Lane Departure Warning: Alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane.
• Blind Spot Monitoring: Warns the driver of vehicles in their blind spots.

Connectivity and infotainment are managed through the aforementioned 7-inch touchscreen, which consolidates essential functions like air conditioning, radio, telephone, and satellite navigation.

Cost of Ownership and Running Costs

The C3 Aircross incorporates various technologies aimed at optimising its running costs, with the BlueHDi diesel model generally offering the best fuel efficiency. The 1.5-litre BlueHDi 110 engine can achieve up to 67.2mpg on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of approximately 128g/km (WLTP figures). However, for drivers who cover fewer annual miles, the petrol engines might be a more suitable choice.

The PureTech petrol range includes the 110hp unit, which delivers up to 54.4mpg on the combined cycle and emits around 134g/km of CO2. The more potent PureTech 130 variant is rated at up to 47.3mpg with CO2 emissions of around 140g/km (all WLTP figures).

Citroën typically backs the C3 Aircross with a comprehensive warranty package, usually consisting of a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. This often includes Europe-wide breakdown assistance for the first year of ownership. For long-term peace of mind, owners can also benefit from a 12-year guarantee against rust and a 36-month warranty on paintwork defects, excluding normal wear and tear such as stone chips.

Summary: A Compelling Compact SUV

If automotive choices were purely driven by logic, a small MPV might be the rational selection for maximum practicality. However, the Citroën C3 Aircross demonstrates that you can indeed have an SUV with an MPV's versatility. This combination is highly appealing, and there's no reason why potential buyers shouldn't embrace it. While the C3 Aircross may not be the most dynamically engaging car to drive – a common trait among many B-segment SUVs – its strengths lie elsewhere.

What truly sets the C3 Aircross apart is its distinctive styling, its fun-to-be-in interior, and its overall user-friendly nature. It offers a compelling proposition that feels more substantial and capable on the road than the supermini it's based upon, justifying the reasonable price premium. It represents Citroën's unique vision of what a small crossover should be, offering a refreshing alternative to the more conventional options in its class. This individuality might just win over buyers who are looking for something a little different, and perhaps, a lot more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the main trim levels for the 2017 Citroën C3 Aircross?
The 2017 Citroën C3 Aircross was typically available in three main trim levels: 'You', 'Plus', and 'Max'.

Q2: What are the engine options for the C3 Aircross?
Engine options generally included the 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine (in 110hp and 130hp variants) and the 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine (110hp). Transmission choices typically included manual and automatic options.

Q3: How practical is the interior of the C3 Aircross?
The interior is highly practical, featuring a sliding and folding rear bench, generous boot space (up to 1,289 litres with seats folded), and ample storage solutions.

Q4: Does the C3 Aircross offer advanced safety features?
Yes, the C3 Aircross is equipped with a range of safety and driver assistance systems, including Active Safety Brake, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Park Assist.

Q5: What is the fuel efficiency like for the C3 Aircross?
Fuel efficiency varies by engine. The BlueHDi diesel can achieve up to 67.2mpg, while the PureTech 110 petrol engine offers up to 54.4mpg on the combined cycle (WLTP figures).

If you want to read more articles similar to Citroën C3 Aircross: A Practical & Stylish SUV, you can visit the Automotive category.