Maximilian Stocker
The name C3 with the addition of “Aircross” should be familiar to many. The classification of the actual body version is a bit more unclear, as this changed over time with each generation. Let’s start with the 1st generation and the year 2010. At that time, the C3 Aircross was based on the C3 Picasso compact van and was essentially a kind of long-legged SUV version of it. The 2nd generation was introduced in 2017 and once again used the C3 platform. Instead of a more robust compact van, the C3 Aircross had now mutated into a small city SUV. It was slightly longer than the regular C3 (4.16 meters) and partly came with colorfully painted panels, light surrounds, roofs and side mirror surrounds. For the new and now 3rd generation, the French are transforming their vehicle again and turning it into a real compact SUV – with up to seven seats. In order to create enough space inside, the C3 Aircross was lengthened by 23 centimeters to 4.39 meters. The also new C3, which in turn forms the basis (smart car platform), is 4.01 meters long.
New brand look
Visually, the new Citroën design language and the now more robust design suit the SUV extremely well. Gone seem to be the days when the manufacturer relied more on round and playful lines. The front of the C3 Aircross has edges and corners and is also very upright. The LED light signature is formed by the characteristic three light bars. The dark “grill” between the lights is only hinted at. The new brand logo was placed on it, which is now significantly larger and more oval. The silver-colored insert in the apron, which also houses the actual radiator and fog lights, exudes off-road vibes. The hood runs horizontally and the wheel arches are emphasized by black paneling. The two-tone paint and the wide C-pillar complement the new look. The rear slopes steeply again and the lights take up the illuminated graphic of the front. Here too, a dark connecting panel, like the one on the front, is used, including the brand logo.
Unfortunately, Citroën is not yet revealing what the interior looks like. The drive options aren’t revealing too much at the moment either. What we do know is that there will be a classic combustion engine. This is probably a turbo petrol engine. The SUV also comes with mild hybrid technology. As a third option, a fully electric drive will also be available.
All further details about the new Citroën C3 Aircross will be available in the summer.
© Motorsport Magazine