Citroen C3 Aircross 1.2 PureTech - is it suitable for off-road driving?

The French are converting their minivans into SUVs - one model after another. This time it was the Citroen C3 Picasso that became Aircross. Will this form be more interesting for clients?

Although the Citroen C3 Aircross will debut in Europe, this is actually its second generation. Previously, the car was produced under this name for the South American markets. It was nothing more than an elevated C3 Picasso, slightly adapted to the difficulties of driving in the developing world.

What is Aircross now? Is it still an elevated minivan, or is it already getting more from an SUV or crossover? Let's check.

“Pulled out” С3

Since the C3 Aircross is part of the C3 family, no one will be surprised by the number of similarities with the "little brother". To sum up the differences in one sentence, Aircross looks like a C3, slightly "stretched" vertically.

However, going down to the level of detail, we notice that there are no Airbumps in it - in C3 they are still an option, they simply are not here. It's a pity, because they are quite practical and significantly distinguish Citroens from other cars, but, apparently, the designer did not find a place for them here.

The pictures give the impression that the C3 Aircross is not a very big car. In the SUV class, yes. However, when we park next to, for example, a Citroen C4 Cactus, things look different. The Aircross is only 7mm shorter, but its wheelbase is 5mm longer.

Compared to the urban C3, there are much more differences - the off-road version is 15,4 cm longer. The wheelbase has increased by 6,1 cm, the ground clearance has increased by 2 cm. These are the differences between the B segment and the B-SUV segment - significant.

Just like a minivan

The wheelbase, more than 6 cm longer than the C3, promises much more room in the cabin. And this is so - the driver can sit quite comfortably in the chair, and the rear passenger will not complain either. Well, if we don’t find a big couple: a driver and a couch passenger, then there will be not enough space.

The first C3 Aircross was a variant of the very practical C3 Picasso, and while we're currently testing a completely new model, there's still a practical side to it. The center tunnel is low enough to accommodate five people in the back. The couch is divided into two independent parts that can be moved. The central backrest can be folded down to form an armrest with a place for drinks or a tunnel for transporting ski equipment.

The modularity of the rear seat allows you to significantly change the capacity of the luggage compartment. This one is quite large in the base configuration because it holds 410 liters, but after moving the seats we will gain another 110 liters. Folding the sofa, we get a space of 1289 liters. The front passenger seat folds down to make room for long items, and the trunk itself can also be accessed through ... an opening rear window. Just like in serious SUVs. Load capacity is also enhanced by standard roof rails from Feel and up.

The instrument panel resembles that of the C3, but is also slightly "elongated" vertically. This is due to the vertical vents - otherwise no major changes. The Citroen Connect Navi system, with its 7-inch touchscreen, continues to be the control center for virtually all vehicle functions. In the new generation, it responds better to touch and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but air conditioning control can still be a problem.

Even though it is not a very large machine, it can be quite well equipped. We will buy a Head Up display or security systems: sign recognition, Active City Break, automatic lighting, lane departure warning or a rear view camera. C3 Aircross also assists in pull-off and automatic parking.

Not as roadless as they make it out to be

In keeping with the brand's strategy, even though the C3 Aircross is an SUV, the offer does not include all-wheel drive. However, if we move on dirtier terrain, the Grip Control system will help for an additional PLN 2660. With a single knob, we can adjust the ESP system depending on the road surface to simulate a limited slip differential or completely disable it. The genesis of this idea comes down to the force of friction - the wheels always slip to some extent and, contrary to appearances, the maximum friction force is not optimal for traction. Different suspensions vary in the percentage of wheel slip that determines optimal traction, and the Grip Control system tries to maintain this desired percentage.

There are no big novelties among the engines. We know all units from other Citroons. Of the petrol engines, we can only find the 3-cylinder 1.2 PureTech, but in 4 variants. There is also no difference in terms of diesel volume - the only engine is 1.6 BlueHDi, in versions for 100 or 120 hp. The 6-speed automatic only comes with a 110 hp petrol engine.

The test version is a 130 hp petrol version. With this power unit, the car is already quite dynamic - it accelerates to 100 km / h in 9,3 seconds, and can develop a maximum of 200 km / h.

The fuel consumption of the 3-cylinder is quite decent. It is expected to consume 6,3 l/100 km in the city, 4,7 l/100 km outside and 5,3 l/100 km on average.

Riding Aircross in the city is quite pleasant - the suspension is quite flexible, visibility is good. This is due to the large windows and elevated driving position. Only when driving on very bumpy roads does the rear end feel a little nervous. The more we load the rear axle, the more this effect is enhanced.

The coolest minivan?

The Japanese, due to the very limited space in cities and the large number of residents, have long begun to produce cars that are as roomy as possible. In the Land of the Rising Sun, there is no place for long masks. There you drive mostly cars that will give as much as possible within the space they occupy.

The Citroen C3 Aircross adheres to these principles to some extent - it gives a spacious interior and good loading capabilities without taking up several parking spaces. The French, however, added something European - they raised the suspension to turn a not-so-exciting minivan into a fashionable SUV. And it worked - Aircross is sure to be of interest to many young families.

Moreover, the price list opens with a rather tempting amount of PLN 52. Prices for models with the best equipment of the Shine line start from PLN 900. In addition to the price, young people are attracted by the possibility of personalization - Citroen talks about 66 color combinations.

So if you want an SUV, but don't think about cars more than PLN 100 yet, you should take a closer look at the Citroen C Aircross.