Funky C3 Aircross brings Citroën into small-crossover market

Citroën's product offensive is gathering pace. Its chief executive, Linda Jackson, says the next few years will see the arrival of eight new silhouettes – her jargon for what's interpreted as new models. Across the range the theme is funky design, affordable prices and, above all, comfort.

Priority has been given to the SUV line-up, and it’s definitely long overdue. The global market for so-called compact SUVs grew fivefold between 2012 and 2016. The market for these beefed-up hatchbacks has been a lifeline for many brands, yet the French have let the Asians and then the Germans reap all the rewards.

Better late than never comes the C3 Aircross. It’s also a sign of the drop in interest in people carriers, as this is the replacement for the C3 Picasso. The same audience is being targeted, however. Although Citroën calls this an SUV, it’s offered only as a front-wheel drive.

Sharing its underpinnings with the Opel Crossland X, in a deal done before the French firm's parent, PSA Group, took over the German car brand.

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The difference between the two pinpoints where Citroën has a real opportunity: styling. Taking the regulation crossover format, the designer Alexander Malval and his team have come up with a car with individual character. On the outside, variations of colour combinations, and some new thinking about overcoming the bulky width of the rear C-pillar, makes the C3 Aircross stand out from the traffic.

Inside the strong detailing continues, with a cabin that’s similar to the smart new C3’s but noticeably bigger. It has a sitting-room feel courtesy of wide, comfortable seats and the use of the smart seating trim on the dash and doors of certain grades. The rear seats can slide up to 15cm, giving increased boot space or rear legroom.

For engine choices the C3 Aircross will have either a three-cylinder PureTech petrol, with 82, 110 or 130 horsepower, or a four-cylinder Blue HDi diesel, with 100 or 120 horsepower. All are offered with a six-speed manual; a six-speed automatic will be available with the 110bhp petrol engine.

Prices have yet to be confirmed, but, given Citroën's aim of stealing sales from the Renault Captur, expect them to start at about €20,000.

Jackson is counting on SUVs to help her company increase sales by 30 per cent by 2021. Earlier this year it unveiled the midsized C5 Aircross at the Shanghai motor show. Both it and this latest model aim to fill a void in the French firm's offering while retaining the practicality that won plaudits for its people carriers in recent decades.

Citroën doesn’t want to abandon this important customer base but also doesn’t want to lose them to the Asian SUV set. Although the brand remains a minnow in the Irish market, this car’s arrival – along with those of the fleet of others on the way – should see its fortunes pick up.