I heaped high praise on the Citroën C3
Aircross tested back in February of 2020 and have now completed a test run of
the new model which received updates late last year.
While body styles are becoming increasingly
low slung and similar to those of sedans, C3 Aircross has gained a more
assertive SUV design with a high-volume body, raised ground clearance and large
wheels.
The revised C3 Aircross has gained an
entirely redesigned front face inspired by the CXPERIENCE concept car, first
introduced on the C3 in 2020.
The C3 Aircross offers has a rear bench sliding
150 mm in two independent parts as well as a flat-folding front passenger seat
providing a load length of 2,40 metres for transporting particularly long
objects such as furniture kits and sports equipment.
Boot volume can be increased from 410 litres
to 520 litres with the rear bench in its forward-most position and up to 1 289 litres
with the rear bench folded down. It also features a removable luggage shelf
that can be stored in a vertical position behind the rear bench for
transporting tall objects.
In keeping with the demands of modern car
buyers, the C3 Aircross is equipped with useful technologies and features a 7-inch
touchscreen that highlights Citroën Connect Nav and the Mirror Screen function
compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Safety technologies include a colour
head-up display to keep useful information in the driver’s line of vision, as
well as speed sign recognition and recommendations, emergency brake assist,
automatic headlights and a Driver Attention Alert.
The PureTech petrol engine available on the
Citroën C3 Aircross has been further refined and the 1,2-litre PureTech Turbo offering
81 kW of power at 5 500 r/min and 205 Nm of torque at 1 500 r/min,
driving through a six-speed auto transmission, returned an average consumption
of 6,5 l/100 km.
It takes a leisurely 10,8 seconds to get
from rest to 100 km/h but, hey, who’s in a rush? The seats are comfortable,
there is a quality sound system, the forward vision allows ample pothole
warning and the whole ambience is geared to making it from ‘A’ to ‘B’ a stress-free
experience.
Other
than to bring it into line with a chosen design direction, there was no real
need for changes to the Aircross – it remains a great driving vehicle for urban
and extra-urban purposes with no bad habits of note and more than sufficient
comfort and creature features for extended trips.
Perhaps,
as it climbs through the rev range, the three-cylinder engine sounds more
stressed than it actually is but, even then, it is not particularly jarring or terribly
really intrusive.
It also
comes standard with the Citroën Serenity plan offering a 5-year / 100 000 km
warranty and service plan.
Citroen C3 Aircross Pricing:
1.2T Feel
| R401,900.00
|
1.2T Shine
| R424,900.00
|
