French-brand Citroën has revealed their facelifted C3 Aircross, with notable styling and comfort updates. The frond-end has received a number of revisions, with sleeker headlamps and a revised front bumper and grille. Citroën notes that the LED fog lamps now project more light into the road, providing more clarity and road safety. The new grille has a geometric design with a grey skid-plate "with coloured inserts that enhance the model's robustness." LED daytime running lights are also standard.
Along with upgraded looks comes the upgraded customisation now available for would-be owners. Four all-new body colours can be teamed with 2 roof colours (black or white) and 3 different colour packs. "The Colour Packs comprise original and sharply designed coloured inserts on the extreme edges of the front skid plate, on the door-mirror shells and on the quarter-light. The latter is home to a new side signature in which the distinctive coloured louvres are supplemented by new cube-shaped graphics according to the Colour Pack selected, with a mirror-chrome louvre effect for the Shiny Black and Silver Colour Packs, a white cube effect for the Polar White Colour Pack," says Citroën. New alloy wheels, available either as a diamond cut or in fashionable black, also make the cut.
Inside the spacious cabin, the C3 Aircross now receives a seven-inch touchscreen, increased interior storage — there's a new centre console — connectivity tech and increased driving aids. Naturally, the updated touchscreen infotainment system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Citroën Connect Nav. An increased emphasis has been put on safety, with a new head-up display relaying information to the driver's line of vision. Aside from that, emergency brake assist, Driver Attention Alert and automatic headlamps are also included. Tech often seen on more expensive cars - such as speed sign recognition - is now also found in the C3 Aircross. Park assist and keyless entry are also standard.
81 kW are provided by the three-cylinder, 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine. Both models employ this powertrain, and in both instances, the engine is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox.
PRICING:
Feel 1.2 PureTech 81kW Turbo Auto – R 399 900
Shine 1.2 PureTech 81kW Turbo Auto – R 424 900
Also worth a look: the New Citroën Aircross: Family-Friendly and Feature-Packed and the Citroen C3.
FAQ
Q: What does the Citroën C3 Aircross cost in South Africa?
The updated Citroën C3 Aircross starts from around R380,000 for the base model, with higher-spec variants reaching up to R450,000 depending on options and trim levels.
Q: Is the Citroën C3 Aircross worth buying?
The C3 Aircross offers decent value with its spacious interior, customisation options, and comprehensive safety tech, but it faces tough competition from rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Creta in the compact SUV segment.
Q: What engine does the new Citroën C3 Aircross have?
The facelifted C3 Aircross comes with an 81 kW petrol engine that provides adequate performance for daily driving and light family duties.
Q: What safety features does the Citroën C3 Aircross include?
The updated C3 Aircross comes standard with emergency brake assist, Driver Attention Alert, automatic headlamps, speed sign recognition, park assist, and a new head-up display for improved safety.
Q: How does the Citroën C3 Aircross compare to other compact SUVs?
The C3 Aircross stands out with its quirky French styling and extensive customisation options, but lags behind rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Nissan Qashqai in terms of reliability reputation and resale value.
Should You Buy It?
The best compact SUV under R400,000 in SA remains the Hyundai Creta, but the updated Citroën C3 Aircross deserves consideration if you want something different. At around R380,000, it offers good space, decent tech, and bags of personality with those customisation options. The 81 kW engine won't set your pulse racing, but it's adequate for family duties. However, Citroën's patchy local dealer network and questionable long-term reliability mean you should probably stick with the Creta or Nissan Qashqai unless you're smitten by French flair. Maybe buy it if you prioritise style over substance and don't mind potentially higher maintenance costs.
