Citroen C3 Aircross review

We’ve been impressed with the affordability of the standard C3 supermini, the Fiat Grande Panda and the Vauxhall Frontera, and thankfully the C3 Aircross follows the same path.

There are just two trims – entry-level Plus and then top-spec Max. Plus allows you to pick between the £21,105 petrol engine, the £21,595 e-C3 (post government grant) or the £24,565 hybrid, while Max is only available as a £25k EV (£27k long-range) or £26.5k hybrid.

Plus trim brings LED headlights, auto wipers, interior ambient lighting, the 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a rear parking camera and the unique Citroen hydraulic dampers in the suspension. Max, which three-quarters of UK buyers will choose, adds LED rear lights, a two-tone roof, navigation, wireless phone charging, some leather-effect trim, heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

Both trim levels get the same 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels here in the UK. Apparently 16-inch steel wheels are offered on a more basic ‘You’ trim elsewhere in the world, but we love big wheels too much for that to be an option on our shores. Shame - they might make the ride even comfier.

Other options here include the extra two rear seats at £765, and that Montana Green paint with the white roof for £895. On the e-C3 Aircross you can up the AC charging from 7.4kW to 11kW for £360, or a longer-range 54kWh battery (upping the WLTP mileage from 188 to 249 miles) for £1,900.

Any other rivals that aren’t Stellantis products?

Great question. The main rival to the C3 Aircross will likely be that Vauxhall Frontera, but from outside the group there’s also far too many competitors to name. Think of things like the Seat Arona (and its VW and Skoda siblings), the Ford Puma, the Nissan Juke, the Dacia Duster (or Jogger if you need seven seats) and the slightly posher Mazda CX-30. Only the Dacias will get close to the C3 Aircross for interior space and purchase price, though.

What else I should know?

With that September 2025 'stop-drive' recall notice in mind, make sure any C3 Aircross you're buying - new or used - has been fixed in line with Stellantis' recall. And if you're still a bit unsure about this car, then Citroen UK is currently offering a 14-day money-back guarantee, valid for 400 miles from the day of your car handover. If the roads near you are especially pothole ridden, we reckon it's unlikely you'll hand it back.