Citroen C3 Aircross review

Citroen says that the C3 Aircross “inherits the work carried out on the new e-C3 and C3 hatchback”, which is a diplomatic way of saying that they didn’t really bother changing anything.

That’s fine by us. Again, it helps to keep the cost down, and we rather like the new C3’s layout with its fabric-wrapped, two-level ‘Sofa Design’ dashboard, its basic 10.25-inch touchscreen and the useful flurry of physical buttons underneath for the climate controls.

In base-spec Plus trim here in the UK, that central infotainment screen doesn’t actually include navigation, but there is DAB radio and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, so you’ll be able to use your favoured maps provider. Top-spec Max trim adds a wireless charging pad for your phone too, and the screen itself is reasonably responsive, although there really isn’t all that much functionality built in. It’s basic.

There’s certainly some cheap plastics around too. The tops of the dash and door panels are particularly scratchy, but we do like that Citroen has brightened things up by offering some contrasting lighter trim in the door bins, on the dash and on the seats. We probably could have done without the motivational slogans like ‘be happy’ or ‘be cool’ that are stitched onto tabs on the doors though. It’s all very ‘Live, Laugh, Love’.

How’s the driving position?

Ah, you’ve noticed the size and shape of the steering wheel, haven’t you? Thankfully it’s fairly easy to set yourself up in a comfortable position where you can easily see the raised digital dial display. It’s not as awkward as Peugeot’s i-Cockpit, basically. That’s mainly thanks to the squared-off steering wheel that’s actually quite nice to use, although we weren’t immediately sure where to place our thumbs.

Our advice would be to go to a Citroen dealer and try it out. If you’re not sold, the Frontera has a much more standard setup with a steering wheel that could almost be described as round. Bit of a novelty that, these days. 

Citroen calls the digital speed and drive info readout a 'head-up display', but it's not one that supplements more traditional dials, nor is it projected down the road like you're auditioning for Top Gun. This is a singular, slightly higher dash readout that they reckon breaks through the 'information overload' of rival firms with multiple displays. Sounds a bit like a parent justifying a cheaper own-brand toy to their child rather than the real thing, but the end product is simple and legible, even if you might miss a rev counter in the pure petrol.

And what about comfort?

The suspension is good, as we've said, making this a nice little cocoon against rubbish British road surfaces.

Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are added to the top-spec Max trim here in the UK. Oh, and the seats now feature an extra 10 to 15mm of foam compared to previous-gen Citroen chairs, so there’s more comfort and supposedly better lateral support. You might need said support when tackling a series of tight bends. 

In the second row of seats, you get a notably higher floor in the e-C3 (thanks to the batteries beneath) which will impact the leg room and comfort of taller passengers, though not disastrously so. Just something to bear in mind.

What of the seven-seat version?

Well, we’ve sat in the very back seats if that’s what you’re asking. We can confirm that a 6ft 1in TG staffer can fit in the final row. It’s a tight squeeze and the floor is high, so your knees are up round your ears, but your feet should just fit under the seat in front and there’s even a USB-C back there to charge your phone. It’d be plenty comfortable enough for kids on a short journey, but the C3 Aircross is probably not to be considered a Dacia Jogger rival if you’ll use those seats regularly. 

Plus, there really is no boot space at all if both the sixth and seventh seats are in use. If you’ve specced them but have them folded flat, you get 330 litres of boot space. Or if you ignore the option altogether then the C3 Aircross claims 460 litres. That’s the same for the electric e-C3 Aircross too, although you can only have that with five seats. If you're worried about luggage volume, Citroen is keen to point you towards its 500-litre capacity 'accessory roof box'.