Citroën C3 Aircross

Citroën C3 Aircross
The Citroën C3 Aircross is a name designated to several vehicle produced under the Citroën marque, from the French automaker PSA Group, and later Stellantis.
The first vehicle using the nameplate is the Brazilian version of C3 Picasso MPV, decorated to mimic an SUV exterior design, which was produced between 2010 and 2020. It was renamed to the Citroën Aircross since 2016.
In 2017, the second vehicle using this nameplate was released in Europe, It is an urban SUV launched in that replaces the C3 Picasso. In 2023, the nameplate was also used for a larger SUV for emerging markets such as India and South America with optional third row seating.
C3 Picasso-based model (AI58; 2010)
The Citroën C3 Aircross for Latin America is a mini SUV close with the global Citroën C3 Picasso. It was first announced by Citroën's Brazilian division in August 2010. The C3 Aircross is manufactured in Porto Real, Brazil, and was launched in the country in September 2010. It was exported to selected markets such as Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia and Costa Rica.
Compared with the global C3 Picasso, the restyled C3 Aircross has raised suspension, chrome roof bars, mirror covers, side skirts and a rear spare tyre. The C3 Aircross is based on the Brazilian first generation Citroën C3, when the global C3 Picasso is based on the global Peugeot 207 SW. The C3 Aircross is capable of running on E85 Bioethanol.
Ivan Segal, the managing director of Citroën of Brazil predicted sales of 30,000 Aircross models in a full year at launch, but lowered this expectation in 2011 to 2,000 Aircross models per month. Segal wanted to achieve this by targeting "young and adventurous" buyers.
In May 2011, a non-crossover model model derived from the C3 Aircross was launched. Although called C3 Picasso, it was closer to the C3 Aircross (same platform, same grill, same interior, no tailgate) than to the global C3 Picasso.
Late 2014, Citroën C3 Aircross Lunar showcar was revealed at São Paulo International Motor Show.
Design and features
The Aircross features an upholstered fabric interior, with corduroy or leather options. The engine supports are designed to collapse downwards slightly in a front end impact to prevent the engine from invading the cabin and injuring passengers. The C3 Aircross SX and Exclusive models have ABS, one of the few vehicles on sale in the Brazilian market with this feature.
The C3 Aircross was designed with an obligation for green materials to be used where viable. of the vehicle's polymers, include the parcel shelf, boot carpet, and partial use in the doors, are from natural fibres to meet this target.
Engines
In Brazil, the Aircross is available with a four speed automatic or five speed manual gearbox.
Restyling (AI58R; 2016)
In the end of 2015, a facelifted version of the C3 Aircross was introduced in South America as a model for 2016. The most significant changes are a new front end. The non-Aircross version (C3 Picasso) was dropped.
The name of the C3 Aircross was changed to Citroën Aircross.
In 2016, Citroën revealed a showcar based on the Aircross, called Aircross Beach Crosser.
The production of the Aircross ended late 2020.
Reviews
Autoblog.com reviewed the C3 Aircross, giving a mostly negative review to aspects and features of the vehicle. The basic X model launched with no airbags, ABS, or temperature sensor; the last of which they consider to be a necessity in the hot Latin American climate. They criticised the boot, calling it awkward and complicated since it can only open once an arm carrying the spare tyre has been unlocked and swung out of the way, which increases the space required for parking.
Further, in their review, they complained that the dashboard mounted displays were difficult for the driver to see comfortably, echoing concerns CNET had when reviewing the C3 Picasso, where they called the displays "not particularly readable" and possibly dangerous to use while driving.
Only one engine is available for the C3 Aircross; a 1.6-litre HDi used in other Citroën cars, including the Latin American market's C3 Picasso. Autoblog.coms review was favourable to it since it performed very well in the Aircross off-road, although it was noisy on road. They found no discernible issues with the suspension, which handled well on and off the road, traversing irregular terrain without issues.
Overall, Autoblog.com considered the price of to be unrealistically high for the lack of features they considered to be essential, and when compared to rivals.
First generation (A88; 2017)
The Citroën C3 Aircross for Europe is a subcompact crossover SUV from Citroën. Presented on 12 June 2017 in Paris, it has been marketed from October of the same year. The C3 Aircross was announced by the C-Aircross concept car, presented at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
It shares its platform and many elements with its cousin the Opel Crossland X that replaces the Meriva, following the partnership between Groupe PSA and General Motors, which was first announced in 2012. Its style, directed by Pierre Authier, is in harmony with that of the new Citroën range: front double decker, "3D" lights. The C3 Aircross also offers numerous possibilities for customisation.
Citroën C4 Aircross
In China, a long wheel base version is launched in 2018. It is known as the C4 Aircross (full name: Dongfeng Citroën Yunyi C4 Aircross). Its wheelbase at 2,655 mm is 11.5 centimetres longer which results into a length of 4,270 mm. The Citroën C4 Aircross was prematurely discontinued in 2020 due to poor sales.
Facelift
The model underwent a mid-life restyling through a facelift (inspired by CXperience concept), revealed in February 2021, with production starting in June that year. The update includes sleeker, bolder headlights, revised grille and front bumper, along updated technology. The facelift brings different models.
PowertrainPre-facelift modelsFacelift models'
Second generation
Europe (2024)
In February 2023, a development mule of the second generation C3 Aircross was pictured, featuring larger dimensions.
Asia, Africa and Latin America (CC24; 2023)
Citroën launched a new generation of the C3 Aircross in India and Brazil on April 27, 2023. The Indian model will be exported to Asian and African RHD markets. The Brazilian model is manufactured from October 2023 and exported to various Latin American markets.
It is much larger than its predecessor and features some design cues from the upcoming European model, which will use the same platform.
It was showcased in Indonesia at the 30th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on 10 August 2023.
Sales
Brazilian C3 Picasso-based model
Global standalone model
Notes
References
External links
Front-wheel-drive vehicles
C3
2010s cars
2020s cars
Cars of Brazil
Mini sport utility vehicles
Crossover sport utility vehicles