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Citroen dealers are gearing up to take a slice of the fast growing compact SUV sector in November when first deliveries of the C3 Aircross arrive in showrooms.
The C3 Aircross is an all-new B-segment vehicle and will go on sale at prices starting from £13,995. Virtually identical to the C-Aircross concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the newcomer replaces the Picasso compact MPV, reflecting the shift among buyers out of people carriers and into SUVs.
Customisation, including two-tone roof colours, will be a key selling feature with 85 combinations available from launch across its three trim levels: Touch, Feel and Flair.
Citroen describes the C3 Aircross as the beginning of the brand’s SUV offensive in Europe. It will be followed in 2018 by the larger C5 Aircross.
C3 Aircross buyers will have a choice of five engine options, with a notable increase in petrol options reflecting a current market shift away from diesel powertrains. Petrol units of 82, 110 and 130bhp will be on offer alongside 100 and 120bhp BlueHDi diesel units.
Further reflecting market tends, the C3 Aircross will only be offered in front-wheel drive form. However buyers will be able to specify the Grip Control system, which improves traction on loose or slippery surfaces and includes a Hill Descent Assist driver aid.
Technology will be a major selling point – features available for the car include a colour head-up display, speed limit sign recommendation, an active safety brake, intelligent headlamps, park assist, reversing camera, keyless entry and start and Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Monitoring Systems.
Inside key controls will be grouped on a seven-inch touchscreen while the C3 becomes the first Citroen to be equipped with wireless phone charging. Dealers will also have up to 85 personalisation options to market on the car.
Prime rivals for the C3 Aircross are expected to be the Nissan Juke as well as the Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Crossland X from fellow PSA brands.
Once both the C3 and C5 variants are on sale Citroen CEO Linda Jackson expects them to drive significant growth for the brand. For Citroen dealers the chance to compete in the fastest-growing UK market cannot come soon enough – latest SMMT figures show Citroen UK registrations sliding 21% year-to-date and down more than 25% in July alone.
Citroen C3 Aircross model range and pricing
| Trim level | Engine | CO2 (g/km) | OTR Price |
| Touch | PureTech 82 manual | 116 | £13,995.00 |
| Feel | PureTech 82 manual | 116 | £15,100.00 |
| PureTech 110 S&S manual | 115 | £16,200.00 | |
| PureTech 110 S&S EAT6 | 126 | £17,400.00 | |
| PureTech 130 S&S manual | 119 | £16,600.00 | |
| BlueHDi 100 manual | 104 | £17,220.00 | |
| BlueHDi 120 S&S manual | 107 | £17,920.00 | |
| Flair | PureTech 82 manual | 116 | £16,900.00 |
| PureTech 110 S&S manual | 115 | £18,000.00 | |
| PureTech 110 S&S EAT6 | 126 | £19,200.00 | |
| PureTech 130 S&S manual | 119 | £18,400.00 | |
| BlueHDi 100 manual | 104 | £19,020.00 | |
| BlueHDi 120 S&S manual | 107 | £19,720.00 |
