Citroen C3 Aircross review: Clever family car enters the space race

We get behind the wheel of the surprise package that is the all-new Citroen C3 Aircross

Citroen has treated its C3 Aircross to a chunky new grown-up look and a party trick for its second generation.

Not only can you choose between petrol, mild-hybrid petrol and 100% electric versions, but there’s now a clever third-row option, making it almost the cheapest seven-seater on the UK market.

Priced from £21,455 (petrol), £23,425 (mild hybrid) or £23,495 (EV, after the Electric Car Grant has been deducted), it’s a great-value model range.

Of course, the Citroen C3 Aircross is not short of competition. It’s up against everything from the Dacia Jogger (the only other small seven-seater), Skoda Kamiq and Kia Stonic, plus its Stellantis sister car – the very similar Vauxhall Frontera.

Before we go on, let’s talk about that party trick, or USP – an optional seven seat version of the petrol and hybrid models (the e-C3 Aircross doesn’t get the option due to the battery location).

Access to the third row is fairly simple, thanks to wide rear doors and folding second-row seats. When you don’t need them, they fold away, freeing up the boot.

The second row of seats is remarkably spacious for such as compact car, with excellent leg and headroom. Choose the seven-seater option and second row space is more compromised though.

Obviously, it’s cosy in the two third row (low-set) seats and they are only for occasional use by children, but it is possible for an adult to squeeze in.

In the five-seater, boot capacity is 460 litres (1,600 litres with the rear seats folded). In seven-seat mode, there’s just (ahem) 40 litres.

When the back row in the seven-seater is folded flat – a simple process thanks to fabric hoop releases on the tops of the seats – the volume grows to 330 litres (extending to 1,470 litres with the middle row folded).

Ultimately, there’s a real sense of space inside this relatively compact car, which is basically a higher-riding, rufty-tufty-looking, stretched version of the C3 supermini.

It’s funky too, with six colours, including Montana Green metallic, Monte Carlo Blue, Elixir Red premium metallic, all of which are also available with contrasting roof choices.

I tested the entry-level petrol version (badged Turbo 100) featuring the tried-and-tested 1.2-litre Stellantis engine developing 99bhp, which is also used across the Peugeot and Vauxhall ranges, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.

It’s an eager little three-cylinder capable of up to 47mpg, while CO2 emissions are 135g/km. It takes 10.6 seconds to get from 0-62mph, but feels swifter.

For the record, the mild (48V) hybrid’s 1.2-litre petrol engine and electric motor develop 144bhp are and they are paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel economy is up to 53.3mpg, CO2 emissions are down to 120g/km and it can complete the 62mph dash in 9.1 seconds.

Finally, the all-electric version (badged e-C3 Aircross) uses either a 44kWh or 54kWh  battery and a front-mounted 111bhp electric motor. The claimed range is 188 or 248 miles respectively, while a 20-80% charge takes under 30 minutes.

I covered several hundred miles on mixed roads during my week with the basic C3 Aircross.

The seats are squidgy and comfortable, and while the driving position is a touch on the high side for me, it’s no doubt fine for most customers, and delivers good visibility.

It’s more functional than flash inside, with lots of hard plastic and a fabric-wrapped, two-level dashboard.

There’s a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen in the centre, with useful physical buttons underneath for essentials, plus a slim driver’s eye digital display above the steering wheel.

It’s not the best infotainment system out there, but does the job. My only big gripe is the irritating beeps (especially for the distraction alert) which are incessant and sound particularly cheap and tinny.

The C3 Aircross rides well and soaks up most of the lumps and bumps, thanks to its famed Advanced Comfort Suspension. It’s also refined for the most part, with the thrummy engine only making itself known under heavy acceleration.

It’s easy to drive with light steering and decent brakes, there’s good traction and grip, and its composed on faster runs.

Set up more for comfort than performance, body control is surprisingly good in more challenging corners, but the C3 Aircross is at its best cruising along or nipping around in an urban landscape.

I managed an average of 41mpg, which is a little disappointing and some way off the claimed 47mph. However, I’d imagine that is achievable during gentle, everyday driving.

Overall, I liked the C3 Aircross. I drove the e-C3 Aircross briefly too, and it’s a fine little EV package – especially at that price.

Verdict: Funky, comfortable, spacious and versatile, the latest Citroen C3 Aircross is a reasonably priced family car with a unique selling point for a compact model – it can transport up to seven people.

Review in association with AutomotiveBlog