By NAKAMPE LEKWADU
THE new look Citroen C3 Aircross is not only arguably one of the best stylish SUV and larger that its European C3 hatchback, but the Indian-built pair of wheels will also see customers have all the reasons to smile with more than R100 000 cut-price.
Since their return to the South African shores in 2019, little did their rivals thought that the French brand would continue with their legacy of innovation and outrageous styling, which appeals to those who wish to project some individuality in their motoring life.
Citroen left South Africa in 2016 but only to return after three years, and they have since been producing one stylish hatchback, SUVs after another, ranging from C3 to C5, and this include their Air-cross ranges which have been and are still well received in the market.
Citroen range admires couldn’t receive the better news other than confirmation by Cars.co.za, that the latest head-turning new-look Citroen C3 Aircross was going to hit the market was to undercut the outgoing European-made version by as much as R105 000 just like another Indian-sourced CC21-generation C3 as a cut-price replacement for the European C3 hatchback launched in May 2023.
Apart from the undercut price, the new Citroen C3 Aircross comes as a first priority family car for most as it offers an option of 7-seater and even larger than the Euro-spec model it replaced.
The big question among the South Africans was, how much will this latest C3 Aircross cost in South Africa? Well, Cars.co.za confirmed that the local line-up will again comprise 2 variants, but that the starting price will drop by as much as R105 000. Yes, the new C3 Aircross Max 1.2T 6AT will be priced at R344 900, while opting for the 7-seater version (or, perhaps more accurately, the “5+2-seater” option) will add R10 000, taking the price to R354 900.
The new made-in-India model will again use the Stellantis group’s familiar turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, generating an unchanged 81 kW and 205 Nm. At launch, the only transmission on offer will be a 6-speed torque-converter automatic, driving the front wheels (though a derivative pairing a manual gearbox with a naturally aspirated engine is scheduled to arrive in the final quarter of the year). Claimed combined fuel consumption is listed as 6.3 L/100 km.
The CC24-series C3 Aircross measures 4 323 mm from nose to tail, making it a considerable 181 mm longer than the model it replaces. This crossover’s wheelbase comes in at 2 671 mm (up 67 mm on the outgoing version), while it stands 1 796 mm wide and 1 654 mm tall. Ground clearance is 200 mm.
According to the French automaker, the 5-seater model’s rear headroom and kneeroom are both “class leading”. Interestingly, in the 5+2-seater, the 2nd row is mounted slightly further forward, with its bench seat splitting in a 70:30 ratio (the smaller section on the kerbside folding and tipping to allow access to the 3rd row of 2 pews).
Citroën describes the removable individual seats in this final row – which benefit from roof-mounted air vents – as “ideal for children”. With these 2 seats removed, the 5+2-seater offers a claimed 511 litres of luggage space, a figure that falls to 347 litres with both seats in place but folded down. The standard 5-seater, meanwhile, has a listed luggage capacity of 444 litres.
Standard features for both SA-spec models include 17-inch alloy wheels, front foglamps, LED daytime running lights, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and a 7-inch TFT instrument cluster. Safety features include ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold control, tyre-pressure monitoring, rear parking sensors and a reverse-view camera.
The Prices in South Africa:
Citroën C3 Aircross Max 1.2T 6AT – R344 900
Citroën C3 Aircross Max 1.2T 6AT 7-seater – R354 900
The prices above include the brand’s standard 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km)-Additional information by www.cars.co.za
