Citroën C3 Aircross

The Citroën C3 Aircross is a nameplate designated to several vehicles produced under the Citroën marque, by the French automaker PSA Group, and later Stellantis.

The first vehicle using the nameplate was the Brazilian version of the C3 Picasso MPV, decorated to mimic an SUV exterior design, which was produced between 2010 and 2020. It was renamed to the Citroën Aircross in 2016.

In 2017, the second vehicle using this nameplate was released in Europe, It is an urban SUV that replaced 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 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. 20 kg 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.com's 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 80,000 ARS 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.

Powertrain
Pre-facelift models

Facelift models

Europe (2024)
The second-generation C3 Aircross for the European market was unveiled on 18 April 2024, with full specifications revealed including interior photos on 19 June. It is built on the Smart Car Platform underpinning the Opel Frontera and it will be available with petrol mild hybrid and battery electric powertrains. For the first time in its segment, it is offered with a 7-seater option and the first B-SUV to be marketed in Europe at a price less than €20,000 for the ICE version.

Compared to the Indian market C3 Aircross, the European version C3 Aircross uses a different front fascia with all-LED lighting, it features Citroën's latest logos, different alloy wheel designs, different designs for the headlights and taillights, and a different front and rear bumpers. It features design elements previewed by the Oli Concept in 2022.

The interior of the C3 Aircross is similar to the C3, featuring the C-Zen Lounge concept with Citroën's Head-Up Display and a flat-bottom design steering wheel. Like the C3, it will feature Citroën Advanced Comfort® Suspension along with new Citroën Advanced Comfort® Seats.

The C3 Aircross will be available with two engines: a 1.2-litre PureTech Turbo and a 1.2-litre PureTech Hybrid petrol that is equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. For the first time, it will be available with a battery electric powertrain producing 83 kW and an electric range of over 300 km.

Asia, Africa and Latin America (2023)
Citroën unveiled the second generation of the C3 Aircross in India and Brazil on 27 April 2023. Compared to its predecessor, the second-generation model is significantly larger with an increased length by 160 mm (6.3 in) and the availability of third-row seating. It is the second model in Citroën's C-Cubed programme, it features similar styling elements and interior layout from the C3, and is based on the Smart Car Platform with the European model using the same platform.

Indonesia
The C3 Aircross was introduced in Indonesia at the 30th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show in August 2023, and later launched in Indonesia on 23 April 2024. Imported from India, it is available in a sole variant and 7-seater configuration.

Argentina
The C3 Aircross was launched in Argentina on 7 May 2024, in three trim levels: Live, Feel Pack and Shine. It is available with either 5 and 7-seater configurations. Two engine options are available: a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol (marketed as T200) and a 1.6-litre VTi petrol.

India
The C3 Aircross was launched in India on 15 September 2023, with deliveries commenced later on 15 October. It is available in You, Plus and Max trim levels and available with either 5 and 7-seater configurations. In January 2024, the automatic variant was made available for the Plus and Max trim levels.

Citroen claimed that over 90% of its components are locally sourced at the Tiruvallur plant in Tamil Nadu and it will be exported to ASEAN, Nepal and South African markets.

Brazil
The C3 Aircross was launched in Brazil on 29 November 2023, in three trim levels: Feel, Feel Pack and Shine. It is available with either 5 and 7-seater configurations. All variants are powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol.

The Brazilian model is locally assembled at the Porto Real Plant and is exported to various Latin American markets.

South Africa
The C3 Aircross was launched in South Africa on 16 July 2024 in a sole Max trim, available in either 5- and 7-seater configurations, powered by a 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged petrol paired an 8-speed automatic.

Citroën Basalt
A coupe version called the Basalt was revealed as a show car in India and in Brazil on 27 March 2024. The series production in India started in June 2024.