A Breath of Fresh Air in the SUV Jungle
In a market teeming with mid-size SUVs vying for attention, each one promises to be a game-changer. Yet, only a few manage to break through the clutter. Enter the Citroën C3 Aircross, a vehicle that dares to be different in design and philosophy. With its quirky French charm and a focus on comfort-first engineering, the C3 Aircross doesn’t just try to blend into the segment; it seeks to carve its niche.

Citroën’s approach to the C3 Aircross is refreshingly unconventional. They’ve embraced the idea of versatility with a 5+2 seating option, placed a bold bet on practicality over plushness, and stayed true to their legacy of exceptional ride comfort. This isn’t just a car for city slickers or highway enthusiasts; it’s built for the Indian roads in all their pothole-laden, speed-breaker-strewn glory.

But can charm and comfort alone dethrone the established stalwarts like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos? With such fierce competition, the C3 Aircross needs more than just a quirky design to win hearts. To find out if Citroën has delivered on its promise, we put the C3 Aircross through its paces across city streets, highways, and even a bit of off-road adventure. What we discovered was a car full of character—and a few quirks that are bound to spark debate.

Design: Bold and Quirky, with a Dash of MPV
At first glance, the C3 Aircross retains the distinctive Citroën design language. The iconic chevron grille takes centre stage, flanked by split headlamps and a muscular bumper that exudes confidence. While its face bears some resemblance to the C3 hatchback, the Aircross boasts a more imposing stance, thanks to flared wheel arches, a higher bonnet line, and pronounced creases that add an element of ruggedness.

However, it’s the front three-quarter view that steals the show. From this angle, the customisable accents on the bumper, the chunky alloy wheels, and the angular wheel arches create a balanced blend of sophistication and aggression. The rear, though functional, feels less exciting. Despite the creased boot lid and two-tone bumper, the stubby taillights lend it a hatchback-like vibe. A horizontal applique connecting the taillights tries to emphasize width but comes off as an afterthought.

While the Aircross’s 4.3-meter length positions it against mid-size SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, its upright proportions and flat rear end add an MPV-like practicality. With 200mm of ground clearance and decent approach and departure angles, the car hints at off-road readiness, even if it lacks AWD or 4×4 capabilities.

Cabin: Practicality Over Plushness
Step inside, and the C3 Aircross greets you with a familiar layout reminiscent of the C3 hatchback. While Citroën has tried to elevate the interior with new textures and colour themes, the plasticky finish of the dashboard and touchpoints feels out of place in a car positioned against premium SUVs. The 10.2-inch infotainment system, though large, suffers from occasional lag, particularly when switching to the reverse camera, making tight manoeuvres a test of patience.

The seating configuration is where the Aircross shines. With a 2,671mm wheelbase—longer than most rivals—it offers ample legroom in the first two rows. The second-row seats are generously cushioned, with a high backrest that ensures excellent shoulder support. However, the third row, reserved for the 5+2 variant, is best suited for kids or short commutes. Adults will find the knees-up seating position uncomfortable, and the narrow windows amplify the sense of claustrophobia.

Citroën has cleverly designed the third-row seats to be removable, offering a flexible cargo solution. While the five-seater variant boasts a generous 444 litres of boot space, the seven-seater variant’s capacity drops to a mere 44 litres with all rows up. Remove the third row, and the boot expands to a class-leading 511 litres.

Engine and Performance: Strong but Quirky
Under the hood, the C3 Aircross houses a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. While the engine feels sprightly and eager, the driving experience is not without its quirks. The turbo lag is noticeable during overtakes, and the slow upshifts add a hint of hesitation when you demand quick bursts of power. This delay can be disconcerting, especially on highways where precise throttle response is crucial.

In the city, the clutch is light, and the steering is easy to manage, making it a breeze to navigate traffic. However, the reverse gear’s delay on the camera display and slight head toss during gear changes remind you of the compromises Citroën made to keep costs in check.

Where the Aircross redeems itself is in ride quality. True to Citroën’s promise, the suspension absorbs potholes and speed breakers with aplomb. On a curated off-road course, the car was impressed with its ability to tackle rocky terrain and uneven paths without breaking a sweat. It’s not C5 Aircross-level plush, but it comes close, making it a formidable choice for Indian road conditions.

Road Test: A Tale of Comfort and Challenges
Taking the C3 Aircross on the expressway revealed its dual personality. On smooth stretches, the car cruised effortlessly, with the engine maintaining composure at highway speeds. The well-tuned suspension ensured minimal body roll, and lane changes were confident. However, overtaking required precise planning due to the gearbox’s slow response, a flaw that can’t be ignored when competing in this segment.

On the bumpy Lonavala ghats, the Aircross shone. The suspension soaked up imperfections with ease, staying true to Citroën’s rally-inspired philosophy. Yet, as I pushed the car around winding curves, the vague steering feedback reminded me that this wasn’t a driver’s car but rather a family-friendly SUV focused on comfort.

Safety: A Mixed Bag
While the Aircross offers standard safety features like ABS, EBD, and dual airbags, its safety kit feels underwhelming compared to rivals that offer more comprehensive systems. The lack of advanced driver assistance features and the limited airbag count is glaring omissions in a segment where safety is often a deciding factor.

Verdict: French Flair Meets Indian Practicality
The Citroën C3 Aircross is a refreshing alternative in a segment dominated by cookie-cutter designs. Its standout styling, versatile cabin, and exceptional ride quality make it a compelling choice for buyers prioritising comfort over outright performance. However, the plasticky interiors, lagging infotainment system, and limited safety features highlight areas where Citroën needs to up its game.

For those seeking a family SUV that can take on Indian roads with ease, the C3 Aircross delivers in spades. But with fierce competition from established players like the Creta and Seltos, Citroën will need aggressive pricing to make the Aircross a success. If you can overlook its quirks, this French contender offers a unique flavour in a crowded segment.