Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Citroën C3 Aircross review - the most comfortable small SUV?

"The Citroen C3 Aircross is a quirky small SUV with cool looks, a cosy interior and plenty to like about the way it drives"

Carbuyer Rating

4.1 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.0 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Comfortable interior
  • Attractive styling
  • Decent engines

Cons

  • Middling reliability
  • Touchscreen heater controls
  • Only one ‘free’ paint colour

Verdict - Is the Citroen C3 Aircross a good car?

The C3 Aircross is a thoroughly conceived package, which loses out to rivals for driving appeal but more than makes up for this with a flexible, well-equipped and comfortable interior. And that, after all, is what many small SUV buyers are looking for. Though the C3 Aircross undercuts rivals like the Renault Captur with its entry-level list price, it often falls behind for buyers looking for PCP finance bargains, where the Captur seems to be the subject of tempting deals more often

Citroen C3 Aircross models, specs and alternatives

The choice of small SUVs available in the UK is extensive, with the Citroen C3 Aircross facing off against several stylish rivals including the Hyundai Kona, Kia Stonic, SEAT Arona, along with the latest versions of the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur, plus the Ford Puma – Britain’s best-selling car of 2023. If you’re about to go crossover shopping, there should be a model to suit you to a tee.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Having been on sale since 2017, the C3 Aircross came in for a major refresh in 2021, when it gained a more purposeful look. Slim new headlights, new daytime running lights and a widened grille were ushered in, helping the Citroen appeal to those who may have preferred the Nissan Juke's more angular looks. Comfort and tech has also been improved, and the C3 Aircross is competitively priced, undercutting most of its rivals.

The C3 Aircross also effectively supplants the quirky C4 Cactus as Citroen's small, funky crossover offering. Individual looks aside, the Aircross is actually thoroughly conventional under the metal, sharing its underpinnings with the smaller C3 supermini, and built in the same factory as the Vauxhall Mokka and Vauxhall Crossland.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Aircross offers a 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged petrol with either 109bhp or 129bhp; CO2 emissions start from 134g/km for the lower-powered manual car, rising to 146g/km for the more powerful automatic. A 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel is also offered with 109bhp emitting from 128g/km of CO2, but only in the top trim level. The diesel should appeal to high-mileage drivers, thanks to its fuel economy figure of up to 64mpg, but we'd recommend the PureTech 110 for most buyers; it can still return an impressive 54.2mpg.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The BlueHDi 109bhp engine is already well proven and here it provides impressive get-up-and-go, with a smooth delivery until well beyond the point you’d usually change gear. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 10.8 seconds, which is notably quicker than the 14.4 seconds of the diesel Renault Captur.

Taller suspension helps the C3 Aircross retain its composure, with only the occasional pothole grabbing your attention. In corners, the Citroen is equally well composed, resisting any stomach-churning body lean, despite having plenty of grip to remain on your chosen trajectory. It's anything but a sporty car to drive, though, because Citroen instead wanted to prioritise comfort.

The best small SUVs hero imageTop 10 best small SUVs 2024

The Citroen C3 Aircross is available in three trims: You, Plus and Max. You versions have LED headlights, alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and the seven-inch touchscreen from the pre-facelift car, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. When we tested this model we found it to have enough kit to be suited to most buyers – while Plus does add a nine-inch touchscreen with sat nav, we found the You’s seven-inch unit good enough, and the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is even better than Citroen’s own setup in higher trims.

As well as the upgraded infotainment system, Plus trim adds automatic lights and wipers, along with rear parking sensors. The range-topping Max trim brings bigger 17-inch alloy wheels and features like a contrasting black roof, tinted windows, leather-effect upholstery and a head-up display.

As in the Renault Captur, the Aircross' back seats are on individual runners, so you can move them to expand the boot to 520 litres. Leave them fully back for maximum kneeroom and the boot measures 410 litres – figures which are good for the class. There’s enough room for four adults, but rear headroom is a bit tight for adults, particularly if the panoramic sunroof is fitted.

Safety is guaranteed, thanks to a five-star Euro NCAP rating. The C3 Aircross is fitted with the usual airbags, but there's also technology to help prevent a collision from happening in the first place, with autonomous emergency braking standard from the Shine model upwards.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Charlie writes and edits news, review and advice articles for Carbuyer, as well as publishing content to its social media platforms. He has also been a regular contributor to its sister titles Auto Express, DrivingElectric and evo. As well as being consumed by everything automotive, Charlie is a speaker of five languages and once lived in Chile, Siberia and the Czech Republic, returning to the UK to write about his life-long passion: cars.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Toyota C-HR review - stylish and efficient, but lacks rear space
Toyota C-HR UK front dynamic
In-depth reviews
18 Mar 2024

Toyota C-HR review - stylish and efficient, but lacks rear space

Volkswagen T-Cross review – a well-equipped small SUV
Volkswagen T-Cross 2024
In-depth reviews
18 Mar 2024

Volkswagen T-Cross review – a well-equipped small SUV

New Skoda Epiq: upcoming small electric SUV gets a bold name
Skoda Epiq front quarter
News
15 Mar 2024

New Skoda Epiq: upcoming small electric SUV gets a bold name

SEAT Ateca review - good value SUV that's fun to drive
SEAT Ateca SUV front 3/4 tracking
In-depth reviews
14 Mar 2024

SEAT Ateca review - good value SUV that's fun to drive

Most Popular

Hot car deal: stylish Peugeot 2008 small SUV for £120 a month
Peugeot 2008 front quarter
Deals
12 Mar 2024

Hot car deal: stylish Peugeot 2008 small SUV for £120 a month

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
15 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car
Skoda Superb Estate Carbuyer drive
In-depth reviews
15 Mar 2024

Skoda Superb Estate review – a near-faultless, practical family car

More on C3 Aircross

Top 9 most economical cars 2024
Most economical cars
Best cars
13 Mar 2024

Top 9 most economical cars 2024

Choose one of the most economical cars in the UK and save money thanks to their fuel-efficient engines
Top 10 best automatic cars 2024
Best automatic cars 2024
Best cars
18 Jan 2024

Top 10 best automatic cars 2024

Not a fan of shifting gears yourself? You’ll want to take a look at our list of the best automatic cars
Top 10 best small SUVs 2024
The best small SUVs hero image
Best cars
9 Jan 2024

Top 10 best small SUVs 2024

If you want the advantages of an SUV with the running costs of a family hatchback, our top 10 run-down explains which are the best small SUVs to buy
Skip advert
Advertisement
Top 10 best cars for winter 2024
The best cars for winter 2023
Best cars
8 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cars for winter 2024

We select a great group of 4x4 cars to help keep you on the road and moving this winter
Today’s hot car deal: practical Citroen C3 Aircross for just £152 per month
Citroen C3 Aircross SUV
Deals
20 Dec 2023

Today’s hot car deal: practical Citroen C3 Aircross for just £152 per month

Our hot deal for 19 December is a great family all-rounder; the Citroen C3 Aircross for just £152 a month
Top 10 best used small SUVs
Best used small SUVs
Best cars
16 Nov 2023

Top 10 best used small SUVs

Looking for a small but family-friendly used car? Read our list of the best used small SUVs you can buy
New seven-seater Citroen C3 Aircross inbound – has the Dacia Jogger met its match?
Citroen C3 Aircross CB render - front quarter
News
15 Nov 2023

New seven-seater Citroen C3 Aircross inbound – has the Dacia Jogger met its match?

Citroen is working on the C3 Aircross, which will prioritise seven-seat practicality and keep costs down to square up to the Dacia Jogger
Top 10 best diesel cars
The best diesel cars
Best cars
14 Jul 2023

Top 10 best diesel cars

Diesel cars are well known for excellent fuel economy and great performance - here are 10 of the best on sale today
Skip advert
Advertisement
Top 10 best economical 4x4s, SUVs and crossovers
Hyundai Tucson header
Best cars
5 Dec 2022

Top 10 best economical 4x4s, SUVs and crossovers

SUVs and 4x4s don't have to be gas guzzlers; we've picked out some of the best fuel-sipping 4x4s you can buy
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Citroen C3 Aircross SUV to get electric powertrain from Peugeot e-2008
2023 Citroen C3 Aircross
News
9 Aug 2022

New Citroen C3 Aircross SUV to get electric powertrain from Peugeot e-2008

French marque’s smallest SUV is set to receive a major refresh in 2023, with a fully-electric variant confirmed
New Citroen C3 Aircross Rip Curl announced
Citroen C3 Aircross Rip Curl - front
News
6 Jun 2022

New Citroen C3 Aircross Rip Curl announced

Wave hello to the new surf-themed version of Citroen’s small SUV, with exclusive blue styling touches
Top 3 used easy-to-drive cars for £15,000
Top 3 used easy-to-drive cars header
Tips and advice
31 May 2022

Top 3 used easy-to-drive cars for £15,000

“Dear Carbuyer, I have mobility problems and want to spend £15,000 on an easy-to-drive hatchback or small SUV. Any ideas?”
Citroen range gets new ‘C-Series Edition’ trim
C3 C-Series
News
14 Apr 2022

Citroen range gets new ‘C-Series Edition’ trim

The Citroen C3, C3 Aircross SUV, C4 and C5 Aircross get a new value-focused trim level
Facelifted Citroen C3 Aircross now on sale from £17,320
2021 Citroen C3 Aircross
News
28 Jun 2021

Facelifted Citroen C3 Aircross now on sale from £17,320

Citroen’s updated crossover stands out thanks to extra SUV styling cues
Citroen C3 Aircross Rip Curl special edition launched
News
27 May 2020

Citroen C3 Aircross Rip Curl special edition launched

High-spec Citroen C3 Aircross is now on sale from £21,610
Skip advert
Advertisement
Top 3 small, practical used SUVs for £12,000
Tips and advice
17 Jan 2020

Top 3 small, practical used SUVs for £12,000

Dear Carbuyer, I’m looking for a fun and funky SUV that’s both small and practical. My budget is £12,000, so what can you recommend?
Special edition Citroën C1 and C3 Aircross Origins announced
Citroën C3 Aircross Origins - front quarter
News
26 Apr 2019

Special edition Citroën C1 and C3 Aircross Origins announced

Origins editions of the C1 and C3 Aircross celebrate 100 years of Citroën
Skip advert
Advertisement
Top 3 used long distance family cars for £15k
Top 3 used long distance family cars for £15k
Tips and advice
25 Mar 2019

Top 3 used long distance family cars for £15k

“Dear Carbuyer, I’m looking for a £15,000 for a family car to pile on the miles”
The race is on for New Citroën C3 Aircross (Sponsored)
Partnership
1 Aug 2018

The race is on for New Citroën C3 Aircross (Sponsored)

Thrill-seekers can see competition in anything, which makes grabbing the new Citroën C3 Aircross keys a race for one couple
New Citroën C3 Aircross: comfort and convenience (Sponsored)
Partnership
1 Aug 2018

New Citroën C3 Aircross: comfort and convenience (Sponsored)

The new Citroën C3 Aircross proves that space and usability needn’t come at the expense of style
New Citroën C3 Aircross: Behind the scenes (Sponsored)
Partnership
1 Aug 2018

New Citroën C3 Aircross: Behind the scenes (Sponsored)

We lift the lid on what it’s like to film a promotional video for the New Citroën C3 Aircross
Skip advert
Advertisement
Choosing a New Citroën C3 Aircross is child’s play
Partnership
31 Jul 2018

Choosing a New Citroën C3 Aircross is child’s play

With dozens of colours, trims and accessories available, choosing your New Citroën C3 Aircross is great fun
How many iPhones can you buy for the price of a car?
News
7 Nov 2017

How many iPhones can you buy for the price of a car?

Buying a car is expensive, but just how costly, and what else could you get instead?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
19 Dec 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024