Citroën est en cours de finalisation des derniers détails de la deuxième génération de son SUV urbain, le C3 Aircross, qui promet de nombreuses surprises, malgré le récent lancement de la nouvelle C3.
Citroën Prepares the Next Generation C3 Aircross: A Seven-Seater SUV
The current C3 Aircross, released in 2017 and restyled in 2021, replaced the C3 Picasso, transitioning from the small MPV category to the more popular SUV segment. Despite its numerous qualities, particularly in terms of comfort and modularity, it has never managed to surpass its rivals, the Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur, which have been on the market since 2013. These formidable competitors have consistently ranked in the top 10 best-selling cars in France, while the Citroën has struggled to even enter the list (currently in twentieth place). Furthermore, both the Peugeot and Renault models were renewed in 2019 and have recently been restyled (in May for the 2008 and soon for the Captur). It is high time for Citroën to regain the upper hand by finally introducing a second generation C3 Aircross. The unveiling of the recently revealed C3 city car (see Auto Plus No. 1833) provides valuable information on what this future model will look like, as well as some unanswered questions.
New Dimensions and Seven-Seater Configuration
The upcoming C3 Aircross will grow in size, increasing from 4.16m in length to 4.30m. This expansion will even allow for a seven-seater configuration, a completely new feature for this model. As for the design, it will adopt the new aesthetic codes of the brand, as seen in the recently presented C3.
Influences from India
The answers come, in part, from the other side of the world. Citroën, present internationally, revealed a new C3 Aircross in India last May, developed and produced locally. It boasts specific characteristics that will be inherited by our European version. Firstly, there are the dimensions. The compact SUV will significantly grow from 4.16m to 4.30m, which is good news considering its rivals have also increased in size (the 2008 is 4.30m long and the Captur is 4.23m long). The height of the C3 Aircross may also change significantly, potentially exceeding 1.65m. However, the most important information is that this future C3 Aircross will be offered in a seven-seater version, just like its Indian cousin. This is a configuration that seemed unlikely for our market, but it was confirmed by Citroën a few weeks ago during the presentation of the C3. It will feature a third row with two foldable and removable individual seats. Its increased size will also allow for a boot volume of over 500 dm3 once the two seats are removed, compared to the current 410 dm3. Unfortunately, the sliding feature of the second-row bench will likely be eliminated, but it will still be capable of folding in two configurations: the backrest alone (flat) or the backrest and seat cushion together (vertical, like a portfolio). It remains to be seen if the foldable flat front passenger seat backrest, which is useful for transporting long objects, will be retained.
The Look and Technology of the C3
Regarding its appearance, the future C3 Aircross will take inspiration from the new C3, featuring a muscular style, a square silhouette, plastic protective cladding around the body, and a vertical front end adorned with the new large oval logo. The front and rear lights will be identical, showcasing the unique three-bar design (one vertical, two horizontal) that was inspired by the Oli concept car. Inside, it will have the same interior as the city car, with a horizontal and minimalist dashboard elegantly adorned with a fabric strip. Like the C3, the Aircross variant will forgo the traditional instrument cluster in favor of a slim display that shows the main information and is positioned above a small square-round steering wheel. The multimedia system will feature a floating 10.25-inch/26cm central touchscreen. Technically, it will be based on Stellantis’ international « Smart Car » platform, which was also used for the Indian model. However, it has been extensively modified to meet European safety standards, among others. Designed from the start to accommodate electric powertrains, it can also accommodate internal combustion engines and vehicles of various sizes, including SUVs. Thus, like the C3, the Aircross variant is expected to be initially presented as an electric version, with a more powerful 136hp electric motor paired with an LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) battery, and may later be supplemented by a 156hp version. The lineup will be completed by a 100hp petrol engine and a 136hp 48V hybrid. The future C3 Aircross is expected to be unveiled at the end of 2024 and go on sale in early 2025, with prices starting at around €24,000 for petrol models (€29,000 for electric models).
A European Twist on the Indian Model
The future C3 Aircross will adopt the aesthetic recipe of the new C3, based on the model developed and recently launched in India. However, the European C3 Aircross will have a more pronounced and modern SUV appearance than its Indian counterpart, thanks to its raised hood, less inclined front end, and the use of headlights inspired by the Oli concept car. At the rear, the design of the lights visually widens the tailgate and reduces the significant overhang.
In brief:
– Launch: early 2025
– Length: 4.30m
– Petrol engines: 100hp and 136hp with 48V hybrid technology
– Electric motors: 136hp and 156hp
– Price: starting from €24,000 (estimated by Auto Plus)
(Carla C3 and R. Demarets, Auto Plus)
