Citroën Unveils e-C3 Aircross: Hints At Next Jeep® Renegade
Add Another Vehicle To Stellantis' Growing B-Segment Lineup...
Citroën has launched its all-new C3 Aircross, the latest addition to Stellantis’ growing B-segment utility vehicle (UV) portfolio. The C3 Aircross aims to bring an affordable UV for small families and active individuals alike. This model is redesigned from the ground up and offers a blend of style, functionality, and affordability, making it a standout in the ever-growing subcompact crossover class.
Exterior Design –
The C3 Aircross stands out with a compelling array of exterior design features that blend modern aesthetics with practical functionality. At the forefront is its broad silhouette, accentuated by muscular contours and a higher ground clearance of over 20 cm (8 inches), showcasing its capability to traverse urban streets and rugged terrains easily.
The C3 Aircross’s front fascia is anchored by Citroën’s iconic double chevron grille, flanked by striking LED headlights that illuminate the road ahead and contribute to the vehicle’s distinct visual identity. The bold lines and sculpted surfaces along the body create a dynamic profile, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency while exuding a sense of strength and stability.
Moving to the sides, the vehicle’s dimensions—measuring 4.39 meters in length (approximately 172.8 inches), 1.79 meters in width (about 70.5 inches), and 1.66 meters in height (around 65.4 inches)—ensure a spacious interior without compromising on maneuverability. The integrated roof rails add to its rugged appeal and provide practicality for carrying extra cargo or sports equipment, catering to adventurous lifestyles.
The C3 Aircross’s rear design complements its bold front with stylish LED taillights that mirror the modernity of the headlights, creating a cohesive visual impression from every angle. Practical touches such as a rear spoiler and optional two-tone color schemes enhance its visual appeal while maintaining a functional approach.
Interior Design –
The interior design of the Citroën C3 Aircross combines comfort, functionality, and modern aesthetics. It adeptly caters to both driver and passengers with thoughtful details and innovative features, including its seven-passenger seating configuration.
Stepping into the cabin, occupants are greeted by a spacious and airy environment, facilitated by the SUV’s high seating position and expansive visibility from large windows. The interior materials are chosen for their premium feel, featuring soft-touch surfaces and durable upholstery that promise comfort and longevity throughout.
Designed with driver convenience in focus, the cockpit of the C3 Aircross places essential controls within easy reach, enhancing ease of operation. The multifunction steering wheel offers tactile feedback and integrates audio, phone, and cruise controls, ensuring a seamless driving experience.
Passengers, whether in the front or the rear seats, enjoy ample legroom and headroom, ensuring comfort on longer journeys. The rear seats are configurable to accommodate up to seven occupants, with the third row ideally suited for children due to its size, offering flexibility for varying passenger needs.
Technological integration is robust, with a centrally positioned touchscreen infotainment system serving as the command center for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Connectivity options such as Bluetooth, USB ports, and smartphone integration are standard, allowing passengers to stay connected and entertained effortlessly.
Storage solutions abound throughout the cabin, with intelligently placed compartments and cup holders catering to practical needs. The generous boot space provides substantial cargo capacity that can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, facilitating easy transport of larger items.
Powertrain Choices –
The Citroën C3 Aircross exemplifies versatility and innovation with its range of advanced powertrain options, catering to a wide spectrum of preferences and driving needs.
Hybrid Powertrain –
- Hybrid 136: The C3 Aircross introduces the Hybrid 136 variant, featuring a state-of-the-art powertrain that combines a 1.2-liter PureTech gasoline engine with an electrified setup. This hybrid system includes a 21 kW electric motor integrated into a dual-clutch automatic transmission powered by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery. Together, they deliver a robust 100 kW (136 horsepower) and significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions, making it an ideal choice for families and environmentally conscious drivers.
- Benefits: The hybrid system allows for nearly silent electric-only driving in urban environments, contributing to a quieter and more efficient driving experience. It optimizes fuel efficiency by using regenerative braking to recharge the battery during deceleration, enhancing overall energy management and reducing CO2 emissions to just 124g/km.
Gasoline Powertrain –
- PureTech Turbo 100 MT6: For those preferring traditional petrol engines, the C3 Aircross offers the PureTech Turbo 100 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. This three-cylinder engine delivers 100 horsepower, ensuring responsive performance while meeting stringent Euro7 emission standards. It provides a balanced blend of power and efficiency, making it an attractive option at a competitive price point.
All-Electric Option –
- Electric Version: Citroën ventures into fully electric territory with the C3 Aircross Electric, marking its debut in the compact SUV segment. Powered by an 83 kW (113 horsepower) electric motor and equipped with a 44 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, this variant offers a range of over 300 km / 186 miles (approval pending). It delivers instant torque and smooth acceleration, reaching speeds up to 145 km/h (90 mph).
- Charging Capabilities: The C3 Aircross Electric supports flexible charging options. Standard AC charging takes between 2 hours and 50 minutes (11 kW) and 4 hours and 10 minutes (7 kW) to charge from 20% to 80% capacity. Fast DC charging at 100 kW can achieve the same charge level in just 26 minutes, ensuring convenient and efficient recharging at home and on the road.
Pricing and Range Options of the Citroën C3 Aircross –
Citroën offers the all-new C3 Aircross with a compelling range of pricing options, making it accessible to a wide audience while catering to diverse preferences in powertrains and configurations.
Pricing Strategy –
- Electric Version (ë-C3 Aircross): Priced under €30,000 (or about $34,000 USD), the 100% electric version of the C3 Aircross is designed to provide affordable electric mobility without compromising on features or comfort. This makes it one of the most affordable electric B-UVs in the European market, ensuring accessibility to eco-conscious drivers looking for zero-emission driving solutions.
- Internal Combustion Version (PureTech Turbo 100 MT6): Available for less than €20,000 ($22,600 USD), the gasoline-powered C3 Aircross offers a cost-effective entry point into Citroën’s subcompact UV lineup. This variant is equipped with a responsive 100 bhp engine and provides a balance of performance and efficiency suitable for urban and suburban driving.
Range and Customization –
- Model Variants: The C3 Aircross lineup has two primary configurations: a 5-seater and a 7-seater, ensuring flexibility to accommodate varying passenger needs.
- Color and Personalization: Customers can choose from a palette of six vibrant body colors, including options like Black Perla Nera, Elixir Red, and Polar White, complemented by roof colors in white or black. The vehicle’s appearance can be further personalized with optional color clips, allowing for individualized styling that matches personal tastes.
Standard and Optional Features –
- You Trim Level: The base trim level, You, offers a rich array of standard features to enhance comfort and safety. This includes Citroën Advanced Comfort® suspension, smartphone integration, active safety systems, rear parking sensors, LED headlights, and more, ensuring a well-equipped driving experience.
- MAX Trim Level: Moving up to the MAX trim level adds premium touches such as 17-inch Aragonite Diamond Cut alloy wheels, 3D LED rear lights, advanced navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and additional driver assistance features like front parking sensors and blind-spot detection. The MAX trim also grants access to the 7-seater configuration with the Mild Hybrid 136 eDCT engine, offering enhanced versatility for larger families or those needing extra seating capacity.
As the latest addition to Stellantis’ lineup of compact B-UVs, the Citroën C3 Aircross exemplifies innovation, accessibility, and forward-thinking design. Its range of efficient powertrains, including electric and hybrid options, sets a new standard for versatility and sustainability in urban mobility.
Looking ahead, Stellantis continues to push boundaries with its upcoming models, including the next-generation Jeep® Renegade, which is scheduled for release in North America in late 2026 as a 2027 model.
Citroën C3 Aircross Image Gallery:
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