Citroën C3 Aircross: Ambitious Renewal with Versatile Technologies and a Global Vision
Citroën has unveiled the fourth generation of its C3, as it hints at grander ambitions for its upcoming C3 Aircross. This model will compete not only with vehicles such as the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur, but also with larger, seven-seat SUVs such as the Dacia Jogger, expected next year. With a focus on "accessible mobility for all," the new C3 and e-C3 models are 25% faster to produce than their predecessor, and could start at an attractive £14,500 for gasoline versions. Citroën, part of the Stellantis group, is looking to position itself against Dacia, building on the C3's new 'Intelligent Platform'. The design of the second-generation C3 Aircross has been hinted at, and it will be available in five- or seven-seat configurations. Laurence Hansen, Citroën's director of product and strategy, indicated that both the C3 and C3 Aircross will have distinctive identities. Pierre LeClercq, chief designer, emphasized that the next C3 Aircross will have a more off-road-focused design. The model will be powered by a variety of sources: gasoline, hybrid, and electric, and will likely start with a turbocharged 1.2-liter PureTech three-cylinder engine with 99 hp. There could also be hybrid options with a dual-clutch automatic transmission newly designed by Stellantis. As for the electric version, it would feature a 44 kWh battery and a 111 hp engine.
Inside, the dashboard design will be similar to the C3, featuring a slim instrument panel and a 10-inch multimedia system. The Smart Platform is based on the Indian market, although it also incorporates components from the CMP platform used in models such as the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208, adapting to the rigorous European regulations.
