Vehicle Overview
| Vehicle Segment | Subcompact Crossover SUV |
| Body Style | 5-Door SUV |
| Release Year | 2017 (facelift in 2021) |
| Trim/Variant Reviewed | C3 Aircross Shine PureTech 110 (Also available: Feel, Rip Curl, C-Series) |
Key Specifications (2023 C3 Aircross PureTech 110)
| Engine | 1.2L 3-Cylinder Turbocharged PureTech Petrol |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual / Optional 6-Speed Automatic (EAT6) |
| Power Output | 110 hp (81 kW) @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 205 Nm @ 1,750 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Dimensions | 4,160 mm (L) × 1,765 mm (W) × 1,637 mm (H); Wheelbase: 2,604 mm |
| Weight | ~1,165–1,280 kg (Kerb) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 liters |
| Fuel Economy | ~5.4–5.8 L/100 km (WLTP) |
| Boot Space | 410–520 L (adjustable), up to 1,289 L with seats folded |
Exterior Design
Distinctive chunky styling with Citroën’s trademark Airbump® panels
High roofline, bold two-tone color options, and floating roof design
LED headlights and updated grille in post-2021 facelift
16"–17" alloys, roof rails, and off-road-style skid plates add SUV flair
Compact footprint makes it suitable for tight urban roads
Interior, Comfort & Materials
Citroën’s Advanced Comfort seats offer exceptional support for long drives
Quirky interior themes with colorful accents and soft textures
High driving position and large windows enhance visibility
Sliding rear bench (in some trims) increases boot or legroom flexibility
Cabin feels airy and practical, though some materials feel basic on lower trims
Features & Infotainment
7” or 9” Touchscreen Infotainment (post-2021 facelift gets larger screen)
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (wired)
DAB radio, Bluetooth, USB ports standard
Optional navigation, wireless charging, and top-view camera
Steering wheel controls and physical AC buttons for usability
Safety & Ratings
Standard Safety Features
Lane departure warning, speed limiter
Driver attention alert, hill-start assist
Optional / Trim-Dependent
Active Safety Brake (AEB), Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition
Rear camera, front/rear parking sensors
Crash Ratings
| Euro NCAP (2017) | ★★★★☆ |
Solid scores for structure and occupant safety
Driving Performance & Handling
0–100 km/h: ~10.1 seconds (PureTech 110 Manual)
Emphasis on comfort over sportiness
Suspension tuned to absorb rough roads and speed bumps with ease
Light steering makes city navigation effortless
Some body roll in corners, but ride quality is among the best in class
Fuel Efficiency / EV Range
WLTP Combined Fuel Economy
| PureTech 110 Manual | ~5.4–5.6 L/100 km |
| Diesel options (where available) | ~4.4–4.8 L/100 km |
CO₂ emissions: 123–135 g/km
No hybrid or electric variant as of 2023 (an electric C3 Aircross expected 2024–2025)
Practicality & Everyday Usability
Boot Space
410 L standard; expandable to 520 L with sliding rear bench
| Max capacity | 1,289 L with seats folded |
Tall roofline offers great headroom
Rear seats accommodate two adults comfortably
Flat loading floor and wide-opening tailgate
Great for families, couples, or city dwellers needing extra space
Warranty & Maintenance
| Standard Warranty (UK/EU) | 3 years / 60,000 miles (extendable) |
| Service Intervals | Every 12,500 miles or annually |
PureTech engine proven across Peugeot-Citroën group for efficiency and durability
Affordable servicing and parts common across Stellantis models
On-Road Price & Value for Money
| UK Price (2023) | ~£18,000 – £23,000 depending on trim |
Strong value for money considering comfort, space, and equipment
Ideal for small families, retirees, or anyone needing a tall, comfy hatchback
Frequently offered with low monthly PCP and lease options
Comparison with Rivals
| Model | Boot Space | WLTP Economy | Power | Price (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citroën C3 Aircross | 410–520 L | ~5.5 L/100 km | 110 hp | £20,000 |
| Renault Captur | 422 L | ~5.1 L/100 km | 90–140 hp | £21,000 |
| Ford Puma | 456 L | ~5.2 L/100 km | 125 hp | £23,000 |
| VW T-Cross | 385 L | ~5.4 L/100 km | 110 hp | £22,500 |
| C3 Aircross wins in | Ride comfort, adjustable rear space, quirky charm |
| Captur and Puma | Offer more sporty dynamics and tech-focused interiors |
Pros & Cons
Pros
Exceptionally comfortable ride for the class
High seating and spacious cabin
Flexible boot and rear seat layout
Distinctive design with personality
Affordable to buy and run
Cons
Less engaging to drive than some rivals
Some materials feel budget in lower trims
Safety tech optional on many models
No hybrid/electric version (yet)
Overall Rating
| Rating | ★★★★☆ (4.4 / 5) |
True Motion Auto has not independently road-tested this vehicle. Specifications, pricing and performance figures are compiled from manufacturer technical data and published independent tests, and are attributed where quoted. Our score reflects a structured research assessment of specifications, pricing, safety data and owner feedback for the segment — not an independent road test. Read how we review cars.
A charmingly comfortable and practical compact crossover that puts ease of use and individuality ahead of performance — great for buyers who value comfort and clever space.
Final Verdict
The Citroën C3 Aircross is an ideal urban SUV for those seeking style, comfort, and practicality without stretching the budget. While it's not the most dynamic or tech-laden, its unique design, versatile cabin, and smooth ride make it a strong choice in the subcompact SUV segment.
More Citroën reviews: Citroën C3 Review, Citroën C4 Review and Citroën C5 Aircross Review.
Buyer checkpoints
| Buyer checkpoint | True Motion Auto view |
|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers wanting a raised driving position and useful family practicality. |
| Body style | Suv/Crossover |
| Powertrain focus | Petrol, diesel or hybrid depending on model year and trim |
| UK ownership note | Check insurance group, VED, charging or fuel costs and service-plan pricing before buying. |
| Verdict | Worth shortlisting if its size, running costs and equipment match your daily use. |
Frequently asked questions
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Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.