2019 Citroen C3 AIRCROSS SUV Review

The A-segment SUV market has been heating up locally in recent years. Consumers want the maneuverability and ease of driving of small cars, as well as the off-road capability and practicality of SUVs. The 2019 Citroen C3 AIRCROSS, as a distinctive contender in this segment, has attracted considerable attention with its unique design and balanced configuration. In this review, we will focus on evaluating its space performance to see if it truly meets family needs, as well as testing the real-world performance of its 1.2T engine during daily commutes, and determine whether this French compact car fits local users' driving scenarios.

From the exterior, the design of the C3 AIRCROSS is highly recognizable. The front face features a split headlight layout, with slim LED daytime running lights connected to chrome trim at the top, and larger round main headlamps at the bottom, complemented by a trapezoidal lower grille, giving it a rounded and cute overall style. The side profile of the car is simple, with dynamic 17-inch multi-spoke wheels. The roof is equipped with silver luggage racks, enhancing its SUV appeal. At the rear, the tail lights adopt a horizontal design with a clear internal structure, and the silver skid plate under the rear bumper adds a sense of visual layering. The car offers a variety of color options, and the two-tone body design caters to the personalization preferences of younger users.

Sitting inside, the interior style of the C3 AIRCROSS leans towards simplicity and practicality. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials with a delicate feel, paired with matte trim panels, which give it decent quality within its class. The center console is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, featuring a clean and user-friendly interface that supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, making it convenient for daily use. The steering wheel has a three-spoke design with multimedia control buttons on the left side and offers a comfortable grip. The seats are made of fabric materials with moderate support and cushioning. The front seats are manually adjustable, and although they do not feature electronic adjustment, the range of adjustments is sufficient for most users' needs.

In terms of space, the dimensions of the C3 AIRCROSS are 4154mm×1976mm×1637mm, with a wheelbase of 2604mm, which falls in the mainstream range among A-segment SUVs. The front-row seating space is spacious, and for a passenger with a height of 175cm, there is still about a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear seating space is surprisingly comfortable; with a passenger of the same height, there are two fists of legroom and four fingers of headroom, allowing for three adults to sit without feeling overly cramped. The trunk volume is 410 liters in its standard configuration, and the rear seats can be folded down in proportion to expand the volume to 1,289 liters, easily accommodating items such as strollers and suitcases. There is also ample in-car storage space, with storage slots in the front door panels, a central armrest box, and the glove compartment meeting everyday needs for small item storage.

For the powertrain, the C3 AIRCROSS is powered by a 1.2T three-cylinder turbocharged engine with a maximum output of 112PS. Its peak torque is not explicitly stated but delivers smooth performance in practice. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive. During daily driving, the power response is prompt at start-up, providing a decent acceleration with light pressure on the accelerator. Mid-range acceleration is also quite linear; when overtaking, pressing the accelerator harder prompts the transmission to downshift promptly, with sufficient power output for urban roads and highway cruising. However, at high speeds, the performance in the higher RPM range feels slightly lacking due to limited engine displacement. The suspension setup includes a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned with a focus on comfort. It effectively absorbs small road bumps, and when passing through speed bumps or uneven terrains, the suspension rebounds gently without noticeable harshness. The steering feels light, with minimal dead zones, making daily handling agile and parking maneuvers easy.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 9.45L/100km. In our test, which simulated a mix of urban commuting and highway cruising conditions, the actual fuel consumption was approximately 9.8L/100km, not much different from the official figures, showing an average performance. In terms of noise control, engine noise is relatively low at idle, while wind noise and tire noise increase at high speeds but remain within an acceptable range, not affecting normal conversation inside the car. The seat comfort is good, and long-duration sitting does not cause fatigue, making it suitable for long drives.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2019 Citroen C3 AIRCROSS lie in its personalized design, flexible space utilization, and balanced power output. Compared with the same class Honda HR-V, it offers better space utilization and more distinctive design; compared with the Toyota C-HR, it has a price advantage and richer configurations. However, in terms of brand awareness and resale value, Citroen may fall slightly short of Japanese brands. This car is suitable for young family users who value unique designs and need flexible space, especially those whose daily commute is primarily on urban roads and occasionally require cargo space or short-distance trips.

In summary, the 2019 Citroen C3 AIRCROSS is a small SUV with a distinctive personality and strong practicality. Its space performance exceeds expectations, the power output meets daily needs, and the configurations cover the basic requirements, making it a worthy option as a city commuter car. If you're looking for a small SUV that stands out from the crowd while balancing practicality and individuality, the C3 AIRCROSS would be a good choice.