2020 Citroën C3 AIRCROSS SUV Review

The subcompact SUV market in Southeast Asia has always been a fiercely contested battleground. A-Segment SUVs, with their flexible size and practical space, have become the top choice for many family users and young consumers. The 2020 Citroën C3 AIRCROSS SUV enters the market at a price of RM 110,141, focusing on high configurations and practical space while continuing Citroën’s consistent comfort tuning. In this test drive, we will comprehensively evaluate this vehicle from its static design to dynamic performance to determine whether it can stand out in its segment and offer consumers a more cost-effective option.

First, let's look at the exterior. The C3 AIRCROSS SUV adopts Citroën’s family-style design language, with an overall rounded style that still retains a sense of toughness in its details. The front features a large grille with chrome accents on the inside, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, resulting in high recognizability. The side profile features smooth lines and a silver roof rack, enhancing the SUV vibe. Its body dimensions are 4154mm×1976mm×1637mm, with a wheelbase of 2604mm, making it above average in its class. At the rear, the LED taillights are arranged horizontally, corresponding harmoniously with the front headlights. The lower part of the rear bumper incorporates a silver skid plate, enhancing its off-road feel. Both front and rear fog lights come as standard, providing better illumination in adverse weather conditions.

Inside the car, the interior design of the C3 AIRCROSS SUV is simple and practical. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, offering a pleasant tactile feel. The central console features a touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with fluent operation. The multifunctional leather-wrapped steering wheel feels comfortable to hold, with volume control and call answering buttons integrated on the left side. In terms of equipment, this car comes standard with keyless entry and start system, 220V/230V power outlets, front and rear air-conditioning vents, and 60:40 split-folding rear seats. Safety features are outstanding, with 6 airbags (including front side airbags and front and rear curtain airbags), ABS anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, and an active braking system coming as standard, providing comprehensive protection for passengers.

Space performance is one of the highlights of the C3 AIRCROSS SUV. The 2604mm wheelbase advantage is evident in actual seating, with rear passengers enjoying about two fists of legroom even when the front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position. Headroom is also ample, ensuring that even passengers who are 180cm tall won’t feel cramped. The trunk offers a storage capacity of 410L, which is sufficient for daily use. Folding down the rear seats further expands the storage space, meeting the needs for transporting large items. Interior storage is also abundant, with spacious door pockets, a central armrest box, and a glove box, conveniently accommodating personal items.

In terms of power, the C3 AIRCROSS SUV is equipped with a 1.2T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power output of 112PS and a peak torque that kicks in at 1500rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, the car delivers a brisk start with abundant low-end torque. It accelerates smoothly on city roads and overtaking is relatively effortless. The transmission’s shift logic is clear, with timely gear changes and no obvious gear-shifting jolts. When switched to Sport mode, the power response becomes more responsive, suitable for occasional spirited driving. The suspension tuning leans towards comfort, effectively absorbing road bumps so that passengers do not experience significant jolts when passing over speed bumps or uneven roads. The steering is precise, and the steering wheel is light, making it easy for female drivers to handle.

In terms of fuel consumption testing, we drove 50km on urban roads and highways each, and the combined fuel consumption was 5.2L/100km, which is basically consistent with the official figure of 5L/100km, demonstrating good fuel economy. The braking performance is also commendable; during emergency braking, the vehicle maintains stable posture, and the braking distance is short, providing ample confidence. In terms of noise control, wind noise and tire noise are slightly noticeable during high-speed driving, but they remain within an acceptable range and do not affect normal conversation among passengers inside the car. The seat comfort is excellent, with good wrapping and support in the front seats, making long-distance driving less tiring.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2020 Citroën C3 AIRCROSS SUV lie in its rich configurations, practical space, and good fuel economy. Compared with models of the same class, its safety and comfort configurations are more comprehensive, offering outstanding value for money. This car is very suitable for family users who value practicality and comfort, as well as young consumers with limited budgets who seek high-end features. Whether for daily commuting or weekend outings, the C3 AIRCROSS SUV can meet your needs. If you are looking for a small SUV with a reasonable price, rich configurations, and practical space, the C3 AIRCROSS SUV is worth considering.