Citroen C3 Aircross 2022 Review

In recent years, the competition in the local compact SUV market has become increasingly fierce. When choosing a car, consumers not only value unique design but also have specific requirements for space practicality and rich configurations. The 2022 Citroen C3 Aircross Public, as a new competitor in this segment, boasts a primary selling point of a unique French design sense and space layout optimized for family users. The core purpose of this test drive is to verify whether this car's actual performance can meet local consumers' dual demands for "appearance + practicality."

From a distance, the overall shape of the C3 Aircross Public leans towards round and cute, yet it retains a rugged SUV feel through its detailed design. At the front, the split headlights are the most noticeable feature—the upper part consists of slim LED daytime running lights connected by a chrome strip that enhances the horizontal visual width; the lower section is fitted with larger main headlight units embedded in black plastic surrounds, exuding a stronger off-road vibe. The side profile adopts a dual waistline design, and the upward-sloping rear waistline combined with the floating roof adds a dynamic touch, avoiding a monotonous side view. The rear design is relatively simple, with irregularly shaped taillights that feature high-recognition LED lighting when illuminated. The rear bumper also includes black plastic cladding, echoing the front design.

Opening the car door, the interior design style aligns with the exterior, primarily featuring rounded lines. The dashboard adopts a layered design, with the upper layer made of soft-touch plastic that feels good to the touch, while the lower layer is hard plastic, fitting the positioning of this segment. The central control screen is 7 inches in size and is equipped with the Citroen Connect intelligent system, which supports Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone mirroring. The operation logic is simple and straightforward, with a fairly responsive performance. The instrument cluster combines traditional mechanical dials with a small LCD display, capable of showing basic information like speed, RPM, and fuel level with clear readability. The seats are wrapped in fabric material, offering medium support and wrapping but soft padding, ensuring comfort even on long drives.

In terms of space, the C3 Aircross Public has a wheelbase of 2600mm, which is average for a compact SUV. The front-row seating space performs well; with a 175cm tall passenger adjusting the driving position, there's still a fist's worth of headroom remaining. The rear-row space stands out, offering about two fists of legroom and a fist's worth of headroom, which won't feel cramped even with three adults seated. For storage capacity, the front door panels can hold two bottles of water, and the central armrest box and glove compartment provide sufficient space for daily usage. The trunk's standard volume is 410L and can be expanded to 1289L by folding the rear seats down, easily accommodating large luggage to meet the needs of family travel. The rear row is also equipped with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, further enhancing practicality.

In terms of performance, the C3 Aircross Public is equipped with a 1.2L three-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 110PS and a maximum torque of 205N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. On actual drives, the power response during start-up is quite active, with a noticeable push-back feeling when the turbocharger kicks in. The acceleration process is smooth with no obvious jerking. However, mid-to-late acceleration performance is average, with reduced acceleration capability once the speed exceeds 100km/h, making it more suitable for urban roads. The car offers three driving modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Eco mode, the throttle response becomes sluggish, suitable for daily commutes, while in Sport mode, power output is more direct, ideal for overtaking.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is light and offers relatively precise direction, making it easy for women to drive without much effort. The chassis features a front McPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned for comfort to filter out most small road bumps. The vibrations when driving over speed bumps are also handled quite gently. However, during high-speed cornering, the body tilt is quite noticeable, and the suspension lacks adequate support, requiring you to slow down. The braking system performs steadily, with a moderate braking distance that inspires enough confidence.

As for fuel consumption, through our actual testing, the combined fuel consumption on city roads is about 6.5L/100km, while highway fuel consumption is about 5.8L/100km. This performance is above average for vehicles in the same class, showing decent fuel efficiency.

In terms of noise control, the performance of the C3 Aircross Public is average. At low speeds, the engine noise and tire noise are relatively quiet; however, when the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind noise and tire noise become significantly noticeable, especially the wind noise, which may affect communication among passengers inside the car. Regarding seat comfort, the fabric seats offer good breathability but lack sufficient support, which may result in lower back discomfort during extended driving periods.

Overall, the core highlights of the C3 Aircross Public are its unique design, spacious interior, and decent fuel efficiency. Compared to the Honda HR-V in the same class, it excels in interior space and offers a more affordable price; compared to the Toyota C-HR, it has a more practical interior and richer configuration. However, its performance in terms of power and noise control still has room for improvement.

This car is best suited for family users who value practical space and fuel efficiency, especially those who appreciate French design style and need a vehicle for daily commuting and family trips. If you are looking for ultimate power performance or luxurious interior quality, then this car might not be the best choice; but if you want a balanced, practical, and cost-effective compact SUV, the C3 Aircross Public is worth considering.

In conclusion, the 2022 Citroen C3 Aircross Public is a model where "practicality outweighs performance." Its design and space can meet the needs of family users, and its fuel efficiency meets the expectations of the local market. Although there are some minor flaws, its overall performance is quite balanced, making it a good option in the compact SUV market.