Citroen C3 Aircross Review

In Malaysia's A-Segment SUV market, consumer demand for both space practicality and configuration balance continues to rise. The 2020 Citroën C3 AIRCROSS SUV, as a popular choice in this segment, has attracted many family users with its flexible space, rich safety features, and affordable pricing. This test drive focuses on verifying its daily driving power response, space utilization, and fuel consumption performance to see if it truly meets local multi-scenario driving needs.

From the exterior, the overall style of the C3 AIRCROSS SUV leans toward a rounded and cute design. The front features a large-sized grille paired with oval-shaped LED headlights on both sides, giving it a high recognition factor. The side profile of the car has smooth lines, and its width of 1976mm (including side mirrors) makes it appear compact but still stable on narrow roads. The rear design is simple, with LED taillights echoing the front design, and the rear fog lamp enhances safety when driving in rainy weather. It's worth mentioning that the wide range of body color options caters to the personalized needs of young users.

Opening the door, the interior takes a dark color as its main tone, with abundant use of soft plastic materials, offering a pleasant tactile feel but lacking a sense of luxury. The center console layout is simple, with a moderately sized standard touchscreen. Its operation is smooth, though the response speed is not outstanding compared to others in the same class. The multi-function steering wheel supports basic control features and offers a comfortable grip. The front seats are manually adjustable with soft padding, though lumbar support is somewhat insufficient for long drives. The rear air conditioning vents and 220V/230V power outlet significantly enhance the convenience for rear passengers, especially for charging electronic devices during long-distance trips.

The space performance is one of the core advantages of the C3 AIRCROSS SUV. With a wheelbase of 2604mm, which is among the top levels in the A-Segment, a 175cm tall passenger sitting in the front seat has about a fist and two fingers of headroom remaining after adjusting their seating position. Similarly, a 175cm passenger in the rear seat has about a fist of legroom and headroom, which, while not remarkably spacious, adequately meets the needs of daily family use. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 410L, which can easily accommodate two 20-inch suitcases with space to spare. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 ratio, significantly expanding the cargo space, making it more practical for carrying luggage or large items.

In terms of performance, the C3 AIRCROSS SUV is equipped with a 1.2T three-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 112PS and peak torque output at just 1500rpm. For daily driving, the initial acceleration is relatively quick, and the low RPM range provides sufficient power for urban commuting. For instance, while accelerating to overtake on the LDP highway at speeds between 80-100km/h, stepping hard on the accelerator results in about a one-second delay before the transmission provides a linear power output. Although not particularly aggressive, the performance is adequate. The AT transmission shifts gears smoothly, with almost no jolts during low-speed driving, aligning well with its positioning as a family car.

In terms of handling experience, the steering wheel is relatively light, making it easy for women to drive without much effort. However, the steering precision is average, with some play, making it more suitable for daily commutes rather than aggressive driving. The suspension system is tuned on the softer side, which effectively absorbs most of the small vibrations from common speed bumps or uneven road surfaces in Malaysia. Rear passengers do not feel much bumpiness. However, during high-speed cornering, the vehicle exhibits noticeable body roll, requiring slower speeds to maintain stability. Overall, the chassis performs solidly, and the vehicle feels stable without any significant floating sensation during high-speed driving.

In the fuel consumption test section, we drove a total of 150km in urban congested roads (about 30%) and highways (about 70%) with the air conditioning on throughout the journey. The final displayed fuel consumption was 5.8L/100km, slightly higher than the official combined fuel consumption of 5L/100km. However, considering the local hot weather and actual road conditions, this performance is considered normal for its class. With a fuel tank capacity of 45L, it is estimated to have a range of about 770km on a full tank, which is sufficient for one week of commuting.

In terms of safety features, the C3 AIRCROSS SUV performs impressively. It comes standard with 6 airbags (dual front airbags, side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbags), stability control, active braking system, and ISOFIX child seat mounts, placing it in the upper tier in terms of safety in the A-Segment. The reversing camera has average clarity, but its guidelines are precise, providing effective assistance for novice drivers during parking. The keyless entry and start function also enhance everyday driving convenience.

In terms of driving comfort details, the vehicle exhibits good control over tire noise, maintaining a relatively quiet interior at speeds below 60km/h. However, at 110km/h on highways, wind noise does creep into the cabin from the A-pillars. Although it does not affect normal conversations, noise-sensitive users may need time to adapt. The engine start-stop system causes noticeable vibrations when starting, especially during frequent stops in hot weather, which can affect the riding experience. It's recommended to manually disable it in congested urban areas.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2020 Citroën C3 AIRCROSS SUV lie in its flexible space, practical features, and safety performance. The price of 110,141RM is approximately 5000RM lower compared to the 2019 model, further enhancing its value for money. Compared to the same class Honda HR-V 1.5L, the C3 AIRCROSS SUV has a longer wheelbase and more airbags, though its power parameters are slightly weaker. Compared to the Toyota C-HR, it offers better space flexibility and more practical features, but falls slightly behind in brand influence.

This car is more suitable for family users who prioritize space practicality and safety features, especially those who often travel with elderly or children. Its flexible trunk and convenient rear seat features can meet these needs well. For young users seeking thrilling driving experiences or luxurious interiors, it might not be the best choice. However, as a tool for daily commuting and family short trips, the C3 AIRCROSS SUV is adequately balanced.

In summary, the 2020 Citroën C3 AIRCROSS SUV is a "useful" family SUV without any particularly significant shortcomings. Its space and features precisely address the needs of Malaysian family users, and with its affordable pricing, it has considerable competitiveness in the A-Segment market.