Updated 2022 Citroen C3 Aircross for Russia: how is it getting ready to be the best family cross?

2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41

French cars have a peculiar design and not all compatriots like it, however, some models deserve attention. One of these models is the Citroen C3 Aircross 2022, which recently debuted on the market in a restyled variation. The compact SUV is sold in Russia in several versions at a price of 1,529,000 to 2,079,000 rubles for the Live and Shine generations, respectively. This French model is a direct competitor to the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Renault Kaptur and Mazda CX-30. The car stands out against the background of its classmates with a rather weak power unit with low-displacement economical engines.

Specifications

The modern French SUV Citroen C3 Aircross 2022 attracts attention with its unusual appearance (you can evaluate it from the photos presented in the article), rather interesting trim levels and reasonable prices by current standards. However, what really distinguishes the model in the new body on the Russian market is the technical characteristics. In this regard, the crossover is noticeably different from its classmates, which, in principle, captivates a separate part of motorists who prefer non-standard cars.

On sale the car in the first generation in a restyled version is presented in diesel and gasoline versions with three power units to choose from. We are talking about:

• 1, 6-liter "turbodiesel" with 92 "horses" recoil and 230 Nm of torque;
• 1, 2-liter gasoline "aspirated" 82 hp. and 118 Nm of thrust;
• 1, 2-liter gasoline "turbo" with 110 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque.

You can buy such a model with a 5-speed "mechanics" for diesel and weaker gasoline engines, as well as with a 6-band "automatic", which is installed only on generation with a 110-horsepower internal combustion engine. The drive is only for the front wheel axle.

The Frenchman is distinguished by its compact dimensions and low curb weight. The model reaches 4,154 mm in length, 1,756 mm in width, and 1,637 mm in height. The wheelbase of the SUV corresponds to 2 604 mm, and the ground clearance is 175 mm. The weight of the car depends on the selected modification and varies in the range from 1,163 to 1,263 kg. The five-seater cross, despite its compact size, has a spacious trunk, where you can place up to 520 liters of cargo.

The car is distinguished by a very mediocre dynamics with acceleration from standstill to the first 100 km / h in an impressive 10, 6-14 seconds, depending on the modification. The "maximum speed" of the SUV is limited to 165-183 km / h in petrol versions and 170 km / h in diesel generations. On average, for every 100 km of run, the car will spend 5, 1 - 6, 5 liters of AI-95 gasoline or 4, 3 liters of diesel fuel. In the updated version, the car complies with the emission level of the Euro-6 environmental standard.

Options and prices

The Citroen C3 Aircross 2022 SUV is sold in Russia in three trim levels. These are the Live, Feel and Shine versions. As mentioned earlier, the prices for this car range from 1,529,000 to 2,079,000 rubles. The selected power unit noticeably affects the cost. All versions are presented with basic equipment, which can be expanded with additional options for a fee.

Live

The simplest version of the car in terms of equipment, which is equipped with 1, 2-liter "aspirated" and "turbo" gasoline type with 82 and 110 hp. respectively. This car will cost the buyer 1,529,000 and 1,789,000 rubles. The equipment includes such options as:

• electric power steering;
• LED headlights;
• light sensor;
• mirrors with electric drive and heating;
• roof rails;
• cloth interior;
• front and rear power windows;
• cooled glove box;
• airbags in the front, on the sides, in the curtains;
• Cruise control;
• traffic sign recognition system;
• air conditioner;
• audio system for 6 speakers;
• multimedia with a 7-inch touch screen;
• spare part-size wheel.

In the basic generation, the car is equipped with 16-inch stamped rims. Provides a standard set of systems responsible for motion control, including ABS, ESP, EBD, BAS, TCS. Options such as navigation, reversing camera, climate control and more can be installed if necessary.

Feel

In this configuration, the Citroen C3 Aircross 2022 SUV is presented on sale with two power units - a "turbodiesel" with 92 hp. and a 110 horsepower gasoline turbo engine. The model costs 1,799,000 and 1,919,000 rubles, respectively. In terms of equipment, the crossover here is no different from the basic version. If desired and the presence of additional finance, the car can be supplemented with numerous modern options and systems.

Shine

The most expensive version of the crossover at the moment with two power units to choose from (110-horsepower gasoline "turbo engine" and 92-horsepower "turbodiesel"). The price of the car is 2,079,000 and 1,959,000 rubles, respectively. The equipment by the manufacturer included such additional options as a height-adjustable driver's seat, a traffic sign recognition system, mirrors in sun visors, and an outside temperature sensor.

Options and prices (summary table)

#	Equipment	Model years	Cost, rub.	Drive unit	Transmission	Engine, cc cm	Acceleration from 0 to 100, s	Max. speed, km / h	Power, max., H.p. (kW) at rpm	Combined fuel consumption in l / 100 km
1	1.2 MT Live	2021 -	1 529 000 ₽	Front	Manual transmission 5	1199	14	165	82 (60) / 5750	5, 1
2	1.2 AT Feel	2021 -	1 919 000 ₽	Front	Automatic transmission 6	1199	44357	183	110 (81) / 5500	6, 5
3	1.2 AT Live	2021 -	1 789 000 ₽	Front	Automatic transmission 6	1199	44357	183	110 (81) / 5500	6, 5
4	1.2 AT Shine	2021 -	2 079 000 ₽	Front	Automatic transmission 6	1199	44357	183	110 (81) / 5500	6, 5
5	1.6 HDI MT Feel	2021 -	1 799 000 ₽	Front	Manual transmission 5	1560	44388	170	92 (68) / 4000	4, 3
6	1.6 HDI MT Shine	2021 -	1 959 000 ₽	Front	Manual transmission 5	1560	44388	170	92 (68) / 4000	4, 3

* - information on prices is for reference only. Check with your local dealer for the exact cost.

Safety

Considering any budget car for purchase, you should not pretend to be a model that has a high level of safety. However, in the case of this Frenchman, things are different, since in crash tests according to the EuroNCAP system, the model was able to score good results, corresponding to a maximum rating of five stars. In terms of safety for the driver and adult passengers, 85% of the points were scored. With regard to the safety of child passengers, the figures of 92% deserve respect here as well. The situation with the protection of vulnerable road users is somewhat worse, here the result is recorded at around 64%. Also, the equipment with security systems does not make the best impression. In this regard, the cross was able to gain only 60%.

Handling and off-road performance

Although this model leaves a double impression, it is clearly worth considering for a purchase if a car enthusiast is looking for a compact urban SUV. The Frenchman has good driving characteristics in urban environments. The car is optimally tuned for Russian roads, thanks to its unpretentious and reliable suspension. The car holds the road quite confidently, reacts well to the steering, and besides, it will be able to please with comfort, which is far from some classmates. Outside the city and paved roads, the SUV begins to feel less confident - front-wheel drive and not the most impressive ground clearance affect, however, thanks to the short base, the car easily overcomes large pits and bumps on rough terrain and when driving on dirt roads.

Advantages and disadvantages

Since in this case we are talking about the French model Citroen C3 Aircross 2022, it will not be so easy to highlight the main pros and cons, for the simple reason that opinions regarding this SUV differ significantly. The obvious advantages include efficiency and subcompact engines that guarantee fuel savings and minimal tax and maintenance costs. Also, the advantages include quite an attractive silhouette, which does not look like the design of the next "state employee". In addition, a clear advantage is the spacious trunk of 520 liters, which is significantly more in comparison with most classmates (for example, the Hyundai Creta has only 402 liters). The disadvantages of this car are not the best build quality and interior arrangement.

Design

The exterior of the compact French crossover is fully consistent with the design traditions of Citroen. The design of the car can hardly be called standard and recognizable; rather, on the contrary, numerous newfangled and non-standard solutions are presented here. For example, two-tier head optics can be distinguished. The radiator grill and the powerful air intake on the bumper also look stylish. Around the perimeter, the barrel-shaped body shape catches the eye, which at the same time can be called both a plus and a minus for the car. If you pay attention to the salon, then it fully meets the expectations from the next state employee. Everything is practical inside - there are no decorative elements, black colors and materials of not the highest quality prevail.

Sales start

In the current generation in the first generation in a restyled version, the Citroen C3 Aircross appeared not so long ago. The official premiere took place in February 2021, and free sales began five months later. In the previous generation, the model debuted in the summer of 2017. It is worth noting that in the current version the car differs from the previous generation only by a cosmetic update of the front part.

Competitors

In the Russian market, the French SUV competes with such models as:

• Hyundai Creta;
• Kia Seltos;
• Mazda CX-30;
• Renault Kaptur.