Citroen C3 Aircross – family package

c3 aircross
Citroen C3 Aircross at NRK's ​​old radio building

Few families in Oslo have private parking. With a length of only 4,15 metres, the Citroen C3 Aircross is a good weapon in the battle for free parking spaces on the street. But is the C3 Aircross big enough for a family?

 

Two different marks

The C3 Aircross is produced in Spain, together with the Opel Crossland X. The two cars share the same technology, but have completely different designs. While Opel has created a small high-built car that looks like a normal car, Citroen has built something that looks like a large toy car - without a trace of elegance and prestige. It's a car you buy because you need a high-built small car - and want it to look like just that. The Opel is something the grandparents could have chosen.

Big car feeling

The visual feeling of a big car is created by the high seating position and the fact that the A-pillars have been pushed far forward. In terms of driving, you also get the feeling of a big car. The suspension absorbs bumps like a large car. It made me feel like I was sitting far away from the wheels - separated from the road. It leans a little more than many other tall cars. I feel safer in high-built small cars that lean a little, than those that are completely rigid. I don't like the idea of ​​any of the wheels lifting during active cornering. Other factors that contribute to the feeling of a big car are the speed-sensitive steering, which is light and a little vague. The pleasant noise image also contributes. The car was on low-noise all-season tyres.

 

c3 aircross
Looks robust - here at Blindern

family Friendly

Despite the super roomy feel, there is a limit to what you can cram into a length of 4,15 metres. But the wheelbase of 2,60 is good for the class, and the torsion bar rear suspension does not steal space in the boot. You get 410 liters under the hat shelf. But the rear seats can also be gradually pushed forward (2+1). Then you can create a luggage compartment of up to 520 liters - with the seat backs up. The back of the front passenger seat can be folded down for extra room. Great when you're at IKEA, for example. There is ISOfix in the rear seats. The space is fine for a family that is a bit inventive with regard to seating arrangements.

Engine and drivetrain

Our car was equipped with the PSA group's well-known and upgraded 1,2 liter PureTech engine of 110 HP. Maximum torque is 205 Nm and the curve remains almost flat between 1500 and 3500 revs. This engine is mass-produced for various car models in Europe. It delivers the power exactly as it should. No problem maintaining speed up the Lierbakken, for example. Inside, the engine's sound image is good. The 3-cylinder PureTech engines get a rough and noisy ride at higher revs, but the automatic transmission keeps the revs down.

Economy mode and fuel consumption

The "Start & Stop" function cuts the engine when stopping for pedestrians and at traffic lights. Then the steering servo is also cut. It feels unusual and unnecessary, since the steering servo is powered by electricity. Furthermore, during slow local driving and traffic jams, the engine cuts out as soon as you let off the gas a little. It happens that the car almost stops suddenly. It is not only uncomfortable, but also uneconomical. The general fuel consumption is around 0,5 liters per mile. I measured 0,52 on a stretch of city driving. With an economical gas foot, it should be possible to crawl under 0,40 on a quiet country road.

 

c3 aircross
Nice break, but works like a standard, mechanical break

look and feel

I mentioned at the outset that the Citroen C3 Aircross does not signal elegance and prestige. The point was that this is not a car for those who care about that sort of thing. However, that does not mean that the car is experienced as a typical cheap car. It offers good seating comfort and a slightly cool interior. The handbrake – for example – is mechanical, but has its own grip handle. Cheap doesn't have to look "cheap". I think Citroen has proven that well.

Security

Both the Citroen C3 Aircross and the Opel Crossland X were tested by Euro NCAP when the models were launched in 2017. Both ended up similarly, - 5 stars and 85% for the protection of adults and respectively. 82% (Citroen) and 84% (Opel) for child protection. The most serious safety issue for both test cars was the risk of rear-seat whiplash. This got the worst grade. None of the cars that have previously been driven here at Terje's cars have received such a bad rating. Another factor that has dragged down the results somewhat is automatic emergency stop which is not included, because it was not standard on all variants. In Norway, this is standard.

Read the full report from Euro NCAP here

 

Is more functional than fashionable

Conclusion

"Well packed" is when a model makes optimal use of space. To prioritize place often goes beyond quiet. Citroen has not made a stylish car. It is an honest car for people who need a lot of space without having a big car. The C3 Aircross offers plenty of space - and not least a good sense of space. If you use the flexibility, it is big enough for a family of 4.


Best of all, it can park in pockets that larger family cars can only look for...


Facts - Citroen C3 Aircross 1.2 PureTech 110

Weights and Measures
Length, width, height: 415 / 176 / 164 cm
Wheelbase: 260 cm
Net weight: 1179 kg (without driver)
Max trailer weight with brakes: 840 kg
– without brakes: 600 kg
Luggage compartment: 410-520 litres
Petrol tank: 45 litres

Drivetrain
Engine: 1,2 PureTech 110 Start & Stop
Number of cylinders: 3
Displacement: 1199 ccm
Power: 110 HP at 5500 revs
Torque: Max 205 Nm between 1500-3500 revolutions.
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic.
Front wheel drive.

Performances
Top speed: 183 km/h
0-100: 10,2 seconds

consumption
City: 0,59 litres/mile
Country road: 0,42 litres/mile
Combined: 0,48 litres/mile
Own measurement (urban area): 0,52 litres/10 km

Tires
Dimension: 215/50R17 91H
Type: All-season tire
Brand: Hankook Kinergy 4S

Price and equipment
C3 Aircross Feel 1,2 PureTech 110 Aut. 293 (000 price)
C3 Aircross Shine 1,2 PureTech 110 Aut. 313 (000 price)
C3 Aircross Feel 1,2 PureTech 110 Man. 289
C3 Aircross Shine 1,2 PureTech 110 Man. 304
Paint supplement (Breathing Blue): NOK 5
Grip Control+Hill Descent Assist: NOK 3
Park Assist+Blind-spot warning: NOK 5

About the car
Place of manufacture: Zaragoza, Spain
Owner: Europcar
Rented via the app Rent
Model: 2019
Mileage: 30000
Km driven: 108
Source: Citroen.no

 

Pictures C3 Aircross

Citroen C3 Aircross
The front seats in standard design. Good and wide to sit in. The backrest in the passenger seat can be folded forward.
citroen aircross
The rear seats can be folded down 2+1 and/or pushed forward for more luggage space.
Citroen c3
Without loading edge Here 410 liters large. Can be expanded to 530 litres.
aircross c3
Details
c3 aircross
A lot of car at 4,15 metres

 

See

Citroen C3 Aircross series 2
Citroën C4 Cactus
Suzuki S-Cross for Norwegian conditions?
Renault Captur

Terje Bjørnstad. Blog administrator, hobby photographer and car enthusiast.

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