Who said that the design of an accessible product must be “compromised”? Citroën, always synonymous with originality and innovation, proves the opposite with the C3 Aircross, the latest addition to its lineup, a vehicle that maintains a strong and distinctive identity. At 4.4 meters long, with the option of seven seats (in non-electric versions), the C3 Aircross shares its platform with the Opel Frontera but sets itself apart in character. The front end draws inspiration from the Oli concept car, featuring the new stylized logo, C-shaped LED headlights, and a vertically oriented grille adorned with a satin-finish trim that enhances its SUV identity.
Boris Reinmöller, the model’s design head, highlights its greater solidity compared to the softer shapes of the previous C3 Aircross, along with an increased ground clearance of 20 cm. This feature is facilitated by the Smart Car platform, designed for global models, including emerging markets. In fact, the C3 Aircross, albeit with a slightly different design, has already been on sale in South America and India for over a year
The side profile, though appearing simple, is enhanced by the way light interacts with the bodywork, particularly in lighter or brighter color schemes. At the rear, the design is minimalist: the tailgate is monolithic, without the horizontal elements that visually separate the taillights on the Frontera. Here, the taillights remain compact and essential.
Simplicity is also the guiding principle of the interior. While the Frontera features a large dual display, the C3 Aircross opts for a single central screen (starting from the You Pack Plus trim level) and a Citroën Head-Up Display, a discreet digital screen integrated into the upper section of instrument panel. The dashboard incorporates a central fabric-covered section, mirroring the finishes found on the door panels and armrests. The rigid plastics blend well, and the air vents add an elegant touch.
With the launch of the C3 Aircross, Citroën has also updated the C4 and C4X compact models, primarily refreshing the front end with a new headlight design and a grille aligned with the brand’s updated styling.
