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Review – Citroën C3 Aircross (2025), a ‘floating carpet’ for the family?

February 6, 2025

Smart Car platform

The Citroën C3 Aircross is on the so-called Smart Car platform. The regular Citroën C3 is also on that platform, say the C3 Aircross’ little brother. The big difference: the C3 Aircross is available with seven seats, but not as a battery-electric version. Like the regular C3, the Aircross version is a B-SUV.

Known recipe

The recipe of this Citroën C3 Aircross is almost identical to the normal C3. The daahboard is interchangeable. And the seats are also identical. By the way, those Citroën Advanced Comfort seats are nice and soft, something many people will appreciate. But don’t expect “rocket science” when it comes to seating comfort. Another USP of the Citroën C3 Aircross is the Advanced Comfort suspension with dual progressive hydraulic “bump stops,” which Citroën is installing for the first time and on all versions. This should improve comfort. Compared to the Opel Frontera, this Aircross has slightly softer suspension. A little more comfort, in other words.

Citroën C3 Aircross Hybrid (2025): ‘floating carpet’ for the family? – REVIEW – AutoRAI TV

Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, here’s how it works

How that suspension works? A technician from Citroën explains briefly: “Conventional suspension includes a spring, a shock absorber and a stop rubber at the top of the shock absorber, which cushions the compression of the spring over the last few inches. The rubber protects the car’s mechanical components but does not dissipate the energy completely. With Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, that’s different. These progressive hydraulic “bump stops” work in conjunction with the shock absorbers and suspension, replacing the mechanical stops typically used. This system works in two stages. For light (de)compression, the spring and shock absorber control vertical movements together, without the help of the hydraulic stops. At high impact, the spring and shock absorber work together with the hydraulic stops to gradually slow down body motion and eliminate shock at the end of the suspension range. As opposed to a mechanical stop that absorbs energy and then returns some of it as shock.”

Citroën C3 Aircross dimensions

The new Citroën C3 Aircross is 4.39 meters long and, in the five-seater version, offers particularly generous space in the second row of seats. It also comes as a seven-seater. Both versions have the same body and similar dimensions. The wheelbase is 2.67 meters. One difference, though: the second row of seats in the five-seat version of the C3 Aircross is 65 mm further back than those in the seven-seat version. The backrest is adjustable over 65 mm. When both parts of the backrest are folded down, a cargo volume of 1,600 liters is created. Luggage space in the seven-seater comes to 330 liters when the third row of seats is not in use. If you do use the third row of seats, 40 liters remain. In other words, basically nothing. The third row of seats has armrests, cup holders and a USB connection. That is nice, but as an adult you have nothing to do there. Consider the third row of seats as a “spare seat” for children.

Citroën C3 Aircross 2025

Powertrains Citroën C3 Aircross

The Citroën C3 Aircross comes with different powertrains. For example, the C3 Aircross comes with a 75 kW (100 hp) turbocharged gasoline engine. This three-cylinder PureTech Turbo 100 engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. This version has the highest braked towing weight in the lineup: 1,500 kilograms. The car’s kerb weight comes out to 1,212 kilograms.

Then there is also a C3 Aircross Hybrid 136. That car features an e-DCT automatic transmission mated to a 1.2 PureTech engine. The 1,199 cc three-cylinder engine produces an output of 100 kW (136 hp). Integrated into the e-DCT dual-clutch transmission is an electric motor (21 kW/28 hp) that draws its power from an underfloor 48-volt lithium-ion battery. The electric motor supports the internal combustion engine to reduce fuel consumption. The battery is charged during braking and throttle release. The interplay between the gasoline and electric motor is fine in itself, but especially when pulling away and overtaking, the powertrain needs some thinking time. The Hybrid has a braked towing weight of 1,250 kilograms. Empty, the car weighs 1,323 kilograms.

Electric ë-C3 Aircross, only as a five-seater

Finally, there is also a 100% electric version. This version is powered by an 83 kW (113 hp) electric motor and has a lithium iron phosphate battery with a capacity of 44 kWh. The range comes out to 300 kilometers according to the WLTP test standard. The EV variant is allowed to tow 350 kilograms braked. The unladen weight of the ë-C3 Aircross is 1,479 kilograms, still useful to know with road tax in mind. We list the charging times below.

Prefer more range? A version with a larger battery will appear in the third quarter of 2025, bringing the range to over 400 kilometers.

Interior Citroën C3 Aircross

Equipment Citroën C3 Aircross

Citroën delivers the C3 Aircross as either a You or a Max. The You version features the Smartphone Station in which a smartphone can be placed. Thanks to wireless NFC technology, the driver can access services on his smartphone, such as radio, playlists and navigation. There are also control buttons on the wheel, and the Home button allows a quick return to the app’s home page.

The Max trim features an infotainment system with a central 10.25-inch color display that is turned slightly toward the driver. Virtual shortcuts provide access to key radio, navigation, phone, app and media functions. Wireless wifi enables compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are two USB-C ports in the front and two more in the second row of seats. Wireless charging through a 15W smartphone charging pad is integrated into the center console.

Colors

There is a choice of six colors – Black Perla Nera, Mercury Grey, Elixir Red, Monte Carlo Blue, Polar White and Montana Green – combined with a white or black roof (depending on the color chosen). Citroën produces the C3 Aircross at its plant in Trnava, Slovakia. 

Equipment You

The “base version” You of the C3 Aircross features:

Equipment Max

The “top version” Max of the C3 Aircross features as extras:

Prices Citroën C3 Aircross (2025)

Conclusion review Citroën C3 Aircross

It is too simplistic to say that the C3 Aircross is an Opel Frontera with Citroën badge. The differences are greater. The setup of the suspension and steering is completely different, giving the car different characteristics. This is due not only to the special suspension, but also to the different steering. Furthermore, this Frenchman has a different interior concept. By the way, the doors, roof and hood are identical to the Frontera. But in terms of set-up, they are two different cars, with the C3 Aircross putting even more emphasis on comfort.

































































Interior Citroën C3 Aircross









































Citroën C3 Aircross 2025