C3 Aircross transforms into electric seven-seater

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【Summary】Citroen is set to launch the new C3 Aircross next year, which will be available with either five or seven seats. The SUV will have an off-roader look and will be offered with petrol, hybrid, and full-electric powertrains. It will feature the same design elements as the C3 supermini, including a near-vertical grille and headlight treatment. The C3 Aircross will be based on Citroen's new 'Smart Platform' architecture and will be priced from around £14,500.

FutureCar Staff Oct 18, 2023 9:21 AM PT

C3 Aircross transforms into electric seven-seater

Citroen has recently launched the fourth generation of its C3 supermini, but the company has even bigger plans for its upcoming C3 Aircross. The new C3 Aircross will not only compete with rivals like the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur but also larger seven-seaters like the Dacia Jogger. Citroen aims to provide affordable mobility for all with the new C3 and e-C3, which are faster to make and likely to be priced from £14,500 in base petrol spec.

The C3's new 'Smart Platform' architecture and build techniques will be used for the second-generation C3 Aircross, allowing Citroen to take on value-focused brands like Dacia. The new SUV model will be available with either five or seven seats. Citroen's Director of Product and Strategy, Laurence Hansen, confirmed that the C3 and C3 Aircross will not compete against each other.

The C3's SUV influence has allowed the next C3 Aircross to have a more overt off-roader look. The forthcoming SUV will feature a near-vertical grille and headlight treatment, a taller bonnet line, a chunkier front bumper, and a longer rear overhang to accommodate the extra row of seats. The C3 Aircross will offer petrol, hybrid, and full-electric powertrains, with the possibility of a larger battery pack in the future.

Inside, the C3 Aircross is expected to have the same dashboard layout as the C3, including an ultra-slim instrument display and a 10-inch infotainment system. The Smart Platform, which has its roots in the Indian market, incorporates modifications to comply with European legislation and offers flexibility in terms of overhangs and wheelbase.

Citroen's push for affordability means that safety features are compliant with regulations but may not include all electronic safety aids required for strong star ratings in Euro NCAP tests. Laurence Hansen emphasized that customer opinions on NCAP ratings are not a priority, as the company focuses on ensuring the car's safety.

Overall, Citroen's new C3 Aircross aims to provide a stylish and practical option in the competitive SUV market, offering affordable mobility and a range of powertrain options.