Citroen reveals C3 Aircross 13 | 06 | 2017

CITROEN HAS RELEASED first images of its new C3 Aircross, which will go on-sale at Scottish dealerships in the autumn. Set to go head-to-head with the likes of the Nissan Juke, Citroen has yet to confirm prices, but it’s expected to start around £17,500.

The funky-looking new Citroen — inspired by the C-Aircross concept shown at the Geneva motor show earlier this year — promises to deliver class-leading cabin space.

It’s certainly more svelte than the rather bulbous C3 Picasso it replaces, and being 15mm longer and 75mm taller than the Juke, the Aircross can swallow much more luggage.

With the rear seats in place, the bootspace is 410-litres, rising to 1289-litres when they’re folded down. But where the C3 Aircross really shows its versatility is with its modular cabin design.

This includes a 60:40-split rear bench with seats that can slide forward and back by as much as 150mm. Clever designing means the new Citroen also features a removable luggage shelf and a dual-height boot floor to maximise flexibility.

Upfront, there’s a cleaner, more premium layout than the cluttered version seen in the previous C3. Much of the new look is a result of a new 7in touchscreen infotainment system which removes the need for numerous buttons. The system includes satnav, smartphone integration and can also be accompanied by wireless phone-charging.

When the car enters Scottish showrooms later this year, buyers will have the choice from three petrols and three diesels, all PureTech three-cylinder engines.

While the diesels range from 89bhp to 118bhp, the petrols deliver between 108bhp and 128bhp. And while the C3 Aircross has been primarily set up for urban living, it has Citroën’s Grip Control system, which offers Sand, All-Road, Snow and ESP-off drive modes to boost traction when off road.

Hill Descent, which can control the car down a steep gradient, is also available, as are a number of driver assist aids including blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and a reversing camera. Emergency braking and a driver fatigue sensing system and also feature.

Related: Citroen teases new C5 Aircross

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Jim McGill