QUIRKY designs, baguettes, snails, the Eifel Tower, it’s all France. And so is Citroën and its C3 hatch and Aircross, the hatch and small SUV combo from the automotive maker famend for pushing the envelope of innovation.
We’re not making that up both. In 1934, Citroën established its fame for modern expertise with the Traction Avant, the world’s first automotive to be mass-produced with entrance wheel drive, 4 wheel unbiased suspension and unibody building.
It was revolutionary stuff, as was its introduction of the hydro-pneumatic self-levelling suspension system, fashionable disc brakes and even swivelling headlights that allowed for higher visibility on winding roads.
So it’s secure to say that Citroën is aware of what they’re doing, and has set the development on a number of fronts. Quick ahead to 2020, to the place Citroën has landed their newest variations of the C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross.
Whereas they’ve been round for some time, the C3 hatch has all the time had a troublesome life, made tougher by rivals that had been much better in most respects. This newest C3 goals to redress that with a brand new design, a punchier engine and new expertise in addition.
It’s nonetheless a little bit overshadowed by its greater steroid taking twin, the adventurous compact C3 Aircross SUV however, that mentioned, the newest hatch is imbued with way more persona than its predecessor, and suits in way more comfortably.
Each fashions are dubbed as very trendy (a troublesome name) by the French automotive maker, however nonetheless are characterised by a stylish and optimistic design, animated by colored inserts and graphic components like Airbump panels.
Whether or not you’re a fan of the design or not, you can’t deny that the C3 hatch and Aircross stand out in a crowd. It actually gained’t mix in to a parking lot stuffed with Hyundai or Toyota choices.
A floating roof design is among the fashionable trump playing cards of the C3 vary. Obtainable in three colors, it’s supported by black windscreen pillars, highlighting the dynamic define of the C3.
Underneath the pores and skin lays an environment friendly and economical PureTech 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, producing 81kW of energy and 205Nm of torque, with claimed gas consumption of 6.6-litres/100km (we noticed about 8.2 however did push each variants exhausting).
The ability plant is mated to a brand new EAT6 6-speed computerized gearbox, and it’s a mixture that’s excellent for suburban cruising. The hatch variant of the C3 additionally will get cease/begin gas saving performance (it’s sluggish to restart too, which is painful).
Each fashions really feel planted on the street although, and take corners properly, for probably the most half. The Aircross is excellent at this cornering caper, the hatch, not a lot. It feels prefer it’s sitting on jelly, nearly to the purpose of creating you’re feeling a little bit ick.
It’s value noting {that a} new C3 hatch is on its approach in mid-February 2021. It’s additionally value figuring out that due to its voluptuous design, each fashions get pushed round a bit within the wind.
The duo options the newest security tech although, simply in case, together with autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and keyless entry and begin. Lane departure warning can be readily available, albeit in an excessively protecting approach.
It’s tied to the 7.0-inch capacitive touchscreen infotainment system as properly, simply in case you want further reminders. You’ll additionally discover satellite tv for pc navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink as normal and the system does job of being useful.
The Aircross provides metropolis park self parking expertise, tyre strain monitoring, a color head-up show, sensible keyless entry, computerized rain-sensing wipers, computerized headlight illumination and a wi-fi telephone charging pad.
To not be neglected, the C3 hatch are the brand new 16-inch diamond minimize wheels, keyless entry and begin, velocity signal recognition and a relaxation break alert, reversing digital camera and rear parking sensors.
The reversing cameras in each fashions are horrible. The image high quality is grainy irrespective of the circumstances, making them a little bit pointless. Inside, comfy, exhausting sporting material seats, and there’s loads of plastic, however the design decisions work, and it’s properly laid out.
There’s loads of room too, with adults in a position to sit within the again seat in consolation, with loads of leg and head room. It’s sensible and versatile, with a boot dimension of 410-litres, rising to 1289-litres with the rear seats folded down.
Total, the Citroën C3 vary is value contemplating should you’re searching for a small, person pleasant SUV, or a cool hatch, with the previous being the higher selection in our eyes. Each include a 5-year limitless kilometre guarantee and 5-year roadside help.
The Citroën C3 hatch begins from $32,723 (drive away), whereas the Citroën C3 Aircross begins from $38,893 (drive away). They’re accessible in Polar White, Ardour Pink, Respiratory Blue, Ink Black and Almond Inexperienced.
Our take a look at automobiles had been supplied by Citroen Australia. To search out out extra concerning the 2020 Citroën C3 hatch or C3 Aircross, contact your native Citroën seller.
