The Citroën C3 Aircross is a nameplate designated to several vehicles produced under the Citroën marque, by the French automaker PSA Group, and later Stellantis.
The first vehicle using the nameplate was the Brazilian version of the C3 Picasso MPV, decorated to mimic an SUV exterior design, which was produced between 2010 and 2020. It was renamed to the Citroën Aircross in 2016.
In 2017, the second vehicle using this nameplate was released in Europe, It is an urban SUV that replaced the C3 Picasso. In 2023, the nameplate was also used for a larger SUV for emerging markets such as India and South America with optional third row seating.
C3 Picasso-based model (AI58; 2010)
The Citroën C3 AirCross for Latin America is a mini SUV close with the global Citroën C3 Picasso. It was first announced by Citroën's Brazilian division in August 2010. The C3 AirCross is manufactured in Porto Real, Brazil, and was launched in the country in September 2010.[2] It was exported to selected markets such as Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia and Costa Rica.
Compared with the global C3 Picasso, the restyled C3 AirCross has raised suspension, chrome roof bars, mirror covers, side skirts and a rear spare tyre.[3][4] The C3 AirCross is based on the Brazilian first generation Citroën C3, when the global C3 Picasso is based on the global Peugeot 207 SW.[5] The C3 Aircross is capable of running on E85 Bioethanol.[6]
Ivan Segal, the managing director of Citroën of Brazil predicted sales of 30,000 Aircross models in a full year at launch,[2] but lowered this expectation in 2011 to 2,000 Aircross models per month. Segal wanted to achieve this by targeting "young and adventurous" buyers.[7] In May 2011, a non-crossover model derived from the C3 Aircross was launched. Although called C3 Picasso, it was closer to the C3 AirCross (same platform, same grill, same interior, no tailgate) than to the global C3 Picasso.[8]
Late 2014, Citroën C3 AirCross Lunar showcar was revealed at São Paulo International Motor Show.[9]
Design and features
The Aircross features an upholstered fabric interior, with corduroy or leather options.[10] The engine supports are designed to collapse downwards slightly in a front end impact to prevent the engine from invading the cabin and injuring passengers. The C3 AirCross SX and Exclusive models have ABS, one of the few vehicles on sale in the Brazilian market with this feature.[11]
The C3 AirCross was designed with an obligation for green materials to be used where viable. 20 kg of the vehicle's polymers, include the parcel shelf, boot carpet, and partial use in the doors, are from natural fibres to meet this target.[12]
Engines
In Brazil, the Aircross is available with a four speed automatic or five speed manual gearbox.[13]
First generation (A88; 2017)
The Citroën C3 Aircross for Europe is a subcompact crossover SUV from Citroën. Presented on 12 June 2017 in Paris, it has been marketed from October of the same year. The C3 Aircross was announced by the C-Aircross concept car, presented at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
It shares its platform and many elements with its cousin the Opel Crossland X that replaces the Meriva, following the partnership between Groupe PSA and General Motors, which was first announced in 2012. Its style, directed by Pierre Authier, is in harmony with that of the new Citroën range: front double decker, "3D" lights. The C3 Aircross also offers numerous possibilities for customisation.
Citroën C4 Aircross
In China, a long wheel base version is launched in 2018. It is known as the C4 Aircross (full name: Dongfeng Citroën Yunyi C4 Aircross). Its wheelbase at 2,655 mm is 11.5 centimetres longer which results into a length of 4,270 mm.[23] The Citroën C4 Aircross was prematurely discontinued in 2020 due to poor sales.
Second generation (CC24)
Europe (2024)
The second-generation C3 Aircross for the European market was unveiled on 18 April 2024,[45] with full specifications revealed including interior photos on 19 June.[46] It is built on the Smart Car Platform underpinning the Opel Frontera and it will be available with petrol mild hybrid and battery electric powertrains. For the first time in its segment, it is offered with a 7-seater option and the first B-SUV to be marketed in Europe at a price less than €20,000 for the ICE version.[47]
Compared to the Indian market C3 Aircross, the European version C3 Aircross uses a different front fascia with all-LED lighting, it features Citroën's latest logos, different alloy wheel designs, different designs for the headlights and taillights, and a different front and rear bumpers. It features design elements previewed by the Oli Concept in September 2022.[48]
Sales
Brazilian C3 Picasso-based model
Global standalone model
India and Latin America model
External links
References
- (Portuguese) Latin American vehicle market info, Tudo de Carros, retrieved 29 January 2013^
- Fernando Calmon. C3 Aircross goes on sale Just-auto.com, 26 July 2010, retrieved 15 November 2012^
- Fernando Calmon. C3 Picasso Aircross description