6/02/2025 When it comes to practical, affordable family motoring the new Citroën C3 Aircross should be on any practical car buyer’s shopping list. Available initially in Ireland in electric or petrol hybrid form the C3 Aircross is some 380mm longer than the standard C3 supermini. At just shy of 4.4 metres long, C3 Aircross is slightly shorter than a Nissan Qashqai. The great news is that new C3 Aircross is available with five or seven-seats for the first time. This end of the affordable MPV market only has one other rival of note, the Dacia Jogger.
As a five-seater the boot is huge but the new option of a 5+2-seater is even better news for families. While adults can squeeze into the third row chairs (the backs fold then the base tumbles forward with the pull of a couple of straps) the rear two seats are best used for kids. That said the rear seats are very close to the tailgate and this would encourage only occasional use.
The relatively compact 1.5 tonne Citroën has a chunky, sturdy and substantial-looking exterior. Up close it is quite tall – with good headroom inside the cabin that parents of kids in child seats will like as they don’t have to stoop too much when accessing the back seats. The car’s size nods to it being a perfect companion for Ireland’s narrow urban streets and ever-shrinking car parking spots.
Inside the cabin is a lesson in function and form combining on a budget. The cabin is airy and the boot is vast at 460 litres (5-seat) expandable to 1,600 litres with seats folded. When all seven seats are in place the boot is next to non-existent. The Citroën C3 Aircross has a well-positioned driver display that is near the base of the windscreen and all versions will get a centre touchscreen display too.
Three trim grades are available, and our test cars were all the top grade. A host of ADAS is available and the usual amount is standard. (Thankfully some EU-mandated annoying bings can be turned off via a press of a button).
On the road, the Aircross is ‘comfortable’ (It’s the law, you have to say that about any Citroën!). The ride is helped by Citroën’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ seats and suspension. The tyres have a tall sidewall that also adds some suspension travel to the car. Hybrid and electric BEV power in the ë-C3 are the two powertrain options for Ireland for now. The electric BEV version is the one to have – if an electric car fits in your life. It is very quiet in the cabin and with a single forward gear driven by a smooth motor to the front wheels the car is as relaxing to use as any family bus out there. The drive train is one parents, in particular, will appreciate more as the driving experience is smooth and uneventful, and it makes travelling with a full car effortless.
We tested both powertrains at the car’s European launch. The hybrid version pushes out 136hp and will be a popular choice as you will never have range anxiety – bar needing to find a petrol station. The downside is only really noticeable when you use the car having been in the BEV. You will be aware of the engine and the noise the three-cylinder unit generates, but the upside is longer journeys will never be feared. Technically the hybrid has ‘A Miller-cycle engine combined with an e-CDT electrified dual-clutch automatic transmission, incorporating a 28hp electric motor powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery housed under the floor’. Both powered versions drive and steer in a similar way, and stop with confidence. A 100hp PureTech petrol-only powered version is also being produced.
The BEV (ë-C3) will come with a choice of battery size: 44kWh that pushes out 113hp and a 54kWh – a battery pack we know well from the Stellantis stable of BEVs. Maximum driving range is 300km (44kWhp) or 400km in the larger battery (due later this year). AC/home charging is done at up to 7kW speed. 100kW fast charging is possible.
Overall the Citroën C3 Aircross reminds drivers how nice it is to be behind the wheel of a relatively narrow, urban-friendly car. Ireland’s streets hold no fear for the C3 Aircross. Ireland pricing is being finalised but Citroën Ireland says: ‘we do expect BEV to be the price leader coming in at sub €30,000’. Michael Sheridan
