Citroen C3 Aircross road test, review

Powering the C3 Aircross is a sole, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that also does duty in the smaller C3. Power output is 110hp and 190Nm with the 6-speed manual, and 210Nm with the 6-speed torque converter.

This engine, dubbed ‘Puretech’, remains one of the nicest small capacity turbo-petrol engines on the market, impressing with its smoothness and strong performance. There is that typical three-cylinder rocking and vibration at start-up, but the engine settles into a silent idle soon after. It’s quick to respond off the line and the strong midrange makes overtaking effortless. It’s also keen to respond to part-throttle inputs and pulls cleanly till it’s over the 6,000rpm redline. It’s only when you press your right foot down real hard that you encounter turbo lag and hear some of the thrummy engine noise. So while it doesn’t have the capacity or output as some of its more expensive rivals, you’ll never be left wanting for more in terms of performance. 

The 6-speed manual gets shorter ratios than the C3 to compensate for the approximately 240kg that’s extra on the Aircross. In terms of rolling acceleration times, from 20-80kph in third gear and 40-100kph in fourth gear, the MT takes 10.61sec (0.37sec slower than C3) and 14.54sec (0.17sec faster), respectively. As for flat-out acceleration, the Aircross manual is expectedly slower than the C3, completing the run in 12.80sec, 2.08sec slower.

The manual gearbox is precise and has short throws, which makes it enjoyable to drive. However, the clutch pedal has a springy action and you’ll need some time to get used to it. The ratios are also cleverly stacked, meaning you are always in the meat of the powerband after upshifting.

Coming to the automatic, the gearbox is an Aisin-sourced unit that also does duty in some of its rivals. This 6-speed unit stands out for its smoothness and off-the-line response, but quick shifts are not its forte. Part-throttle responses are good, but there is a moment of hesitation before it kicks down and moves you forward. You also get manual control for the gears via the lever but you’ll rarely be tempted to use this as the gearbox is good at keeping the engine in the meat of the powerband. Considering the auto also gets more torque, it doesn’t come as a surprise that it’s quicker than the manual in flat-out and roll-on acceleration, with a kickdown, of course. The Aircross AT takes 11.87sec for the 0-100kph sprint, while 20-80kph and 40-100kph in kickdown take 6.72sec and 8.68sec, respectively. 

While the turbo-petrol is more than capable in this SUV, its appeal is limited as rivals in this segment also offer diesel and strong-hybrid powertrain options.