Citroen has taken the wraps off the European-spec C3 Aircross, a budget compact crossover for multiple European markets. It is available as a five- or a seven-seater model, just like the C3 Aircross, which is on sale here in India. Naturally, there are many things in common between the two models but at the same time, the European-spec C3 Aircross gets a few standout features. Here are all the major differences between the two models.
Looks
The overall profile and the roofline appear indistinguishable in pictures but when you look into the details you will find substantial changes. Firstly, the Euro-spec model wears Citroen’s new logo on its grille.
The latter is also visibly different and so is the front bumper which has a lot more cuts and creases compared to that of the India-spec model. The headlights and the alloy wheel design have also been reworked. The headlamp design references the new three-point light signature first seen on the Oli EV concept. At the back, there isn’t much to differentiate between the two models except the taillight design and the bumper.
Engine options
The C3 Aircross sold here in India is powered by a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine making 109bhp and 205Nm. It can be had with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic. As for the Euro-spec model, alongside a traditional internal combustion engine, the car will also feature a hybrid as well as an electric powertrain. The hybrid version is equipped with an e-DCT automatic gearbox. The 48V system uses a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine developed specifically for hybrid applications, making 136bhp. It is linked to an electrified dual-clutch automatic gearbox, incorporating a 28bhp electric motor powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery housed under the floor.
Citroen is offering an electric version for the five-seater C3 Aircross which will feature a 44kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery. The brand is claiming a range of 300km on a full charge and a top speed of 145kmph. A version equipped with a different battery will be offered in 2025, extending the range to over 400km.
Features
One of the biggest drawbacks of the India-spec C3 Aircross is the limited number of features that it gets, even in the most expensive variant. That’s certainly not the case with the Euro-spec model which gets a more modern-looking cabin and a much longer list of features.
The latter includes ADAS, wireless charging, a heads-up display, automatic climate control, a nicer-looking although narrower digital driver’s display, and of course, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The ADAS suite includes automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, speed sign recognition, high beam assist, and blind spot detection.
