Citroen C3 Aircross is expected to be launched around mid-2023, at a starting price of Rs 9 lakh
As part of its C Cubed program, Citroen recently unveiled its C3 Aircross compact SUV. It has a tough road ahead, as the SUV will take on bestsellers such as Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor.
As of now, Citroen has provided only limited information about the features and specifications of C3 Aircross. Among the things known are dimensional details, which can help get an idea about the SUV’s street presence and interior space. To understand how C3 Aircross sizes up against rivals, here’s a quick comparison of the dimensions.
Citroen C3 Aircross vs rivals – dimensions compared
Citroen C3 Aircross will be approximately 4,300 mm long. At this length, it is at par with Hyundai Creta that also measures 4,300 mm. Kia Seltos is slightly longer at 4,315 mm. Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun are 4,225 mm and 4,221 mm long, respectively. MG Astor is 4,323 mm in length. The longest SUVs in this segment are Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder, measuring 4,345 mm and 4,365 mm, respectively.
In terms of width, Astor is on top with a 1,809 mm wide body. C3 Aircross is 1,796 mm wide, which is wider than Kushaq/Taigun (1,760 mm), Grand Vitara/Hyryder (1,795 mm) and Hyundai Creta (1,790 mm). The second widest SUV in the group is Seltos at 1,800 mm.
Dimensional aspects where C3 Aircross leads are height and wheelbase. The SUV is 1,654 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,671 mm. Second tallest compact SUV is Astor with 1,650 mm of height. Creta and Hyryder are 1,635 mm tall, whereas Seltos and Grand Vitara are third tallest at 1,645 mm. Kushaq and Taigun have the least height in the group at 1,612 mm.
In terms of wheelbase, Kushaq/Taigun are second longest at 2,651 mm. Creta/Seltos have 2,610 mm, Vitara/Hyryder – 2,600 mm and Astor – 2,585 mm of wheelbase. With 200 mm of space between the road, C3 Aircross could be among the SUVs that have highest ground clearance. For reference, even off-roaders Jimny and Thar have close numbers at 210 mm and 226 mm, respectively.
Another area where C3 Aircross leads is boot space. With third row seats folded in 7-seat variant, C3 Aircross has 511 litres of boot space. Even the 5-seat variant has segment leading 444 litres of boot space. C3 Aircross is the only compact SUV to be available in both 5-seat and 7-seat format.
Citroen C3 performance
At the time of launch, C3 Aircross will be offered with a sole 1.2-litre turbo petrol motor. It generates 110 hp of max power and 190 Nm of peak torque. This engine is already in use with C3 hatchback. Initially, C3 Aircross will have only a 6-speed manual transmission. An automatic option could be introduced at a later date.
While powertrain options are clearly limited for C3 Aircross in comparison to rivals, the SUV is expected to get an electric powertrain in the future. Citroen has already utilized a similar approach with C3 getting the electric eC3. Electric option for C3 Aircross will be available with both 5-seat and 7-seat variants.
