The undisguised testing of the Citroen C3 Aircross on Indian roads provides a glimpse of its road presence as the SUV gears up for its upcoming launch in India.

Following its global debut in April 2023, the C3 Aircross has been spotted in its uncamouflaged form, giving us an insight into its design and appearance. With this development, anticipation builds among Indian consumers as they await the official release of the Citroen C3 Aircross in the coming months.

Despite the Citroen C3 Aircross being completely uncovered in the most recent spy photos, a few photos show the SUV substantially disguised. Plastic wheel covers suggest that these disguised vehicles may be either entry-level or mid-spec trims. These SUVs might be different from the top-spec model, as further evidenced by the lack of amenities like a rear wiper and washer, a rear defogger, blacked-out door trims, and the usage of alternative roof rails.

The Citroen C3 Aircross is projected to offer a competitive variety of features across all of its variants when it officially releases for sale, even though test mules are already on the road.

The upcoming C3 Aircross, a fourth Citroen model in India, joins the C5 Aircross, C3 hatchback, and eC3 hatchback models in the portfolio. The C3 Aircross, based on the CMP platform, is similar in appearance to the C3 hatchback in many ways but differs in that it is longer, at 4.3 metres.

Citroen's distinctive design language is on display in the C3 Aircross, which takes aesthetic cues from the C3 hatchback and adds its special touches. The C3 Aircross grille includes the chevron insignia of the manufacturer and has a two-layer design with piano black and chrome inlays. Although the C3 Aircross and C3 hatchback have almost identical headlamp designs and comparable front fascia, the Aircross distinguishes itself with a distinctive bumper and a prominent bar holding the number plate.

The top-spec C3 Aircross has dual four-spoke alloy wheels on the sides and a 2,671mm wheelbase, 61mm longer than the Hyundai Creta's. The C3 Aircross boasts 20mm more clearance than the C3 hatchback, with a 200mm ground clearance. The SUV's roomy tailgate is complemented by tall bumpers and taller, angular taillamps that resemble those on the C3 hatchback. A piano black accent with an indentation for the Citroen emblem connects these taillights.

The C3 Aircross stands out from the competitors by providing two seating options. It offers a 5-seat arrangement as standard, with a three-row version with 5+2 seats as an option. According to Citroen, the 7-seat version would provide 511 litres of cargo capacity when the third row is folded flat, compared to 444 litres for the 5-seat version. While the C3 Aircross's interior is mainly similar to that of the C3 hatchback, it has fresh colours and textures that give it a distinct personality. The 10-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system remains the same.

In the C3 Aircross, Citroen has included an improved digital instrument cluster and automatic wing mirror adjustment. While the second row of AC vents is absent in the 5-seat version, they are present in the 7-seat model. The C3 Aircross does not include a sunroof, wireless charging, ventilated seats, or automated temperature control.

The C3 Aircross features a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with 110 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque, much like the C3 hatchback. Initially, the SUV will only be available with a six-speed manual transmission; however, an automatic gearbox option is also planned. Additionally, it is anticipated that the C3 Aircross would ultimately feature an all-electric powertrain, similar to the C3 hatchback.

The C3 Aircross will compete against well-known models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryrder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and the upcoming Honda Elevate when it goes on sale later this year. The C3 Aircross is anticipated to cost between Rs. 9 lakh and Rs. 13 lakh (ex-showroom).

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