5 Key Differences That You’ll Notice Between The Citroen C3 And C3 Aircross

The C3 Aircross stands apart from its hatchback counterpart for reasons beyond just the size difference

The compact SUV segment in India is set to get another contender soon in the form of the Citroen C3 Aircross. Being a stretched-out version of the C3 hatchback, it certainly has many similarities with the latter. That said, Citroen has ensured both stand apart in their own ways by giving the C3 Aircross some differences. Let’s see what are they:

A Revised Styling

Until now, Citroen had two cars in India – the C3 and C5 Aircross – at two very different ends of the price spectrum. The C3 Aircross, which will sit in the middle of the two in its lineup, seems to have borrowed design cues from both the models. While it does have the C3-like split LED DRL setup, the SUV has been given a bigger and wider grille. Its lower half of the front bumper is reminiscent of the C5 Aircross’s. 

From from the sides, you can notice the major size difference between the hatchback and SUV, thanks to the latter’s longer wheelbase. At the back, the C3 Aircross gets similarly designed C-shape taillights as seen on the C3 but they now sport a connected element. The C3 Aircross also comes with dual-tone roof options. It’s wider too with a wider track better suited for the SUV.

Related: Citroen C3 Aircross vs Compact SUV Rivals: Which Is The Biggest Of The Lot?

Interior And Features

While the C3 hatchback gets a black cabin theme with an orange insert in the dashboard, Citroen is offering the C3 Aircross with a more mature black and beige interior with a brown trim on the dashboard.

While its features list is almost identical to that of the C3 hatchback, the C3 Aircross does get a 7-inch fully digital driver’s display and roof-mounted rear AC vents. Shared features include a 10.2-inch touchscreen, manual AC, dual airbags and a reversing camera.

Also See: Check Out The Citroen C3 Aircross SUV In 12 Pics

Extra Row Of Seats

The C3 Aircross’s major difference over the C3 is the option of a seven-seater layout, having the third row of seats. Like the Renault Triber, the Citroen SUV’s third row seats are removable to open up a boot capacity of over 500 litres. The carmaker will also be offering the SUV in a 5-seater version with some feature differences.

Longer Footprint

With the option of three rows of seats, the C3 Aircross is significantly longer than the C3 hatchback. The SUV is longer overall by more than 300mm while its wheelbase is longer by 100mm compared to that of the C3.

One (Change) In Powertrain

Citroen offers the C3 hatchback with two petrol engines: 1.2-litre naturally aspirated unit (82PS/115Nm) and a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine (110PS/190Nm). While the former gets a 5-speed MT, the latter comes with a 6-speed MT.

The SUV, on the other hand, will get just the turbo-petrol unit from the C3 with the same manual gearbox. Like the hatchback, the C3 Aircross is expected to get an automatic transmission option later as well.

The C3 Aircross SUV is set to enter the market around June or August with an expected starting price of Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom).

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