Citroen C3 Aircross variants
Total price
Monthly payment
Figures are based on a 20% deposit

Finance representative example (PCP)

Total cash price £13,799. Borrowing £11,039 with a £2,760 deposit at a representative APR of 12.9%.

49 monthly payments
£196.42
Fixed interest rate
12.9%
Total amount payable
£18,108.28
Cost of credit
£4,309.28
Optional final payment
£5,920.00
Annual mileage limit
6000 miles

Citroen C3 Aircross buying guide

There are a handful of different spec and engine choices for the C3 Aircross. This guide will talk you through each so you can choose the best one for you.

What Citroen C3 Aircross trim levels are there?

There are five trims nearly new buyers are likely to come across in the C3 Aircross lineup. However, this breaks down as two common trims for the pre-facelift model, and three for the post-facelift model. Keep reading to understand the differences.

The pre-facelift C3 Aircross range starts with the Feel model. This version gets alloy wheels, cloth seats, air conditioning, cruise control, lane-departure warning, and an infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

For pre-facelift buyers, they have the option to step up to Flair trim. This brings larger alloy wheels, exterior styling details in contrast colours, built-in sat nav, climate control, rear parking sensors, keyless go, sliding rear seats and automatic emergency braking.

The post-facelift C3 Aircross range opens with the C Series model, which gets similar equipment levels as Feel trim. This version gets LED headlights, alloy wheels and gains rear parking sensors as standard. The refreshed infotainment system retains DAB radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Shine trim is available on post-facelift C3 Aircross models and is similarly outfitted as Flair trim. Shine gains front parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, and sat nav for the infotainment system, which also gains a larger touchscreen. You also have the option of Shine Plus trim, which adds even larger alloy wheels, white exterior detailing, part-faux-leather upholstery, front parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Citroen C3 Aircross interior and technology

The C3 Aircross’s cabin is stylish and quirky. A common styling theme throughout the interior is rounded-square shapes, which are found on the steering wheel, air vents, door handles and buttons. Drivers will appreciate the wide, armchair-like front seats, which make for a comfortable place to sit on longer drives.

Citroen’s infotainment system includes all the functions you’d expect and, handily, includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto throughout the range. It’s not the most responsive system, however, nor is it the best laid out, so it might take a little longer to get used to than its alternatives. Also disappointing is Citroen’s decision to remove physical climate controls and place them all in the screen, which makes them harder to adjust on the fly.

Despite the technical shortcomings, the Citroen’s cabin is practical and spacious, with a few handy cubbies to store odds and ends. Passenger space is decent for four occupants or less, with five able to squeeze in for short hops. Boot space is also more than enough for most family buyers, able to accommodate two large suitcases with ease.

Citroen C3 Aircross engine range explained

Citroen C3 Aircross 1.2 PureTech

This is the entry-level engine offered on C3 Aircross models and was only available on pre-facelift versions. It’s a 1.2-litre non-turbo three-cylinder petrol engine that makes 82hp. If you mainly drive around town and the suburbs, this will probably be enough but it’ll feel somewhat strained if you need to do more motorway miles. However, average economy of up to 55mpg won’t hurt your bank balance.

Citroen C3 Aircross 1.2 PureTech 110

This is the same 1.2-litre engine as offered on entry-level C3 Aircross cars, but it gains a turbocharger for a welcome boost in performance. Power jumps to 110hp, dropping the 0-62mph time from 14 seconds to 10 seconds, and helping the PureTech 110 feel much more relaxed on the motorway.

Citroen C3 Aircross 1.2 PureTech 130

At the top of the petrol engine lineup is the PureTech 130. This is the same 1.2-litre turbo engine but turned up to 130hp. This brings the 0-62mph time down to around nine seconds. This engine is only available with an automatic gearbox and is the only model in the lineup to get the option.

Citroen C3 Aircross 1.5 BlueHDi

There’s one sole diesel engine option in the C3 Aircross lineup. This is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel making around 100hp. Average economy can rise as high as 71mpg if you have a light right foot. This is a good option for high-mileage drivers or those that plan to occasionally tow a small trailer with their C3.

Citroen C3 Aircross FAQs

There’s only one version of the C3 Aircross and it’s a five-door hatchback SUV. It originally went on sale in late 2017.

Buyers looking at nearly new C3 Aircross models are likely to come across pre and post-facelift versions. The facelift arrived in late 2021, with most versions wearing 22 plates or newer, and brought a handful of small styling updates and a refresh for the infotainment system. There’s very little to tell pre and post-facelift models apart, but the most obvious change is at the front where the newer model gets rectangular lower headlights in place of the pre-facelift’s more square units.

The C3 Aircross is slightly less than 4.2 metres long. That makes it just a shade shorter than alternatives including the Vauxhall Crossland (4.2 metres), Peugeot 2008 (4.3 metres) and Ford Puma (4.2 metres), but fractionally longer than the Renault Captur (4.1 metres).

Citroen has made the most of the C3 Aircross’s dimensions, with a noticeable jump in passenger space compared to the C3 hatchback. This is obvious in the back where there’s enough elbow and knee room for two adults to get comfortable for longer journeys, although using all five seats will make things a bit more of a squeeze. Boot space is decent and can be expanded further by sliding the rear seats forward.

There are four engine options offered across the C3 Aircross lineup, with three of those offered on both pre and post-facelift models. The entry-level petrol engine lacks a turbocharger so feels a bit sluggish at motorway speeds. If you plan to drive your C3 Aircross on longer trips, we'd recommend one of the more powerful petrol or diesel engines.

If you're more bothered about style and a flexible interior layout than on-the-edge driving fun, you'll find a lot to like in the Citroen C3 Aircross. It's comfortable, relaxed and economical, so ticks a lot of boxes as an easy-to-drive daily car.

The C3 Aircross has a reasonable reputation for reliability – it's by far the least dependable car on the road, but not totally bulletproof either. Most C3 Aircross cars should be problem-free, and issues are most likely to be annoying electrical glitches rather than major powertrain faults. For any concerns, consider purchasing an extended warranty with your next car.

No, all Citroen C3 Aircross cars front-wheel drive, although Citroen's 'Grip Control' traction control system was an optional extra. This gives extra grip on slippery surfaces. Not all cars come with this option, so you'll need to look for an extra dial on the centre console with five driving modes if this is a priority for you.