TOUGH OUTSIDE AND CARING INSIDE: CITROËN REVEALS ALL-NEW C3 AIRCROSS SUV, INTELLIGENTLY CRAFTED FOR CUSTOMERS IN INDIA
New Delhi, April 27,2023 - Citroën today reveals the next phase of its international ramp-up with the All-New C3 Aircross, a pure Midsize-SUV with 4.3m overall length exclusively designed to meet the specific needs of customers in India.
New C3 Aircross is the second in a family of three new models specifically aimed at international growth markets under Citroën’s “C-Cubed” commitment, announced in 2019, and being marketed between 2022 and 2024. This all-new Citroën Midsize-SUV, which will be produced locally at the Thiruvallur plant in Tamil Nadu, will build on last year’s successful debut of the sub 4m New C3 hatchback & this year’s launch of the eC3 All Electric hatchback in India.
Citroën CEO Thierry Koskas says: “We are very excited to reveal the All-New C3 Aircross to complement Citroën’s growing line-up in India. Like our New C3 hatchback with strong SUV styling codes, it was specially created with and for the discerning local consumers who want a pure Midsize-SUV for their family that is feature rich and comes at an affordable price. Our All-New C3 Aircross is a unique combination of strong, muscular design, connected technology and outstanding versatility with space for up to 7 people. Because it is a Citroën, it delivers much more than that – it’s desirable because of our individual take on SUV design and customisation it’s capable and comfortable because of our unrivalled all-round approach to occupant well-being, and it will be a trusted member of every family thanks to our unprecedented commitment to delivering the best automotive ownership experience anywhere.”
For growing families and drivers looking for value, powerful presence and smooth, agile on-road performance, the All-New C3 Aircross combines versatility of Citroën’s distinctive flair and unique approach to SUV design, resulting in a vehicle that is tough on the outside and caring on the inside.
Both 5-seat and 5+2 seat versions will be available, setting new benchmarks for customers wanting an affordable, desirable Midsize-SUV that is perfectly suited to local driving conditions and delivers space, versatility and 360-degree comfort. It also offers smartphone-friendly interior features multiple connectivity functions with the latest 10-inch touchscreen and 7-inch TFT cluster technologies, USB ports for device charging and neat storage solutions.
Thanks to an extensive menu of option packs, accessories and colour choices, customers will be able to customize their All-New C3 Aircross further to make it stand out as their unique personal expression of style. A unique digital customer journey is also promised with an unprecedented array of Citroën ATAWADAC (AnyTimeAnyWhereAnyDeviceAnyContent) experience and services focused on providing peace-of-mind for owners through a seamless high-definition 3D Car Configurator, Online Buying that allows consumers to configure and order a car that is delivered from factory to their doorstep including finance, trade-in, optional extended warranty and AMC purchase.
LOCALLY TAILORED FOR CUSTOMERS AND DRIVING CONDITIONS
All-New C3 Aircross was conceived with Citroën India team working in lockstep with designers and product development engineers, as well as local suppliers and, most importantly, local consumers.
“All-New C3 Aircross, a unique and bold 4.3m Midsize SUV is the result of Citroën listening directly to specific groups of potential customers to fully understand what they want in their family Midsize-SUV. It was a crucial part of the development process because buying a car in India is such a substantial investment as well as a real family affair. So collective is the decision that before a vehicle can join the household, it must clearly meet every member’s needs. That is why we have taken extra effort to ensure All-New C3 Aircross combines all the attributes people expect in this segment: affordability, attractive, bold, and muscular SUV design, along with unique features and experiences to make life on board and behind the wheel as comfortable and rewarding as possible,” says Laurence Hansen, Citroën Product and Strategy Director.
This SUV is tailored to encompass highly demanding driving conditions, as Indian customers said they need the vehicle underbody and approach angles to be designed to take on tough driving conditions and steep slopes. Hence, the All-New C3 Aircross has a 200mm ground clearance which is among the best in the Midsize SUV category.
Vehicle Agility was high on the list of desired features, so the All-New C3 Aircross has been engineered to be sure-footed and responsive, to amplify driving comfort over any road surface, regardless of weather conditions., Its long wheelbase provides excellent ground stability.
For optimal control, specially tuned steering and turning circle – one of the best in the segment - are particularly useful and make the vehicle agile at low speeds and in heavy urban traffic where drivers may be required to make frequent lane changes or sudden maneuvers to anticipate local traffic flows.This also helps with safer and more responsive cornering on twisty roads.
Suspension settings are also tuned to minimise body roll for more robust road holding and help smooth out roughness and ruts. Hill Start Assist, is standard and helps prevent unwanted movement when the brake pedal is released on slopes, further heightening driver confidence.
Moreover, would-be owners specifically asked for maximum comfort for everyone on board. As a result, ALL- New C3 Aircross occupants enjoy a ‘command’ driving and seating position, while the plunging bonnet, windscreen angle, and the side windows offer outstanding visibility. The carefully considered torsional rigidity of the vehicle’s body will ensure minimal vibration through the structure and provide maximum comfort to the occupants.
UNIQUE CITROËN PRESENCE WITH MUSCULAR SUV DESIGN
All-New C3 Aircross is unmistakably Citroën in its DNA, with a unique yet consistent design language standing apart from other offerings in the India market.
While its face is instantly recognizable with its ‘Y’-form language lighting signature and traditional chevrons located at the centre of the grille. The famous Citroën logo stands proudly alone, separated from the two horizontal chrome bars extending towards the daytime running lamps on either side of the car. This is a key element of the Citroën’s evolving new brand identity.
One of Citroën’s hallmark design DNA elements - the contrast between the horizontal side windows and a strong, vertical C-pillar – is immediately noticeable. The distinctive rear taillight design is formed of three geometric forms and was first seen on the 2022 Citroën Oli concept vehicle.
Other Citroën DNA details echo the designs of the New C3 and the flagship C5 Aircross, notably the generous modeling around the bodywork to ensure an assertive and robust attitude like the distinctive, sculpted strokes on the bonnet, and the front and rear flanks which emphasise the vehicle’s width and volume. The interior ambience is also typically Citroën, for example with the use of two-tone seats.
“All-New C3 Aircross is a full and pure SUV with all of the assertive Citroën DNA and bold SUV design cues that make it stand out from the crowd – which is exactly what families in these markets have told us they want,” says Pierre Leclercq, Citroën Head of Design.
In addition to its Citroën DNA, All-New C3 Aircross with its strong stance is a visually impactful Midsize-SUV from every angle and conveys enjoyment and adventure through tough design features that exude status, aspiration and confidence and provides high levels of on-road stability and on-board space.
The front end is particularly bold & muscular with its generous volume, ‘terraced’ vertical lamps and high, fast bonnet which flows smoothly through the windscreen, with its matte black A-pillars, and long roof panel. The vertical lower bumper features an imposing double grille supporting cooling and adding strength and presence. An eye-catching protective skid plate with a bright insert, flows across and up towards the foglamps, like winglets on an airliner.
Its wide 1550mm front track, high bonnet, and high ground clearance of 200mm are complemented by short front and rear overhangs which facilitate easy approaches to kerbs or ramps. Large wheels and tyres (215/60 R17) are pushed out to the corners and housed in prominent arches with squared lips. The powerful arches visually raise the vehicle as well as ensuring surefooted performance over all kinds of road surfaces.
Protective elements like wheel-arch claddings, side sill claddings and front and rear skid-plates further signal its SUV credentials, as do roof rails and a rear spoiler which enhances aerodynamic performance and brings added styling elegance to the silhouette.
While the wide C-pillar adds verticality and strength to the body, neat rear quarter windows add to the feeling of light and space for passengers inside. Seen from above, subtle roof ridges add torsional rigidity and reduce NVH, while subtle aerodynamic ‘bumps’ house the tailgate hinges to maximise third-row headroom. Below the tailgate glass, a distinctive horizontal recessed area with vertical sides flows down into the tough rear bumper with its central license plate area and tough protective skid plate below.
A CARING, COMFORTABLE AND VERSATILE SPACE
The welcoming interior of All-New C3 Aircross prioritises roominess and exceptional versatility for every family or individual need, from the daily commute or school run in the city, to a weekend adventure in the wild.
An exclusive feeling of comfort is provided on board, so every occupant experiences an enhanced sense of well-being and enjoyment daily, regardless of where they sit. At first sight, the horizontal dashboard strengthens the impression of space and width in the passenger compartment, while the feeling of well-being is further reinforced by innovative approaches to fully adjustable seating with comfortable high-density foam embodying the Citroen Advanced Comfort®, intelligent packaging with plenty of stowage space, and technologies that are more than purely functional. The elevated ride height and large window areas provide brightness and all-round visibility, while locally tailored materials and colours will appeal to families and make the cabin ambience pleasing.
The 4.3m length, 1654mm height, 1796mm width and long wheelbase ensures comfort and generous space for everyone. Rear seat headroom is class-leading at 1000mm and second row elbow room is also excellent at 1430mm. The 5-passenger version offers an outstanding 896mm of knee room for second row passengers, which is best-in-class in the category in India.
Larger families needing more seats will appreciate the added comfort and modularity of the 5+2-seat version. The long rear doors make it easy to get in and out. The second row is mounted slightly further forward than the 5-seat version while still providing generous knee room, and its bench seat splits 70-30 with the smaller section on the kerb side folding and tipping easily to allow stress-free access to the third row.
The third row with its two individual seats offers ample knee, elbow and headroom, and is ideal for children. The seats can be folded down individually or removed completely, so families can be flexible and prepared when it comes to juggling between luggage and/or passengers. They weigh only 8.5kg each, so lifting them out for storage is effortless, quick and easy.
The outstanding modularity of the 5+2-seat version allows flexible solutions upto 511-litres of trunk volume when the two third-row seats are removed, while up to 347-litres is available when both seats are folded down in situ, 279-litres if one seat is removed, 187-litres if one seat is folded down in situ. Significantly, the New C3 Aircross 5-seat version offers a benchmark cargo volume of up to 444-litres.
Smart storage is plentiful. As well as a 1-litre glovebox and centre console area, 2-litre front door pockets hold a 1-litre bottle, and there are 1-litre pockets on the rear doors. Cupholders are provided front and rear, including in the curved armrests provided for third-row passengers in the 5+2-seat model. Useful slots for smartphone storage are provided across the instrument panel, and a neat ‘pencil tray’ sits between IP sections for keeping small objects in easy reach.
Importantly, as efficient air conditioning is essential to occupant comfort in Indian market, a larger compressor is fitted, and in the 5+2-seat version an adjustable roof-mounted blower is positioned behind the front seats to provide air to second- and third-row passengers. The air conditioning in truly tropicalized with this robust package.
A key area of focus was the internal ambience & working in tandem with local consumers was the feel and colours of materials, particularly the seats, instrument panel and side panels. On the dashboard, the horizontal upper section features a new high-quality anodized finish incorporating a chevron textured pattern that is warm to touch and pleasing to the eye. Depending on series and market, this is finished in a variety of elegant shades, and a new two-tone scheme will be offered in India.
Quality details finish in complementary hues and materials, specific to the Indian market, add visual interest, for example on the inserts on the door armrests and the IP pencil tray. Higher series models provide gloss black finish to bezels and satin chrome touches on handles and switches. Coloured stitching on the seats boosts the high-quality feel of the cabin and complements the signature Citroën Advanced Comfort® seat design.
TECHNOLOGY AND SEAMLESS CONNECTIVITY
Smartphones and connected devices are essential in today’s fast-moving world. All-New C3 Aircross is smartphone friendly, and the latest technology ensures families can stay seamlessly connected, entertained and powered up.
Up front, there’s an easy-to-use 10-inch (26cm) touchscreen on high series models. This is the largest in any Midsize-SUV and the heart of the infotainment system. Bluetooth® for phone calls, enables Mirror Screen technology to duplicate functions of a wirelessly connected smartphone, through Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™ for accessing multimedia content and apps. When using a wired connection via the USB data socket, the phone will be recharged.
The driver also gets a new 7-inch (17.8 cm), colour TFT cluster screen with up to 6 modes for displaying vehicle information, as well as options to monitor trip computer, fuel consumption and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System to aid eco driving. Settings and colour schemes can be configured to driver preferences using toggle controls on the tilt-adjustable steering wheel.
On the move, everyone can enjoy playing games, listening to their favourite tunes or catching up with social media thanks to up to five convenient and quick-charging USB sockets (5+2-seat version) - one in the front centre stack (also data), and two in each of the second and third rows.
Annoying phone cables around the dashboard are now a thing of the past. Citroën’s smart solution is neat ‘ears’ on the sides of the climate control bezel behind which wires can be routed, and a similar route is concealed under the upper instrument panel above the pencil tray.
MAKE NEW C3 AIRCROSS YOUR OWN
Customers can transform their All-New C3 Aircross into something more expressive and individual by adding from a wide choice of themed customization packs and accessories, tailor-made to market demands to add character, presence and value.
As well as a choice of specially developed, high-quality single tone solid and metallic paint tones, Citroën’s signature contrasting roof colours create an eye-catching dual tone effect for owners who want to add extra distinctiveness to their vehicle.
STRESS-FREE OWNERSHIP
Citroën is committed to making the lives of its customers better by offering an unrivalled made-for-market and stress-free ownership experience which provides innovative solutions encompassing all stages of the customer journey for easy buying, use and maintenance.
In INDIA, customers benefit from a growing network of physical “La Maison Citroën” showrooms combining the in-person encounter with a digital adventure. 60 showrooms will be operational in 55 cities when All-New C3 Aircross goes on sale, and fast expanding to over 100 by 2024. Complementing these is a complete digital ecosystem accessed via the citroën.in website.
As a result, customers online can quickly configure their vehicle using the high definition 3D Configurator, choose preferred accessories, financing and insurance, and delivery location (home or Citroën dealership), then order and buy with secure payment directly from Citroën’s factory, where a dedicated team manages the process from reservation to delivery. This is particularly convenient for customers in non-dealer locations. For the same reason, rounding out the aftersales ecosystem is a unique mobile service program aptly called “Service on Wheels” which provides customers to maintain their vehicle to the highest levels at their doorstep.
Customers have a choice of “Citroën Citizen Services” such as extended warranty and maintenance packages, 24/7 roadside assistance, a 180-minute roadside assistance guarantee, pickup and drop facilities for regular maintenance and service visits, virtual diagnosis tools and spares availability within 24 hours.
ENDS
ASSETS AVAILABLE AT: To download the documents: Press Kit New C3 Aircross
Contact:
KHUSHBOO GUPTA
PR HEAD –
CITROËN INDIA & STELLANTIS INDIA
KHUSHBOO.GUPTA@STELLANTIS.COM
TEL +91 98180 04917
Contact:
PRIYANKA SINGH
CONCEPT PR
PRIYANKA.SINGH@CONCEPTPR.COM
TEL +91 98180 04917
Since 1919, Citroën has been creating automobiles, technologies and mobility solutions to respond to changes in society. A brand of boldness and innovation, Citroën places peace of mind and well-being at the heart of its customer experience and offers a wide range of models, from the distinctive Ami, an electric mobility object designed for the city, to saloons, SUVs and commercial vehicles, most of which are available in electric or rechargeable hybrid versions. A pioneer brand in the services and attention paid to its private and professional customers, Citroën is present in 101 countries and has a network of 6,200 points of sale and service throughout the world.
For more information about Citroën, visit the media site at https://fr-media.Citroën.com