Citroen C3 vs C3 Aircross: Mutual And Exclusive Bits Detailed

• Both the C3 and C3 Aircross share the same platform.

• C3 Aircross is larger in dimensions.

• The SUV’s design is heavily inspired by the C3 hatchback.

• Cabin is layout is nearly identical, with largely similar features as well.

• The SUV gets the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, although the state of tune hasn’t been revealed.

Citroen has recently pulled the drapes off its middle child of its India, the C3 Aircross SUV. It marks the entry of the brand into the country’s highly competitive compact SUV segment. And while it was known that it will be a C3 hatchback-based SUV with the same platform, the two share more things than one would expect. So here are all things that are common and exclusive between the two:

Size

Although the complete dimensions of the C3 Aircross aren’t out, Citroen has divulged two deets - the ground clearance and the length of the car, which stand at 200mm and 4.3 metres, respectively. In comparison, the C3 spans a length of 4.3 metres and has a ground clearance of 180mm. 

We expect the C3 Aircross to be taller (thanks to the larger wheels), and the pictures also point towards a wider footprint as well. The 5-seater version of the C3 Aircross boasts a boot capacity of 511 litres, while the C3 has a 315-litre boot space.

Design

Even though the front end of the C3 Aircross is very similar to the C3 hatchback, it has more substance to it and looks more butch, thanks to the flared fenders and a heavier bumper. Unlike the hatchback, the SUV does not get dedicated surrounds for the fog lamps,  and is instead integrated within the lower grille.

In profile, the Aircross looks like a stretched-out, extended version of the C3 hatchback. The sharply raked A-pillar, roof rails, the plastic cladding on the side sills, and the upright stance are mutual between both the Citroens. However, the C3 sits on 15-inch alloys, while the C3 Aircross rests on 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. 

The rear of the C3 Aircross is heavily inspired by The C3, just like the rest of the car. The boxy taillights are very similar, but are connected via a black strip in the SUV - something that is exclusively unique in the carmaker’s Indian range. Citroen has also revised the bumper design with a unique dual-tone skid-plate design that’s different from the C3. All in all, the two Citroen’s do share quite a handful of styling cues between themselves. 

Cabin

The styling similarities continue to follow as you step inside the cabin. While the dashboard, air vents, and central console design are similar, the C3 Aircross does get a neatly done black-beige interior colour scheme, which looks more premium visually. 

But the changes become a bit more apparent in the second row where you get roof-mounted AC-vents with a dedicated knob for speed control. Ofcourse, if you go for the 5+2 variant, there is also a third row of seats, which can be chucked entirely when not needed. But where will they go? That’s for you to decide.  

Features

It's not just the styling that’s common between the C3 and C3 Aircross as the two pack more or less the same features inside. Both get the 10.25-inch touchscreen system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, steering-mounted audio controls and auto-folding rear view mirrors, but the SUV boasts a new fully digital instrument cluster over the C3 hatchback. Their safety kit is also similar, with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors.

The complete list of features for the C3 Aircross isn’t out just yet and is likely to be revealed when Citroen launches the car in the time to come.

Powertrain

Also Read: 6 Features We Wish The Citroen C3 Aircross Got To Make It A Rounded Package

Citroen has only revealed that the C3 Aircross will be powered using a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The exact power output is still unknown, and it isn’t confirmed whether it’ll get the exact same 110PS unit as the C3 or if it could get an uprated version of it. More details to come at the time of launch. An automatic transmission could be made available post its launch and there will be no naturally aspirated unit on offer and no diesel as well.

Price and rivals

Citroen retails the C3 between Rs 6.16 lakh and Rs 8.43 lakh (ex-showroom). The hatchback rivals the Tata Punch and premium hatchbacks like the Maruti Baleno, Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, and Toyota Glanza. On the other hand, prices for the C3 Aircross are expected to start from around the Rs 9 lakh mark, which will put it in contention with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Skoda Kushaq and its ilk.