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Radically different Citroën C3 Aircross under study for SA
Aircross has very little in common with the current European model sold in South Africa.
Made for developing markets, the C3 Aircross is radically different from the European-market model currently sold in South Africa. Image: motor1.com Brazil.
Although simultaneously launched in India and Brazil towards the end of last month, a new report has claimed that Citroën could be bringing the new C3 Aircross to South Africa in 2024.
A model completely different from the current Aircross based on the European-centric C3 hatch, the newcomer is aimed squarely at developing markets and sports a crossover/SUV design rather than being a faux off-road inspired hatch.
What is it?
Unsurprisingly a lot longer and wider than the hatch-based model, the C3 Aircross measures exactly 4 300 mm long, 1 654 mm high and 1 796 mm wide while riding on a 2 671 mm long wheelbase.
In addition to its exterior design, Citroën will be offering it with seven-seats in a 2+3+2 configuration, although as standard, five seats will be mainstay.
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Based on reports from India and Brazil, the EMP2 platform underpinned C3 Aircross has a claimed boot capacity of 482-litres in five-seat guise, and 511-litres in seven-seat form with the third row folded down. An exact figure with the second row also lowered wasn’t revealed.
Inside
Sporting a ground clearance of 200 mm and with a unique rear facia plus a side profile similar to the bigger C5 Aircross Citroën also assembles in India, the interior of the Aircross is also completely different to that of the European model in both look and design.
Highlighted by individual armrest for the front seats and a unique dashboard housing a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Aircross’ other features include a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, up to five USB ports, rear vents and a separate setting for the dual-zone climate control, and individual sliding for the second row.
Power
Underneath the bonnet, the Indian-spec C3 Aircross will be privy to a single powertrain; the familiar 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech turbo-petrol that pumps-out 81kW/190Nm. Drive will go the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox with no automatic option available for now.
In Brazil, where production will take place at the Porto Real plant in Rio de Janeiro, the Aircross will have access to two engines; a normally aspirated 1.6 developing 88 kW and the three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbocharged Firefly outputting 96 kW.
Similar to the Indian model, drive will go the front wheels, but through a six-speed automatic gearbox on the 1.6 and via a CVT on the turbo. In a reversal, no manual transmission option will be availed.
Arrival
Going on sale first in India and then South America, iol.co.za reports that C3 Aircross is being considered for South Africa, but that a final decision hasn’t been made yet.
What the local arm of parent company Stellantis will be bringing to market though, reportedly this month, is the standard C3 in place of the European model sold locally until now. Expect details to become apparent within the coming weeks relating price and specification details.
Additional information from autocarindia.com and motor1.com Brazil.
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