… Citroen C3 Aircross Compact SUV …
This might not seem like a compliment to Citroen, but the C3 Aircross reminds me of the Austin Maxi. Way back in the distant past I had one as a company car and I loved it. In fact I liked it so much, that when I left the job I bought one of my own.
It was great for carrying stuff and it was ideal for rally spectating. The front seatbacks folded down flat and lined up with the rear seat cushion. The rear bench seat back also folded flat on to the boot floor, and what you had then was a really comfy double bed.
When the RAC Rally (the proper one!) came to the south of Scotland, the plan was to get to the chosen stage and spectator point the night before it was due to arrive, and park up. There was no such thing as pot noodle then so provisions consisted of water, milk and tea bags with a dozen rolls, pack of bacon and frying pan. And of course, one of those spindly wee gas stoves with a wire frame on top on which you placed your wee kettle or balanced your frying pan. Job done.
A good night’s sleep was followed by an early morning fry-up, then a trek to the stage vantage point. All around were thousands of folk doing exactly the same thing. There were cars lined along both sides of the main road through Twiglees and Castle O’Er as far as the eye could see. Those two stages alone attracted thousands of fans and that spectacle was repeated all around the UK. Amazing times and amazing crowds. The ones I felt sorry for were the four-ups trying to spend the night in a Mini!
The crisp morning air was full of the smell of frying bacon and the sound of excited chatter ahead of the rally arriving. Aye, them were’t days.
Of course the Citroen C3 Aircross is nothing like the Maxi of old and yet there is just something about the rounded contours that call to mind the shape, while the ride quality of the C3 reminds me of the Hydrolastically sprung Maxi.
Traditionally, suspension is one thing (amongst quite a few) that Citroen has done well and the C3 is no different. It is softly sprung and although it rolls a bit on corners, it rolls very softly, if such a thing can be done. Whatever, the result is an exemplary quality of comfortable ride.
The engine in the test car was the 1200cc turbocharged 3 cylinder petrol with 128 bhp. In a car that weighs less than 1350 kgs that makes for a refreshingly zesty little mover. The test car also came with Citroen’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Grip Control (an extra £400) which is basically an electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential.
This is the same enhanced traction system that Citroen fits to the Forestry Commission’s Berlingo vans. It’s not four wheel drive, but it’s the next best thing. I remember driving one of these FC spec vans and followed a Land Rover through water, mud and up and down impossible grassy and stony slopes, and he didn’t lose me. It is remarkably effective and a lot cheaper than a full 4WD drivetrain.
The interior is a pleasant place to spend some time, although a little quirky. The dials and switchgear are more rectangular than circular and that design theme is repeated in various details around both the inside and outside of the vehicle. It just lifts the expectations out of the ordinary.
The seats offer adequate cushioning and support and with plenty of head, shoulder and leg room, this is small car with big ideas.
Prices start from around £12,000 and go up to over £18,000 for this comfortable and roomy compact SUV, which is another reason to like it. Having said that, this top of the range PureTech 130 had a number of options which pushed the final price over £21,000. That puts it up against some serious opposition, but given the ride quality and appeal of the little charmer, it more than punches its weight.
And in case you hadn’t guessed, I really like it.