Citroën C3 Aircross review

If you’re in the market for a small SUV, there’s a good chance that you like to sit quite far from the road. If so, you’ll find plenty to like about the C3 Aircross, because even with its driver’s seat set to its lowest position, you’re still a few centimetres farther from ground than you are in the Seat Arona or Kia Stonic.

Unfortunately, the driver’s seat doesn’t provide much in the way of lower back support, so the C3 Aircross isn’t very comfortable on longer journeys. Adjustable lumbar support would help, but it isn’t available. Meanwhile, only range-topping Flair models come with a front centre armrest.

It’s also really annoying that the only way to control the air conditioning is to go through the infotainment touchscreen. Even just tweaking the interior temperature requires you to visit a specific menu and stab away at the screen repeatedly.

Forward visibility is good, helped by the lofty driving position. Over-the-shoulder vision isn’t so impressive, though – particularly if you opt to customise your car with decals on the rear three-quarter glass area.

It’s also disappointing that rear parking sensors are standard only on Origins and Flair trim levels, although you can add them as an option on Feel as part of the City Pack. Meanwhile, the Park Assist Pack (front parking sensors and a self-parking system) is optional on Flair.

Infotainment isn't one of the C3 Aircross’s strongest suits. The standard 7.0in touchscreen doesn’t have the contrast or crispness in its graphics that you might hope for. Meanwhile, the delay between pressing an icon on the display and anything actually happening is often long enough for you to make a cup of tea.

The menu layout isn’t particularly user-friendly, either, although you do get a DAB radio, a USB port, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Origins and Flair cars also come with sat-nav.

There’s more to get excited about inside the C3 Aircross than in most small SUVs. From the Art Deco air vents to the silver accents below the touchscreen, everything has been designed to be interesting to look at rather than purely functional.

You can even choose from various colours schemes if you’re prepared to pay extra, including tan-and-black dashboard and seats or grey seats with red highlights on the dashboard. Just bear in mind that the quality of interior plastics isn’t any better than you'll find in the Arona, while fit and finish are slightly worse.