French marque’s smallest SUV is set to receive a major refresh in 2023, with a fully-electric variant confirmed
- Petrol and electric powertrains
- EV range of over 200 miles
- Due late 2023
An all-new Citroen C3 Aircross SUV is on its way. Set to arrive in 2023, the new car will be based on a revised version of the C3 supermini and is expected to be offered with both petrol and electric power.
As you can see from our exclusive renders, the new C3 Aircross will likely ditch the majority of the old car’s quirky styling cues for a more angular SUV-esque look. Mirroring the newly-facelifted Citroen C5 Aircross, you can expect the C3 SUV to adopt a visor-like design for the LED headlights, with a cleaner grille design and more imposing bumper below.
The flanks of the car are accentuated by Citroen’s ‘Airbump’ plastic body cladding and at the rear you’ll get wide tail lights complete with funky light signature. Top-spec cars could even get a two-tone roof and roof rails to further emphasise the C3 Aircross' SUV aesthetic.
On the inside, we predict the C3 Aircross will get a stepped dashboard design, much like that of Citroen’s latest models such as the C5 X crossover. Drawing your eyes to the centre of the cabin will be a 10-inch touchscreen, bolstered by a small set of digital dials behind the steering wheel.
Thankfully, like the larger C4 hatchback, the new C3 Aircross won't house the air conditioning controls within the central display, instead using old-fashioned physical dials which are much easier to use when on the move. We also expect Citroen’s Advanced Comfort seats to make a return, continuing the C3 Aircross’ record of being one of the most relaxing small SUVs to sit in.
Although we expect the new Citroen C3 Aircross to be more of an evolution in terms of design, it is set to be revolutionary under the metal. The refreshed car will sit on an entirely new platform, namely the e-SMP architecture that underpins the likes of the Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Mokka.
Unlike the current car’s PF1 underpinnings, parent company Stellantis’ e-SMP solution allows for both combustion engine and electric powertrains. This means that we will almost certainly see petrol versions of the Citroen C3 Aircross with mild-hybrid assistance, as well as a full e-C3 Aircross EV.
Taking its naming conventions from the larger e-C4 and e-C4 X, the e-C3 Aircross will use the same electric powertrain that features in both the Vauxhall Corsa-e and Peugeot e-208, as well as the electric versions of the aforementioned 2008 and Mokka SUVs. This comprises a 134bhp electric motor, mated to a 50kWh battery. Just like its Vauxhall and Peugeot siblings, we expect the e-C3 Aircross to have a range of over 200 miles and the ability to charge from 10-80% in just 30 minutes thanks to 100kW ultra-rapid charging.
So, when will the new Citroen C3 Aircross go on sale? Well, in the words of Citroen boss, Laurence Hanse: “soon.” Given we expect the new Citroen C3 supermini to debut early in 2023, a reveal date of Autumn/Winter of that year seems the most likely scenario. When it arrives in showrooms, the Citroen will probably be slightly cheaper than its Stellantis siblings, starting from around £21,000 for the petrol and just over £30,000 for the fully-electric variant.
Keyword: New Citroen C3 Aircross SUV to get electric powertrain from Peugeot e-2008