Skip advert
Advertisement

Small SUV of the Year 2019: Citroen C3 Aircross

The Citroen C3 Aircross is the 2019 Auto Express Small SUV of the Year, with the Dacia Duster and Volkswagen T-Cross commended

Citroen’s C3 Aircross is something a bit different to the norm in the Small SUV class, but it’s all the better for it. Rather than following convention, it takes a more individual, characterful approach, with its quirky looks and a focus on the things that really matter to customers in this class.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Comfort is a huge factor for buyers of small SUVs, because they’ll be used every day for tasks such as the school run or a commute, and the Citroen is top of its class here. The soft suspension means that the French model soaks up rough tarmac, only losing its composure over really rough roads; and while the C3 Aircross isn’t the most dynamic small SUV, the sacrifices made here pay dividends elsewhere.

It’s light and airy inside the cabin, helped by the car’s lofty roof, which also means that there’s plenty of passenger space in both the front and rear. The interior design is much more interesting than any of its rivals’, adding an injection of flair to lift the mood, and it’s backed up by solid build and decent material quality. You can also add equipment to its list of attributes, because many models get a seven-inch colour touchscreen with the latest smartphone connectivity, which is well integrated.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Depending on spec, sliding rear seats mean that the Aircross has between 410 and 520 litres of boot capacity. That flexibility lets you prioritise either passenger space or luggage room depending on your needs. Such practicality, mixed with good ride comfort, makes it work really well as an everyday car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Citroen also features a range of economical and punchy three-cylinder PureTech petrol engines. There’s even a 1.5-litre diesel, but we’d stick to the 1.2-litre petrol range, because the motor is peppy and offers good performance despite its small capacity. The tiny turbo also boosts the power on offer to deliver solid economy and low running costs.

It’s admirable that Citroen has looked to its heritage and individuality for inspiration for the C3 Aircross without becoming a pastiche of itself. This model is a stand-out car because it treads its own path incredibly successfully. 

Our choice 

Citroen C3 Aircross PureTech 110 S&S Feel (£17,855)

We’d go for the 108bhp three-cylinder petrol C3 Aircross, because the engine is punchy and you’ll save money over the higher-powered 128bhp model (which only adds a small amount of extra performance in reality). It’s also economical, while Feel trim gets a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, which you can use as a sat-nav.

Commended

Dacia Duster

Dacia Duster - front

If maximising value for money is your thing, the Dacia Duster is by far the top choice. This is the cheapest car in its class, yet it’s also very practical, with a big boot and lots of rear-seat space. It’s decent to drive and one of the best off-roaders in this price bracket, too, plus this updated model is even more comfortable and gets some advanced tech. 

Volkswagen T-Cross

T-Cross - front tracking

The VW T-Cross is stylish and spacious, and has plenty of standard kit. It’s better to drive than the C3 Aircross, yet it doesn’t sacrifice too much comfort. The quiet engines are another reason to choose the Volkswagen, but some budget plastics inside mean that the Citroen is still better value for money.

Auto Express New Car Awards 2019

For complete, in-depth coverage of the 2019 New Car Awards, buy your collector's edition copy of the Auto Express magazine now or click here to subscribe...

Auto Express Issue 1,583
Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Citroen C3 Aircross review
Citroen C3 Aircross - front

Citroen C3 Aircross review

As a family-friendly small SUV, the Citroen C3 Aircross covers most bases while being kind to your bank account
In-depth reviews
6 Feb 2025
New Citroen C3 Aircross aims to shake up the small SUV market with £20,240 price tag
Citroen C3 Aircross - front and rear static

New Citroen C3 Aircross aims to shake up the small SUV market with £20,240 price tag

Just two trim levels are offered alongside three powertrain options
News
3 Feb 2025
Cheapest cars to run 2025
Cheapest cars to run - header

Cheapest cars to run 2025

When it comes to total cost of ownership, cut-price entry-level models aren’t always the best. So what are the cheapest cars to run in the UK today?
Best cars & vans
31 Jan 2025
Cheapest cars to buy 2025
Cheapest cars - header image

Cheapest cars to buy 2025

Searching for a brand-new bargain? These are the cheapest cars in the UK right now
Best cars & vans
14 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: new Ford Capri looks a lot less controversial at this price
Ford Capri - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: new Ford Capri looks a lot less controversial at this price

Rebooted Seventies classic is now an electric SUV for a low monthly outlay. It’s our Deal of the Day for 5 February
News
5 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: sleek ‘n’ sporty Mazda 3 hatch at just £173 a month
Mazda 3 front corner tracking

Car Deal of the Day: sleek ‘n’ sporty Mazda 3 hatch at just £173 a month

Mazda’s high-quality family hatch might cost less than you expect with low initial payment and monthly fee
News
2 Feb 2025
Electric company car megatest: Tesla, BMW, Polestar, Hyundai and BYD head-to-head
Electric company car megatest - header

Electric company car megatest: Tesla, BMW, Polestar, Hyundai and BYD head-to-head

Drivers are spoiled for choice in the flourishing EV company car market, but which of our six rivals does the business?
Car group tests
3 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts