Skip advert
Advertisement

Citroen C3 Aircross - best crossovers and small SUVs

The Citroen C3 Aircross proves not all SUVs and 4x4s need to be dull

It’s no secret that most SUVs in the UK aren’t driven off-road. One big reason for this is that buyers choose them for how well their SUV qualities work in the normal family car role. 

The Citroen C3 Aircross is one of the cheapest SUVs on sale and not one of the better options for serious off-road driving but it is a brilliantly practical and comfortable family car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Citroen C3 Aircross review

The C3 Aircross is a funky-looking thing with massive scope for personalisation with different coloured-body panels. The rubber wheel arches and big bumpers help cope with mud and rocks should you wish to take the path less-trodden. 

Despite the absence of four-wheel drive, the C3 Aircross can be had with Grip Control - essentially an advanced stability programme which cuts in to aid traction depending on the surface you’re traversing. The hill descent setting will come in handy for tackling steep slopes. 

The C3 Aircross is available with a PureTech petrol with either 81, 109 or 129bhp or a 1.6-litre BlueHDi diesel with 98bhp or 118bhp. The diesel feels punchy enough with bottom-end torque and relative smoothness. 

Top 10 best crossovers and small SUVs to buy now

  1.  

     

    1.  

       

      1.  

         

        1.  

           

          1. 1. Skoda Karoq
          2. 2. Peugeot 3008 
          3. 3. Citroen C3 Aircross
          4. 4. Range Rover Evoque
          5. 5. Dacia Duster
          6. 6. Volkswagen T-Cross
          7. 7. Toyota RAV4
          8. 8. Audi Q3
          9. 9. Lexus UX 
          10. 10. SEAT Arona
  1.  

     

    Skip advert
    Advertisement
    Skip advert
    Advertisement

    Recommended

    Used Citroen C3 Aircross (Mk1, 2017-2024) buyer's guide: quirky SUV has plenty of appeal
    Used Citroen C3 Aircross - front

    Used Citroen C3 Aircross (Mk1, 2017-2024) buyer's guide: quirky SUV has plenty of appeal

    A full used buyer’s guide on the Citroen C3 Aircross Mk1 that was on sale between 2017 and 2024
    Used car tests
    19 Feb 2025

    Most Popular

    Ford Puma will offer BlueCruise hands-free driving from 2026
    Ford Puma - front cornering

    Ford Puma will offer BlueCruise hands-free driving from 2026

    Ford’s BlueCruise technology allows for ‘hands off’ driving on designated stretches of motorway
    News
    13 Nov 2025
    Want the best used car? Take a good look at the previous owner
    Opinion - owners

    Want the best used car? Take a good look at the previous owner

    Auto Express’ senior content editor explains why some good old-fashioned detective work can help you find the very best second-hand buy
    Opinion
    16 Nov 2025
    Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Peugeot E-5008: electrifying 7-seat EV shootout
    Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Peugeot E-5008 - front tracking

    Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Peugeot E-5008: electrifying 7-seat EV shootout

    Hyundai and Peugeot provides different takes on the roomy seven-seat EV. So, which is better?
    Car group tests
    15 Nov 2025