Citröen returns to SA with 3 new models!

These new models, the C3, C3 Aircross and C5 Aircross feature very distinctive and futuristic designs which have been combined with trendy styling elements like bi-tone roof panels, larger wheels and higher ground clearance. Much like before, these Citröen vehicles continue to share engines and underpinnings with equivalent Peugeot models. 

 

C3

The C3 hatchback is the smallest and cheapest vehicle in Citröen's new line-up starting at R239 900. It is based on the Peugeot 208 and falls within the B-Segment category of cars. 

Some may remember the C4 Cactus and its quirky air-bubbles, that car was so distinctive for and Citröen has brought the air-bubbles, or Airbump® panels as it's technically known, back on all three models launched today. These panels actually have a functional use and are meant to protect your car from dents and scratches. 

Two variants are available in the C3 range consisting of the 1.2 Feel and the 1.2T Shine of which both come with red roof panels as standard. 

Both C3 models are powered by Peugeot’s award-winning 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech petrol engine, but the Feel model has a naturally aspirated engine that puts out 60kW and 118Nm and has been paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. The Shine model gets a more sophisticated turbocharged engine that puts out maximum power of 81kW and peak torque of 205Nm, and has been paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

 

Related: Peugeot relaunches the brand with two new models - Peugeot 108 and Peugeot 5008

 

In terms of spec, here are the standard features on each model:

 

1.2 Feel

• Halogen headlamps
• LED Daytime Running Lamps
• 16-inch alloy wheels 
• Bi-tone body colour
• Front electrical windows
• Automatic airconditioning
• 7-inch touchscreen radio
• Electrical folding mirrors
• Cruise Control
• Red, grey and black seat material

 

Safety features

• Driver Attention Alert (alerts the driver when it’s time to take a break)
• Lane Departure Warning System
• Under Inflation Tyre Warning
• Traction Control
• ISOFIX fixtures 
• 6 airbags

 

1.2T Shine

In addition to the above features the Shine model features:

• Stop/Start functionality
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Airbump
• Front Fog Lamps
• Automatic Headlamps
• Homecoming Lamps
• Welcome Lamps
• Auto Rain-sensing wipers
• Front + rear electrical windows
• Rear Parking Sensors
• MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality

 

C3 Colour Options

• White 
• Platinum Grey
• Sand

 

Shop through our listings for your own Citröen C3 

 

Citröen C3 Aircross

The C3 Aircross is the SUV derivative and is 158mm longer and 163mm taller than its hatchback sibling. It also features a larger boot with a capacity of 410 litres opposed to the hatchback's 300 litres. While it follows the same design path, it has its own unique interior and exterior elements. It looks to rival the likes of the Renault Captur, VW T-Cross and the Mazda CX-3.

It is powered by the same engine in the C3 1.2T Shine and paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard.  The same two trims, Feel and Shine, are available for the Aircross model.

 

C3 Aircross Feel

• Halogen headlamps
• LED Daytime Running Lamps
• 16-inch alloy wheels 
• Red roof rails
• Automatic headlamps
• Driver and passenger foot lamp
• Front armrest (driver)
• Electrically adjustable mirror 
• 7-inch touchscreen radio

 

Safety features

• Driver Attention Alert (alerts the driver when it’s time to take a break)
• Rear park sensors
• Speed reading
• Under Inflation Tyre Warning
• Traction Control
• ISOFIX fixtures 
• 6 airbags

 

C3 Aircross Shine

The Shine model gets the addition of:

• 17-inch diamond-effect aluminium wheels
• Sliding rear bench
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Navigation
• Smart Entry and Keyless Start
• Automatic airconditioning
• Auto Rain-sensing wipers
• Front fog lamps/corner function
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Guide me home lighting
• Welcome lighting

 

Colour Options

There are three colour options and one colour pack

• White 
• Platinum Grey 
• Soft Sand  
• Spicy Orange colour pack 

 

 

Citröen C5 Aircross

The C5 Aircross is currently the flagship model and aims at rivalling C-segment SUV rivals such as the KIA Sportage and the Toyota RAV4. It is powered by the PSA Group’s 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that puts out maximum power of 121kW and peak torque of 240Nm.

However, putting the C5 Aircross in a league of its own is its Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® suspension system which, according to Citröen, filters and absorbs major and minor surface unevenness to give occupants the feeling of flying smoothly over the road while ensuring outstanding poise and vitality. While conventional suspension systems comprise of a shock absorber, a spring and a mechanical stop, the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® system adds two hydraulic stops on either side, one for rebound and the other for compression. In cases of major compression and rebound, they gradually slow down movement to avoid sudden jolts.

In terms of technology, the C5 Aircross SUV features a 12.3-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) digital instrument cluster and an 8.0-inch touchscreen, in addition to the latest-generation driver assistance technologies. This ultra-connected model can be equipped with Wireless Smartphone Charging and ConnectedCAM Citroën™ on the Shine models. There's also a 

The C5 Aircross also has great refinement which is due to the superior soundproofing and extensive insulation measures.

 

C5 Aircross Feel

Standard features include:

• 20.3cm touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Digital instrument cluster
• Dual-zone climate control
• Ambient lighting
• Rain sensor
• Rear parking sensor
• Six airbags
• ESP and 
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Red and Black roof rails
• Automatic headlamps
• Automatic headlamp Levelling
• LED Daytime Running Lamps
• Front fog lamps
• Driver and passenger foot lamp
• Driver Attention Alert
• Electronic Park Brake
• Cruise Control

 

C5 Aircross Shine

The Shine model gets the addition of:

• Panoramic glass roof
• Keyless entry and start
• Wireless phone charging
• Mood Lighting
• Speed and Traffic Recognition
• Partial leather seat trim
• Active City Brake
• Active Lane Assist
• ISOFIX (passenger)
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Front parking sensors
• Reverse camera
• Citröen Connect DashCam

 

Colour Options

There are three colour options and one colour pack

• Arctic Steel
• Pearlescent White 
• Platinum Grey  
• Red colour pack option

 

 

Drive and Performance

We didn't have a lot of time with these vehicles but we did get a quick drive in each of them. While all the vehicles move smoothly on the road, the C3 hatchback with a manual gearbox does tend to lack a bit of power from time to time and when you need to overtake. The C3 Aircross with an automatic gearbox is ideal because of the additional 21 kW of power and of course the transmission. The C5 Aircross provides a beautiful ride and that's due to the aforementioned suspension. There's also no road and wind noise that comes in and the cabin is oh-so quiet. 

 

So what's it really like?

All three vehicles have been directed more at providing inner comfort and practicality, hence its wider dimensions, and while Citröen says not so much focus has been put into making it "sporty", its looks will say otherwise. It stands out on the road and is really attractive. Inside the cabin is a very clean, neat and minimalistic set up which allows the driver to not be distracted by unnecessary buttons and features. The infotainment system, or rather the lack of a system, is extremely simple to use and doesn't have a lot of features. It's basically radio with a touch screen and you have access to the air conditioning system there too. I think this way passenger interaction will be enhanced since these cars are meant to appeal to a family audience too. These cars are said to have its own identity and are not meant for the mainstream market, so in a way, it will pick its owner as much as its owner will pick them. 

Overall if the consumers are willing to give Citröen another chance I don't think they'd go wrong here. There's good value on offer and a decent list of spec and tech. Build quality is good and Citröen does do well in Europe. From Citröen's side, there's also a big focus on their customers and customer service now.

 

 

Pricing

Citröen C3 1.2 Feel                 R239 900

Citröen C3 1.2T Shine             R289 900

 

Citröen C3 Aircross                 R339 900

Citröen C3 Aircross                 R359 900

 

Citröen C5 Aircross                 R469 900

Citröen C5 Aircross                 R509 900 

 

Citröen Serenity

Included in the price, all new Citröen vehicles are currently available with:

• 5 year/100 000 km Warranty & Service plan
• Peace of Mind Services that include a Courtesy Car, Citroën Parts Basket, Complimentary Vehicle Health Check.
• Safety: Microdot (easy Identification in the event of theft), dedicated Apps connected to the car and Safety Film and Tracking solutions (optional)
• 360º Service - A Customer experience with a 24-Hour Customer CareCentre, Licence Renewal reminder; Roadside Assistance, Service plan and warranty expiry notification
• Citröen vehicles can be serviced at any Peugeot Accredited Dealership nationwide.