Citroën is back in SA since 2019 with its fleet of chic, user-friendly, family vehicles. The local range includes three model lines: the C3 hatchback, C3 Aircross and C5 Aircross. The C3 and C3 Aircross have recently been updated.
C3 and C3 Aircross
The C3 line-up consists of a pair of 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engines, the first offering 60 kW and 118 Nm (linked to a five-speed manual gearbox) and the second offers turbocharging with 81 kW and 205 Nm (mated with a six-speed automatic transmission). The entry-level C3 engine is available in Feel specification for R279 900, while the turbo variant is offered in Shine trim (at R341 900).
Standard features on the C3 Feel model include ABS, EBD, hill-start assist, stability and traction control, a full-size spare wheel, LED daytime running lights and LED headlights, headlight levelling, ISOFIX child seat anchorage points on the outer rear seats, a multi-function steering wheel, lane-departure warning, 16-inch alloys, electric windows up front, electrically adjustable side mirrors, child locks, Bluetooth, USB ports, automatic air-con, cruise control, six airbags, a tyre pressure sensor, and a seven-inch touchscreen system.
The C3 Shine variant adds items such as 17-inch wheels, front fog lamps, automatic headlamps, auto-dimming retractable side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, electric windows at the rear, rear parking sensors and those signature Citroën air bumps.
Next up is the new C3 Aircross in Feel and Shine variants. Each employs the turbocharged 81 kW version of the 1.2-litre petrol engine (linked to a six-speed auto as standard). The C3 Aircross will cost you R399 900 in Feel form and R424 900 in Shine guise.
C5 Aircross
The flagship C5 Aircross completes the line-up. The C5 Aircross Feel is priced at R549 900, while the C5 Aircross Shine will set you back R589 900. Both models employ the French firm’s 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 121 kW and 240 Nm (via a six-speed automatic transmission). The C5 Aircross 1.6T Shine offers upper-crust features like lane-keeping assist, keyless start/entry, rear privacy glass, a panoramic sunroof, partial leather upholstery, park distance control, ambient lighting, and gearshift paddles.
Keen to know more? Read my latest 2020 Citroën C5 Aircross review here.
Is it any good for parents and children?
The French automakers are very family-orientated and their cars usually include features that ensure the driver and passengers are safe, content and comfortable. The smaller C3 has a 300-litre boot, about average for the segment, and the C5's cargo area is rated at 520 litres with all seats up. This means a standard-size pram will fit inside both cars easily, although a compact one is advised for the C3.
In the C3's case, the loading lip is high so lifting luggage (or a baby buggy) over it proved to be cumbersome, but if this is going to be an issue, the newly-launched C3 Aircross model without a loading lip and a bigger cargo area will be a better choice.
A friend with a one-year-old also reported that fitting that ISOFIX base into the C3 was a bit of a pain. If you are keen on the Citroën range, perhaps take your baby seat and stroller along to the dealership and try it out for yourself before making a serious commitment. If your kids are a little older, however, both the C3 and C5 make great family cars.
The C5's boot, at 520 litres, is much larger and loading heavy items into it is considerably easier, as there is no lip that you have to traverse in order to get your stuff inside. The rear seat can be shifted forward to make more boot space, and even then you still have ample legroom on row two. The C5 has ISOFIX points on the outer rear seats, as well as the front passenger seat.
Verdict
The C3 is good for families, but the C3 Aircross and C5 Aircross are better, from a space and convenience perspective. I wouldn't buy one brand new, however, as South Africans haven't regained their trust in French cars just yet and depreciation is on the high side. If you have from around R380 000 to spend, you can get a 2020 C5 Aircross model with around 10 000 km on the clock, albeit in Feel trim, not Shine. Check out our C5 Aircross listings here.
For used Citroën C3 Aircross models, click here.
