Following the premiere of the C5 Aircross in April, Citroën is stepping up its international SUV offensive with the reveal of the new compact C3 Aircross.

Representing an important milestone for the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme, the new C3 Aircross also offers Grip Control, Hill Descent Assist, 12 driver assistance systems (including Colour Head-up Display) and four connectivity technologies including Wireless Smartphone Charging. The new C3 Aircross will officially go on sale in the UK on Wednesday 1 November 2017.

The C3 Aircross was inspired by the C-Aircross Concept, which was presented at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Citroën says that inside, innovation is demonstrated through its levels of comfort as part of the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme, with plenty of space on-board, a modular design, and a bright and airy passenger compartment.

Citroën says the C3 Aircross offers an unprecedented number of personalisation options with up to 90 exterior colour combinations, including four roof colours for two-tone models and four ‘Colour Packs’, plus five highly distinctive interior design schemes. There’s also Grip Control and Hill Descent Assist, and the C3 Aircross is available with a wide selection of petrol and diesel engines.

“After the New C5 Aircross, a C-segment SUV presented in Shanghai, Citroën is accelerating its international SUV offensive with a second model. Unveiled today in Paris, the New Citroën C3 Aircross compact SUV will be launched in Europe between now and the end of the year. Bringing together all of Citroën’s expertise in cabin space, modular design and comfort, this people-minded SUV stands out in the B SUV-segment with its unique body styling. It has a different mind-set, a source of protection and adventure, consistent with the expectations of customers today.” Linda Jackson, Citroën CEO

Drivers can leave the Grip Control system on automatic via the Standard mode or select between Sand, All-Road, Snow or ESP OFF modes.

Combined with Grip Control, the Hill Descent Assist function maintains the car at a reduced speed even on steep inclines. This technology keeps the C3 Aircross on the right trajectory while limiting the risk of slippage as the car descends slopes.  The system can function at very low speeds – as low as 2mph (3km/h).

Among the diesel options, the new C3 Aircross is available with a choice of the BlueHDi 120 S&S with a 6-speed manual gearbox or the BlueHDi 100 manual.

Citroën says the C3 Aircross is fully focused on comfort, with the perception of space and a sense of well-being playing a key role and places a premium on the amount of light in the cabin. The new model features a large glazed surface area offering drivers 360 of visibility and large amounts of light inside the car. The C3 Aircross also offers passengers an impressive view of the sky with its opening panoramic glass sunroof. Said to be unique in the B SUV-segment, this comes complete with a sequential electric control, has an interior glazed area of nearly 1m long, and features a sun blind and LED lighting. The amount of light in the cabin can also be adjusted using the sun blinds in the rear doors.

As part of the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme, the C3 Aircross focuses on:

• seat comfort, with broad and generous seat squabs
• suspension comfort, with classic Citroën settings for all driving conditions
• sound comfort, with meticulous soundproofing and acoustics  

The new Citroën C3 Aircross compact SUV is produced at the Zaragoza plant in Spain and will officially go ‘on sale’ in the UK on Wednesday 1 November 2017.