Overview
The Citroën ë-C3 Aircross establishes itself as an incredibly disruptive entry in the compact electric SUV market, prioritising exceptional affordability and family versatility. Utilising the flexible Stellantis SmartCar platform, it scales up the formula of the smaller ë-C3 into a larger, more practical package. It stands out by undercutting almost every segment rival on price, making zero-emission family mobility accessible to a far wider audience without sacrificing the brand's focus on comfort.
Design
Adopting a robust and muscular design, the exterior features a squared-off, chunky stance. The design language is highlighted by split LED headlights, a prominent vertical nose, and sculpted side panels. Its ruggedness is shown through contrasting black plastic wheel arches and sturdy, and integrated roof rails. The vehicle runs on 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, maintaining an upright, off-roader silhouette that compromises sleekness in favour of maximum functionality.
Interior
The cabin has Citroën's innovative C-Zen Lounge layout, swapping out a traditional instrument cluster for a sleek, narrow head-up driver's display strip positioned neatly above the squared-off steering wheel. Material choices favor budget-friendly, hard-wearing plastics, yet the space feels cheerful thanks to the textured fabric inserts on the dashboard and doors. Technology is managed via a 10.25-inch central infotainment touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with basic, user-friendly simplicity.
Performance & Powertrains
The ë-C3 Aircross comes with a front-mounted electric motor delivering 113 hp and 124Nm of torque, resulting in a relaxed 0-62 mph acceleration time of 13 seconds and a top speed of 89 mph. The Extended Range variant utilizes a larger 54 kWh battery pack, with a range of a competitive 248 miles. It supports a maximum charging speed of 100 kW, allowing a 20-80% top-up in 33 minutes. Driving dynamics are heavily biased toward relaxed urban environments, with Citroën's Advanced Comfort Suspension there to iron out large speed bumps effortlessly, though this soft setup translates to noticeable body roll when cornering at speed.
Practicality
The boxy exterior translates to excellent cabin space, offering vast amounts of headroom and a commanding view of the road up front. Rear passenger legroom remains highly generous, comfortably beating standard electric hatchbacks. The boot serves up a substantial 460-litre capacity with all seats in place, expanding up to 1,600 litres with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats down, though dropping the backrests leaves a loading lip in the floor.
Buying
Prices start at an ultra-accessible £25,815 for the Extended Range Collection version, increasing to £27,015 for the MAX trim. Both trims come with a comprehensive safety kit, cruise control, rear sensors, and a reversing camera. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the Extended Range specification in the Collection trim, which delivers the maximum 248-mile range for the best real-world usability while retaining the model's core value-for-money appeal.