Citroen C3 Aircross Blue

Citroën has kept the option of a‘BlueHDI branded diesel engine for this new C3 Aircross, most likely on the basis nearly half of buyers are fleet customers and the slightly lower CO2 will help their monthly costs. But overall the vast majority of people will be going for the PureTech petrol version, based around the same three-cylinder turbocharged motor with two power levels. The more powerful 130 horsepower option drives through an automatic gearbox, which is fine on the move and has reasonable performance but a very awkward ‘gate’ as you shift from P and through reverse and into Drive, which is a pain when manoeuvring back and forth. The shudder from the engine as the stop/start system operates lacks refinement as well. If you’re likely to be driving out in the wilds or in bad weather an optional Grip Control system lets you configure the traction control for different conditions, though the C3 Aircross is still only front-wheel drive so don’t take it off-road expecting to keep up with proper 4x4s.