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Expert Rating

Citroën C3 Aircross

(2017 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

61
%
C

Used car score:

67
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

59
%
D

Safety Rating:

55
%
D

Eco Rating:

66
%
A

Reliability Rating:

77
%
C

Running Costs:

71
%
B

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

61
%
C

Used car score:

67
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

59
%
D

Safety Rating:

55
%
D

Eco Rating:

66
%
A

Reliability Rating:

77
%
C

Running Costs:

71
%
B

Summary


The Citroën C3 Aircross is a small SUV/crossover that shares its platform and many components with sister models, the Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Crossland. It was revealed in early 2017 and went on sale at the end of that year.

An updated C3 Aircross arrived in the UK in Summer 2020. It is a facelift of the current car, rather than an all-new model.

The C3 Aircross has received average to good reviews from the UK motoring media. It has received praise from reviewers for its versatility and individual styling that distinguishes it from many of its rivals, but has been criticised for a lack of refinement and relatively poor standard specification.

As of January 2024, the Citroën C3 Aircross has a New Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 61%. It scores top marks for its low CO2 emissions, and its running costs are also good, but its safety rating has expired due to age and its reliability record is only average.

Key specifications


Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £20,770 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2017
Last updated: Spring 2020
Replacement due: TBA


Media reviews


Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

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Auto Trader

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Autocar

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Car

+

Car Keys

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Carbuyer

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Carwow

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Company Car Today

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Evo

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Heycar

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Honest John

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Motoring Research

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Parkers

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The Sun

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The Sunday Times

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The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

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What Car?

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: November 2017
Date expired: January 2024
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 85%
Child protection: 82%
Vulnerable road users: 64%
Safety assist: 60%

Notes on safety rating

The Citroën C3 Aircross was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 20xx and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2020 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

However, if you are comparing a used C3 Aircross to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2024, the Citroën C3 Aircross has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Citroën C3 family (including the Aircross) has a below-average reliability rating as of January 2024, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This includes both current and previous-generation C3 models.

Fortunately, the average repair price is quite respectable at less than £400. However, engine faults are the most common issue and average £700 for repairs, while gearbox repairs – although rare – average £1,200.

If you own a Citroën C3 Aircross, or you’re interested in buying a used one, make sure that any used car warranty you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas shown above.

Running cost rating

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models50 mpgB47 – 52 mpgB – C
Diesel models67 mpgA67 – 67 mpgA – A
CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models140 g/kmB134 – 150 g/kmA – B
Diesel models130 g/kmA123 – 131 g/kmA – A
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models16A13 – 19A – A
Service and maintenanceCostScore
Year 1£163A
Year 2£456A
Year 3£722A
Year 4£973A
Year 5£1,352A
Overall£3,666A

The Citroën C3 Aircross should be a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The petrol models will use a bit more fuel than the diesel versions, but they’ll be cheaper to buy and will probably hold their value better over time.

Insurance costs are excellent, as are servicing and maintenance costs over the first five years. You’ll struggle to find a cheaper small SUV/crossover to live with than the Citroën C3 Aircross.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Citroën C3 Aircross has received

2022

  • Auto Express Awards – Best Used Small MPV

2020

  • Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Compact Crossover

2019

  • Auto Express Awards – Small SUV of the Year
  • Business Motoring Awards – Best Small SUV
  • Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Compact Crossover

2018

  • Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Compact Crossover
  • UK Car of the Year Awards – Best Small Crossover

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Citroën C3 Aircross, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Dacia Duster | Fiat 500X | Ford EcoSport | Ford Puma | Honda HR-VHyundai Bayon | Hyundai Kona | Jeep Renegade | Kia StonicMG ZS | Nissan Juke | Peugeot 2008 | Renault Captur | SEAT Arona | Skoda Kamiq | SsangYong Tivoli | Suzuki Vitara | Toyota Yaris Cross | Vauxhall Crossland | Vauxhall Mokka | Volkswagen T-Cross


More news, reviews and information about the Citroën C3 Aircross at The Car Expert

New Rip Curl trim tops Citroën C3 Aircross range

New Rip Curl trim tops Citroën C3 Aircross range

Citroën launches new C3 Aircross Rip Curl edition

Citroën launches new C3 Aircross Rip Curl edition

Citroën C3 Aircross gains auto braking as standard

Citroën C3 Aircross gains auto braking as standard

Outstanding results in latest safety tests

Outstanding results in latest safety tests

Citroën C3 Aircross review

Citroën C3 Aircross review

Details of new Citroën C3 Aircross

Details of new Citroën C3 Aircross

Bye Picasso, hello Citroën C3 Aircross

Bye Picasso, hello Citroën C3 Aircross

Geneva: Citroën plots crossover future

Geneva: Citroën plots crossover future

Citroen C-Aircross to take on Nissan’s Juke?

Citroen C-Aircross to take on Nissan’s Juke?

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The Citroën C3 Aircross has received average reviews, with praise for its versatility but criticism for a lack of refinement.Citroën C3 Aircross