Should you buy a Citroen C3 Aircross?

The C3 Aircross isn’t the best small SUV out there although it certainly has price and practicality on its side. However, it’s not particularly good to drive and could be comfier, so we’d point you towards the Skoda Kamiq if rear space and comfort is of importance, or the Ford Puma if you want a big boot and something fun to drive.

Grip Control models help you go a bit further off the beaten track, but aren’t as capable as a four-wheel drive SUV like the Volkswagen T-Roc. In short, there’s not really anywhere that the Citroen C3 Aircross excels – and quite a few, such as interior usability or driving dynamics – where it’s close to the bottom of the pack.

What was acceptable at launch in 2017 now seems decidedly old-fashioned, and unless you can find a particularly good deal or especially want a diesel SUV we think there are better options out there.

What we like

The sliding rear bench fitted to Shine Plus models is a handy feature that boosts interior flexibility, as does the two-level boot floor fitted from Shine trim. This is also one of the only compact SUVs where a diesel engine is still an option – a niche choice, granted, but one that will make a few buyers very happy.

What we don’t like

For an SUV that’s supposed to be all about comfort, the way it deals with potholes and pimples isn’t particularly impressive. It’s also disappointing that entry-level C-Series cars don’t get automatic emergency braking, and that the sliding rear bench isn’t an option on lesser trims.