First review - Don't you dare call the updated Citroën C3 Aircross cute!

What is striking about the renewed Citroën C3 Aircross?

That his face - here we go - has become more assertive and mature. Gone is the convex toe of the current Citroën C3 Aircross! In its place comes a pensive head with furrowed eyebrows. As a child grows up, it loses its open face. And it's the same with the C3 Aircross. At first he only squeezed with his daytime running lights, but now he also looks into the world with his headlights half closed.

The new Citroen is angry about something, it seems. Could it be the record price of gasoline? Sywert van Lienden's face mask deal? The fact that Leontien gave slant marcher Marco another chance? Or does he just look hard because he can't choose from the more than seventy different exterior options that Citroën offers for the C3 Aircross?

What's good about the new Citroën C3 Aircross?

The Citroën C3 Aircross Puretech 110 with manual gearbox driven by us is by far the most chosen variant; more than 70 percent of the buyers / lease drivers take it. And that group of people will not be disappointed. The 1.2-liter turbo block of the Citroën is a nice companion on the road: quiet at a constant speed, powerful enough for a smoother driving style and relatively economical (1 in 17.2 is the official statement).

The fact that the Puretech 110 only comes with a six-speed manual transmission is no problem in our opinion. The transmission changes gears smoothly, with the oddly shaped gear lever (the knob is a kind of cube with rounded corners) wonderfully excellent in the hand.

In the Citroën C3 Aircross you sit on so-called Advanced Comfort Seats. These are seats with 15 millimeters of extra foam filling, which Citroën speaks highly about in all its advertising material. But to be honest, we don't understand the fuss that way. The seats sit well and are quite comfortable, but, in our opinion, do not distinguish themselves from the seats of other manufacturers.

In any case, you have plenty of space in the C3 Aircross, both in the front and in the back. Are you 1.90 meters tall? Then you can easily find a nice sitting position behind the wheel and you can also sit behind yourself. There is a recess for your knees in the backrests of the front seats, but it is actually just a little too low for taller people. Headroom is plentiful in the rear seats.

That bench can be moved forwards and backwards, for more legroom or more luggage space. 410 liters are available as standard (510 liters with the rear seats in the front position). The trunk can be expanded to 1289 liters by folding the backrests.

As standard, the base version of the C3 Aircross is quite well equipped, yet a significant proportion of customers choose the most expensive trim level: Shine. Understandable, because you get automatic air conditioning, a rain sensor, rear parking sensors and an infotainment system with 9-inch touchscreen. The latter works quickly, easily and supports Apple Carplay, Android Auto and MirrorLink.

A bit nonsensical for the Netherlands is the Grip Control and Hill Descent Assist option. It can only be ordered on the C3 Aircross Shine, costs 300 euros and adds a rotary knob to the interior, with which you can choose from various terrain modes. The Citroën does not have four-wheel drive, but by using a combination of electronic systems, it creates as much grip as possible on snow, sand or in the terrain.

What could be improved with the renewed Citroën C3 Aircross?

We find the 'old' appearance of the Citroën C3 Aircross more sympathetic. Well, that's something we can argue about. A less taste-sensitive finding is that the driving behavior of 'the little suv' is mainly geared to comfort. That is part of the brand, which is why Citroën is known. So if you are looking for a slightly tighter steering car, we advise you to look further, for example a Seat Arona or Volkswagen T-Cross.

When will the new Citroën C3 Aircross come and what will it cost?

The Citroën C3 Aircross can be ordered from 23,090 euros. For that money you get the most popular motorization - the turbo three-cylinder with 110 hp - in the basic equipment level Live. Do you necessarily want a C3 Aircross filled to the brim with options, then you will lose 27,850 euros for the top version, called Shine.

The 110 hp petrol engine comes with a six-speed manual transmission. You only get an automatic transmission on the C3 Aircross Puretech 130 (from 29,500 euros) and the C3 Aircross BlueHDi 120 (from 33,630 euros). Because yes, Citroën still supplies diesels. The aforementioned BlueHDi 120, but also the BlueHDi 100 (30,430 euros).

What do I think of the renewed Citroën C3 Aircross?

Let me first say that I am not a fan of SUVs. If I had to shop at Citroën in the price range of the C3 Aircross, I would go for the regular C3 or the new C4. If you are in the market for a compact SUV, then the C3 Aircross is a distinctive, spacious and comfortable choice. His new 'assertive' and 'mature' appearance does not change that.