BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe

While the world enjoys the finest in athletics in Paris, many of us admire the best of the French lifestyle from afar. Although Johannesburg may not be as bustling as Paris or attract as many tourists, we got to experience a slice of the French lifestyle on our streets, thanks to the recently launched Citroën C3 Aircross SUV.

Citroën brought the compact SUV to our streets just in time for the Olympics, adding some style and flair to our part of the world. We gathered at Monte Casino’s Pivot Hotel on a Tuesday morning, experiencing a touch of ‘Parisian lifestyle’ with its cobbled streets and charming decor. The lavish continental breakfast set the perfect tone for the day. The star of the event, the Citroën C3 Aircross SUV, made a grande entrée.

First impressions 

While the new model is built in India to keep costs down, it remains true to its French roots with plenty of stylish appeal. Despite its compact and cute exterior, it is quite roomy inside and even has an extra row of seats for larger families. The boot space is ample, enough for a family of five to pack for a weekend getaway or for a sporty couple’s golf clubs. However, if you choose the seven-seater, the boot space is reduced, leaving just enough room for two small overnight bags.

The interior

Trust the French to create a roomy and airy interior in a small car. That’s the first impression you get inside the C3 Aircross. The interior is dark but not gloomy, avoiding any cramped feeling. The steering wheel is the focal point, looking stylish and giving you complete control of the vehicle. The seats are comfortable and adjustable. It comes with the expected modern technology, making phone pairing simple for both Android and iOS. My co-driver and I connected our phones within minutes, familiarised ourselves with the car, and were ready to xplore parts of Gauteng. 

Safety is a key consideration. While it only has front airbags, it includes ABS, EBD, and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The turbocharged models also feature a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill-hold assist, rearview camera, and park distance control.

The drive

The route combined freeway, byways, and back routes, taking us through less familiar parts of Gauteng. We started on the N1, headed towards OR Tambo, then to Benoni and the outer areas of Ekurhuleni. We looped to Pretoria for a laid-back lunch before returning to Monte Casino. On the road, the C3 Aircross’ automatic gearbox was generally impressive. Acceleration was smooth when needed, with no signs of lag. It handled traffic effortlessly, weaving in and out with ease, but truly shined on the open road, delivering an impeccable drive.

At the end of the day, we were impressed by this small car that offers much more. While the price is a major selling point, Citroen is also aiming to attract customers with more value for money. For example, if parts are not available within 48 hours, they commit to providing motorists with a rental car while sourcing the necessary parts. Additionally, the C3 Aircross is a solid car with an attractive entry price. It will be interesting to see if its unique charm or the je ne sais quoi will appeal to customers.

PRICING:

C3 Aircross MAX 1.2T 6AT                    R344,900

C3 Aircross MAX 1.2T 6AT 7-seater    R354,900