By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
In early August, Citroën launched its new compact SUV, the C3 Aircross, in the streets of Jozi. As someone always on the lookout for a good deal, I was impressed by this budget-friendly family car, designed to be a practical runaround while also capable of longer trips. Launch events can sometimes feel a bit staged, so it’s always helpful to spend more time with the car to assess it without the added fanfare.
Two months later, the Citroën C3 Aircross arrived in my driveway, ready to be my
family’s transport for a week. Impressing teenagers, who usually care more about loud exhausts and top speed, isn’t easy, but I was pleasantly surprised by their excitement over this compact SUV.
They loved its stylish exterior and how compact it is while still offering the feel of a larger car. Although the dark interior can seem a bit compressed, the higher roof provided enough space for my family of four, ensuring it didn’t feel claustrophobic.
Since it arrived during the short school break, I couldn’t test it on my usual daily
commute. Instead, it handled short trips to the local shops and quick meetings – nothing out of the ordinary. I was still impressed by how easy it was to drive, with a solid, stylish steering wheel that offered great control. The seats were comfortable and adjustable, adding to the overall experience. However, by day three, on closer inspection – perhaps even nit-picking – I found the interior layout and cloth upholstery felt a bit basic, revealing where costs had been cut.
The drive
Before returning the C3 Aircross, we planned a spontaneous day trip to Maropeng in the Cradle of Humankind. The 60 km drive was a perfect chance to spend more time with the car before it moved on to its next test driver. Pairing our phones to the infotainment system was quick and easy, and soon we were off to xplore the origins of humanity.
The route included some of Gauteng’s favourite roads for car launches, with scenic
twists, turns, and open stretches. Apart from a slight lag at take-off and some engine noise at higher speeds, the drive was smooth and enjoyable. Conversations flowed, and excitement built, especially since it had been over a decade since our last visit to Maropeng.
Maropeng
After an hour’s drive, we arrived at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, excited to delve into the origins of humanity. I couldn’t help but feel guilty for taking over a decade to revisit a site practically on my doorstep, where tickets cost just R125 per person. Still, I was glad I finally made the effort—thanks to the Citroën C3 Aircross for the drive and the memories.
Inside the dome-shaped structure, we were transported into a world of science and
history, with ancient bones and skulls on display. The site offers more than just history lessons, appealing to all visitors with interactive features. For example, the boat ride through the caves simulates different seasons, snow, storms, and heat, creating an immersive experience. There were also fun guessing games about extinct animals, like the Dodo, which kept the younger ones engaged.
We spent about two hours xploring, completely absorbed in the experience. Afterwards, we relaxed on the lawns, taking in the stunning mountain views and appreciating Gauteng’s natural beauty beyond its urban landscape. After some ice cream and unsuccessfully answering thought-provoking questions about humanity’s future, we headed home in our trusty C3 Aircross, ending a memorable day.
Verdict
After a week with the Citroën C3 Aircross, my initial impressions remained unchanged. It’s a small car with a big personality, handling urban commutes effortlessly. If I had taken it on a longer trip outside the province, its spacious boot would have easily held our luggage, and I’m confident the experience would have been just as enjoyable as our drive to the Cradle of Humankind. On the way back, everyone slept peacefully while I enjoyed the drive in quiet solitude – a great compliment to the car’s comfort and performance.
PRICING:
C3 Aircross MAX 1.2T 6AT R344,900
C3 Aircross MAX 1.2T 6AT 7-seater R354,900
