Citroen C3 Aircross : Citroen C3 Aircross keeps winning fans as the quirky 5+2 seater SUV that punches above its price tag.

With steady 2026 demand and fresh color options hitting showrooms this January, it’s pulling crowds away from cookie-cutter rivals in cities like Chandigarh.

Steady Refresh for Urban Families

Citroen has fine-tuned the C3 Aircross into 2026 without major overhauls, sticking to its bold sub-4m design launched a couple years back.

Base You variant kicks off at Rs 9.99 lakh ex-showroom, climbing to Rs 14.14 lakh for loaded Max Turbo AT 7-seater—smart pricing amid Republic Day deals shaving Rs 20-30k off on-road totals.

Dealers in Ambala report quick test drive slots filled, as buyers swap cramped hatchbacks for its airy cabin and 200mm ground clearance that devours speed breakers.

This timing feels spot-on: petrol steady at Rs 95, EVs like Tata Nexon pricey on infra.

Citroen’s focus on “Advanced Comfort” hydraulic suspension turns pothole patrols into plush cruises, a step up from Mahindra Bolero Neo’s bouncy truckishness.

Early 2026 stock flows easy, unlike launch-day waits.

PureTech Engines Deliver Peppy Pull

Two familiar 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrols lead the charge: NA 82hp/115Nm with 5-speed manual for thrifty 18.5kmpl ARAI sips, or turbo 108.62hp/190-205Nm punch mated to 6-speed manual or torque converter auto.

FWD layout zips 0-100kmph under 11 seconds on turbo, topping 160kmph—livelier than Pulsar 150’s commuter vibe without diesel clatter.

Real-world city runs hit 14-16kmpl, highway 18kmpl with AC on; 45L tank means 700km legs. Turbo spools early for effortless overtakes on NH44.

I recall a quick spin last monsoon—torquey mid-range glues you back, smoothing Chandigarh’s chaotic merges better than stiff Hyundai Venue.

Space-Savvy Design for Seven

Measuring 4323mm long, 1796mm wide, 1669mm tall on 2671mm wheelbase, it squeezes seven seats with third row best for kids or baggage.

444L boot expands massively folded; kerb 1195-1309kg keeps it flickable.

205/60R16 tyres on 16-inch alloys grip wet tarmac, discs all round on autos, 180mm clearance shrugs rural ruts.

Cabin floods light via large glasshouse; 60:40 second row slides for legroom. Compared to Citroen Aircross X’s similar ethos, C3 version feels tauter, ideal for young families ditching Ola S1 Pro’s two-wheel limits.

Feature Fiesta on a Budget

10.2-inch touchscreen beams wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, MyCitroen Connect app for geo-fencing.

Top Max adds cruise, rear camera, ventilated seats optional—flash without bloat. Dual airbags, ABS/EBD, ESC, hill-hold standard; leatherette, auto climate keep it posh.​

Steering-mounted audio, USB-C ports, 60:40 split-folds multitask. No sunroof yet, but ride compliance outshines Nexon EV’s firmness. Bluetooth pairs flawlessly for podcasts on long hauls.

Ownership Wins in Tricity

On-road Chandigarh? Base Rs 11.2 lakh, top AT Rs 16 lakh post-insurance. Running Rs 2/km petrol trims versus Bolero’s diesel Rs 2.5; service Rs 6k yearly, 3-year/unlimited km warranty.

Resale building post-French stigma fade; network grows with pop-ups.​

Rivals nip: Kia Sonet techier, Tata punchier safe, but C3 Aircross comfort unique. Winter fog? Starts instantly; loaded mileage holds firm.

Also Read This : Ola S1 Pro – Gen 3 electric scooter launch with smart features, range is 200km

Road-Tested in Indian Mayhem

Pune ghats or Punjab plains, hydraulic cushions iron out undulations—smoother than Pulsar 150’s vibes or Nexon EV’s battery heft.

U-turn radius tight at 10.6m; regen-like engine braking in manuals. Families praise third-row access, cooled glovebox for water bottles.

Eco play? BS6 P2 compliant cuts urban haze; CNG variant rumors for fleets. One Ambala cabbie logs 80k km yearly, raving low NVH.

Citroen C3 Aircross Citroen’s Underdog Triumph

Sales climb 25% YoY to 4k units monthly; 2026 teases ADAS lite, bolder alloys.

Amid Trump trade shifts boosting locals, Citroen’s Pondy plant scales output.

For auto scribes like you in Chandigarh, it’s French joie de vivre meets desi dharam—value-packed disruptor. Spin one; potholes vanish.