Citroen are planning to launch a new one C3 supermini in 2023 and soon a brand new product C3 Aircross. Both cars will share the e-CMP platform from parent company Stellanis, allowing fully electrified.
The C3 Aircross launched in 2017 and received a mid-life update in 2021. However, the PF1 architecture that underpins the C3 Aircross launch doesn’t allow for electrification, so the model is based on The new CMP will offer a much broader range of appeal with the EV Powertrain.
Laurence Hanse, Citroen’s head of product strategy, spoke to us about the future of the French automaker’s small SUV. “If the question is ‘are we going to refresh our B-segment cars in Citroen because they’re not electric?’, the answer is yes and yes and yes.” He also added, ” And if the question is when, it will be soon.”
The C3 supermini will also be renewed with a new model and it could launch around 2023 – the C3 Aircross will follow that, so we expect to see it launch late next year.
The new e-CMP platform will lead to the C3 Aircross’s all-electric offerings, in terms of battery size, we will almost certainly see a 50kWh unit shared with Peugeot e-2008 and Vauxhall Mokka-e. This means 206 mile range and 134bhp should be on the card. We hope it is also named e-C3 Aircross, following the current naming style e-C4.
There will still be internal combustion engine variants of the C3 Aircross. They will be made up of the three-cylinder 1.2-litre Puretech petrol units seen in Stellantis Group models.
Inside the C3 Aircross, we can see an improvement of the interior design seen in current models. We expected a softer, more rounded approach to Peugeot’s i-Cockpit, although technology like the 10-inch center display and digital display could be upgraded from its Stellantis siblings. of the vehicle.
The design on the C3 Aircross will probably imitate the new C5 Aircross and our exclusive render shows what we can expect. Citroen’s head of design, Pierre Leclercq, spoke to us about the ‘triangle’ of the C5 Aircross design with an explanation of that car’s headlights and chrome details. “For me, in terms of the front architecture, the logo, the chrome slats, the triangle line at the corner, all of this goes a step further,” he said.
Leclercq also said Citroen will avoid the temptation to move into the high-end market. “I am happy to be working for a brand that is not aimed at high-end. This is a popular brand and one that I love.”
Prices are expected to drop rivals from Vauxhall and Peugeot, reaffirming Citroen’s position as a more budget-friendly brand. With this in mind, expect prices to kick in around £30,000.
