Citroen Aircross gets renamed, updated with new features and variants
Citroen Aircross updated with new features and comes with a starting price of Rs. 8.49 lakhs (ex-showroom). You can have a look at the complete pricing below. The compact SUV, previously known as the C3 Aircross, has undergone a significant name and pricing revision, marking a new strategy by the French automaker in an attempt to capture a larger share of India’s competitive compact SUV market.
Aggressive Pricing Strategy
Citroen’s decision to rename the vehicle to simply Aircross comes with a notable price drop. The base variant of the Aircross is priced Rs. 1.5 lakhs lower than the previous C3 Aircross, making it more affordable than most of its rivals. This price cut has been achieved by offering the SUV with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated Puretech petrol engine, which is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. For a limited period, this aggressive pricing positions the Aircross as a competitive option in the compact SUV segment.
It’s worth noting that the Rs. 8.49 lakhs price point is for the 5-seater variant, with a 5+2 seating configuration available as an optional extra.
Powertrain and Feature Updates
In terms of powertrains, the new Aircross now comes with the option of a 1.2-litre NA petrol engine that was missing in the C3 Aircross. This engine variant has helped Citroen bring down the entry price. Additionally, the SUV continues to offer the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox options.
Trim Levels and Safety
The Aircross is available in three trim levels: You, Plus and Max. The 1.2-litre NA petrol engine is available in the lower trims, while the turbo petrol variants start at Rs. 11.95 lakhs (ex-showroom). For buyers looking to upgrade from the 1.2-litre NA Plus variant to the 1.2-litre Turbo Plus, the price difference is close to Rs. 2 lakhs, with an additional Rs. 35,000 required for the 5+2 seating configuration.
In terms of safety, the Aircross is equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Feature Enhancements
The Aircross has also seen some upgrades in terms of features, aimed at improving its overall appeal. Headlights now come with LEDs housed inside projectors and the outside rearview mirrors are electrically foldable with integrated turn indicators. The previously front quarter panel-mounted indicators have been relocated to the ORVMs for a more refined look.
Inside the cabin, Citroen has added automatic climate control and rear passengers benefit from floor-mounted AC vents for better airflow. A front armrest is now included for added comfort and the power window switches have been repositioned to the door pads, which many users had highlighted as a more ergonomic location.
Citroen’s Vision
Shishir Mishra, Brand Head at Citroën India, commented on the launch, saying, “The Aircross SUV has been loved for its ride quality and comfort by customers since its launch. We wanted to build on that success by establishing its unique identity and hence we are excited to launch the new Aircross. The updated Aircross perfectly embodies our philosophy of offering advanced comfort, safety, and technology in a dynamic and practical package.”
With the rebranded Aircross and a more competitive price point, Citroen aims to make a stronger impact in India’s compact SUV segment. By introducing a more affordable entry-level variant with the 1.2L NA engine and offering various feature upgrades, Citroen hopes to attract a wider range of buyers while maintaining its reputation for comfort and ride quality.
The question now is whether the changes will be enough to boost Citroen’s sales in a crowded and highly competitive market.
