Driving Citroen’s new C3 Aircross an interesting small SUV that arrives during the French company’s Centenary Year. Just one C3 Aircross model priced at $32,990 this small five-door five seater brings a point of difference to the small SUV segment. And I guess Citroen for 100 years has brought its own very individual slant on motoring- in this case I found the new C3 Aircross appealing different with some very clever elements. Like the engine, a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder all-alloy design with direct injection and it works a treat with the six-speed auto – yes it needs dearer 95 RON fuel but it rewards with frugal economy. Such is the torquey nature of the three-cylinder that happily potters around town in higher gears to achieve its economy. Ride is typically Citroen – long travel and cosseting matched with great seats. Electric power steering is light off centre but just right for what is predominantly meant to be a city SUV – front drive only with the gear ratios well spaced. Features include an excellent instrument head up display, smartphone connectivity, a 7-inch colour touchscreen with in-built sat-nav, cruise control and 17-inch alloy wheels. And there’s very welcome wireless phone charging and power front seats. Disappointing is the lack of rear air vents but safety wise it does come with lane departure warning, driver attention alerts and blind-spot monitoring. In short this new Citroen C3 Aircross has enormous charm, and like the small Citroen C3 hatch on which is based it comes in some nice colour combinations – the test car in white with red roof and red highlighted wheels and body features really appealed. I’m David Berthon 

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