Given that Citroën already sells a C4 Aircross, nothing would make more sense than naming the younger sibling just by lowering the number. The problem is, C3 Aircross is already in use, representing an off-road variation created in Brazil for the minivan C3 Picasso. “C3-XR” looks less inspired at first, but it may be an attempt to relate the novelty to the recently-unveiled DS 6WR. After all, they were both projected in China and will go on sale starting there. The difference, however, is that only the bigger brother is expected to reach other countries later. This is part of PSA’s plan to reduce its financial losses by optimizing the vehicle lineup: selling C3-XR along with 2008 would only divide their potential buyers, rather than duplicate them. This is what happens with Berlingo and Partner, for instance.
Speaking about the vehicle, Citroën did an interesting job. If you think it looks too discreet, the reason is this vehicle cannot fail. Since PSA is currently dropping any slow-selling product, it is only releasing others when their potential is really good. So what these pictures are showing you is a vehicle made to please as many people as possible. The style features a toned-down version of the company’s current design language, and focuses on strong creases so as to look imponent – using polygonal shapes for like lights, windows and air intakes converges to that. Besides, those who did not like 2008’s “roof bump” above the rear doors are likely to prefer C3-XR’s solution: the window frame is connected to the roof rack, creating a similar effect in a more conventional – and discreet – way.
The interior is a clear expression of what Citroën has done in the past few years: its cars became simpler, in order to reduce the competition with Peugeot and make room for DS, but not to the point of a low-cost brand, like Dacia or Datsun. The equipment list might be the same (there is no official information about it yet), but 2008’s will conquer those who cannot resist trendy design. This car is not exactly a surprise because its first appearance was made as a pre-prodution concept, during the Beijing Auto Show. Citroën only made the typical changes for mass production, like tweaking the bumpers, but included a decision that is hard to understand: compare the respective exhaust pipes. Was it really that expensive to take one of them to the left, as the bumper’s design clearly begs to?
On the plus side, 2008 drivers will envy the Chinese when the hoods are opened. Even though it is supposed to be a cost-efficient crossover, underpinned by PSA’s small platform, C3-XR will only use the ubiquitous THP engine. In other words, a turbocharged, four-cylinder 1.6L propeller that reaches 160 hp. Citroën will equip it with a six-speed automatic transmission and start/stop system, in order to improve consumption and emissions ratings. The internal equipments should follow this standard, including the infotainment central whose touchscreen takes most of the central console. Citroën C3-XR was officially exposed during this year’s Chengdu Auto Show, and should go on sale in a few months.