For this flamboyant French manufacturer, the C4 Aircross represents a first foray into the depths of the local crossover world, where mud and gravel sit easily alongside urban curb stones and potholes to cause less of a panic than with ordinary saloons and hatchbacks. Of course, in Europe it has previously offered the Mitsubishi Outlander-based C-Crosser, but that was a larger vehicle, and not for sale in South Africa
Collaboration with Mitsubishi
We all know that Citroën regularly comes up with something more than just a little bit different, but this time it goes further than quirky or elegant designs. The Aircross is actually a joint collaboration with Japanese manufacturer, Mitsubishi and the right-hand versions of the vehicle will be built in Japan. The styling is an undisputed success and upstages most, if not all, of the Citroën’s competitors. From the outside, the grille incorporates the double (helix-gear) chevron as well as LED running lights. The rear lamps also look rather good and the curves and creases are tastefully repeated over the full extent of bodywork to create a coherent package. From inside, the muscular bonnet creases give an impression of strength and the car actually feels quite large, although less so on the move. Space inside is very satisfactory, from the driver’s space to the rear seating with its ample legroom. Luggage space looks fine, too, but the spare wheel is a space saver that is limited to 80 km/h.
Coming to SA in June
The first two versions to arrive in South Africa in June this year, will be the 2,0-litre petrol with credentials of 110 kW/197 N.m and a combined fuel consumption cycle of 7,7 L/100 km from the five-speed manual or 7,9 L/100 km from the CVT version. The official model names will be Attraction, Seduction and Exclusive in ascending levels of luxury. The top-of-the-line Exclusive will have four-wheel drive whereas the others will all feature front-wheel drive powertrains.
Extensive standard features list
Some of the available features witnessed on the test cars included a panoramic glass roof, touch screen navigation that has dual screen functions for heating and ventilation displays and includes a 10 GB hard drive, leather or cloth upholstery, dual-zone climate control and gear-shift indicator.
The other version we got to drive, was the familiar PSA 2,0-litre turbodiesel developing 110 kW/300 N.m and with a claimed fuel consumption of 5,4 L/100 km using the six-speed manual gearbox. This was our favourite due to the torquey engine and more enjoyable manual shift with a neat, mechanical action.
Sluggish CVT model
The 2,0-litre petrol CVT was rather sluggish to get going, unless you fully plant your foot in order to get the revs up. There is a five-step option with paddle shifters to get the feeling of a conventional set of gear ratios but the torque converter still makes use of some slip which reduces urge. On the other hand, the four-wheel drive option will be useful for off-roading and uses a rotary switch to select front-wheel drive, auto or four-wheel drive lock. What happens in “auto” is that the rear wheels are given between two and 50 per cent of the torque and, in lock mode this increases to between 2 and 70 per cent.
Good ride comfort
On the two test routes around the picturesque wine region of Beaujolais, the ride appeared to be spot-on with perhaps a touch of under-damping noticed over speed bumps and sufficient anti-roll activity to allow for fairly quick cornering on the twisty passes, remembering that this is a mid-sized SUV that sits higher than your normal runabouts. The steering has gone electric to save energy and, although we prefer hydraulic assistance, the general feel and weighting was fine and the only time you could feel the difference was when making small wheel movements while stationary.
The C4 Aircross is not only related to the Mitsubishi ASX (read full road test here), but also Peugeot’s upcoming 4008, itself on the way to SA for a September debut. A driving impression of the 4008 will appear later this week. The trio battles the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage. It’s a tough segment, for sure, but one that has been lacking some French flair. Until now.
Specifications:
Model: Citroën C4 Aircross
Engine: 2,0 transverse four-cylinder petrol
Power: 110 kW at 6 000 r/min
Torque: 197 N.m at 4 200 r/min
0 to 100 (s): 9,3 (man) 10,2 (CVT) 9,9 (4×4 manual) 10,9 (4×4 CVT)
Top speed: 200/190/198/188 respectively
Fuel consumption (L/100 km)7,7/7,9/7,9/8,1 respectively
CO2: 181/185/186/192 respectively
Price: coming soon
