The Citroën C4 Aircross is the French manufacturer’s latest addition to its local line-up and also enters the brand into the growing compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) market.

Although there have been Citroën station wagons in South Africa before there has never been an SUV. The C4 Aircross, is a compact five-seater with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive, with three trim and equipment levels: Attraction, Seduction and Exclusive.

All models are powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, developing 113 kW of power and 198 Nm of peak torque. The Attraction and Seduction models are equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, while the Seduction and the range-topping Exclusive are available with a continuously variable transmission.

The on-demand 4WD system is available on the range topping Exclusive model. It senses wheel slip and adjusts the split of power between the front and rear wheels for maximum traction. The centre differential can be locked in tough conditions to provide a 50:50 split between drive to the front and rear wheels.

The design of the Aircross borrows from trends seen on the Hypnos concept car shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2008. One of these features is the inverted shark fin appearance of the C-pillar, which creates an illusion of a floating roof. The end of the “fin” contains a neat compass motif that signifies the Aircross as being a member of Citroën’s growing SUV family. The large tail light cluster assemblies also take their cue from the Hypnos concept car.

From the front, the wide chrome grille blends into Citroën’s chevron logo. The LED daytime running lights on the Seduction and Exclusive models are integrated vertically into aerodynamic vents and continue the Citroën family face as seen on the DS3 and C1 models. The rear windows are dark tinted to give a further touch of elegance. The Attraction and Seduction variants are fitted with 16” Flinders-style alloy wheels, while the Exclusive gets 18” Kanji-style wheels.

Inside, the C4 Aircross is equipped with satellite controls on the steering wheel for the audio system, as well as cruise control and Bluetooth hands free telephone operation. A multi-function on-board computer provides information regarding the current and average fuel consumption, range on remaining fuel, average speed and distance covered. Comfort and convenience features include manual air conditioning on the Attraction, with climate control in the other variants, together with automatic switching of the headlights and windscreen wipers, rear parking sensors. The glovebox is lit and chilled, while the front and rear armrests have two cup holders each. A 12V socket, USB port, auxiliary audio jack and streaming audio via Bluetooth are all included in the standard specification, while a panoramic sunroof is optional on the Seduction and Exclusive models. Luggage space is 385-litres, the rear seats can fold flat in a 60:40 split and their backrests have two angles of adjustment.

The C4 Aircross employs MacPherson strut type front suspension, with a coil-sprung multi-link system at the rear and has electrically-assisted power steering. Safety measures include a structural ‘survival cell’ surrounded by crumple zones – even the bonnet features a double bulge crumple zone to reduce the consequences of a pedestrian impact. Driver and front passenger airbags are standard across the range, while the other models benefit from side, curtain and a driver’s knee airbag. ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA) are standard on all models, while the Exclusive also get an electronic stability programme (ESP) with hill start assist.

Pricing includes a 3-year/100 000km warranty and a 5-year/100 000km service plan.

Source: Citroën South Africa