Highlights
- Easy to park
- Very well-equipped
- Affordable to buy and run
- Unique 'Rip Curl' branding
Introduction
Citroën has joined forces with the iconic Australian surfing brand Rip Curl to launch a special edition of the C3 Aircross.
The new Rip Curl model becomes the flagship of the C3 range and has a host of features to set it apart from the rest of the line-up.
But even if you’re not into surfing, this special edition has a lot to commend it as it’s based on the already well-equipped, top-of-the-range Shine Plus trim but adds a number of nice touches.
Equipment and Technology
The most obvious difference in the C3 Aircross Rip Curl model from the outside are the 17-inch black alloy wheels, which come shod with all-season tyres for added grip for the winter months.
Link that with the option to have Citroën’s Grip Control system on board, and snowy conditions should be a breeze.
On the inside, you get an opening panoramic sunroof with an electric blind, an upgraded hi-fi system and a head-up display, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to see what speed you're travelling at.
And being associated with the ocean there are blue flashes of colour on the seats, dashboard, centre console and air vents not to mention the bespoke blue Rip Curl floor mats and the blue exterior door mirrors.
Other comfort features that you soon take for granted are keyless entry and exit and keyless starting, not to mention a 9-inch touchscreen with Citroën’s 3D navigation system.
Engines and Performance
Power comes from a gutsy 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox, giving the car plenty of pulling power when you need it.
It might be a small engine, but it’s never really found wanting and gave reasonably frugal fuel consumption of well over 40mpg.
It feels a bit antiquated compared to the smooth auto boxes in its bigger brother, the C5 Aircross.
On the other hand, the action is good when you push the shift to the left and use it to change gear manually.
When it comes to parking, the C3 Aircross is superb thanks to a brilliantly small turning circle backed up by front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
Edward Stephens
It also comes with Citroën’s “Advanced Comfort” seats with their memory foam topping to make sure you travel in real comfort.
Practicality
The high stance and large windows in this car afford good all round visibility, and space inside is generous.
There’s sensible luggage room too, with 410 litres of space beneath the tailgate with the seats upright and a hefty 1,289 litres if you fold them down.
Usefully, the two-thirds/one third split rear seats can be slid backwards and forwards to either create more luggage room in the boot or give back seat passengers extra legroom.
Summary
All in all, the Citroën C3 Aircross is a fantastically practical model, offering an engaging driving experience and lots of comfort.
Combine the highly sought-after features of the C3 Aircross with the numerous equipment and driving assistance technology found in Rip Curl models, and you've got yourself a pretty decent all-rounder.
