The Citroen C3 Aircross delivers on all fronts

I didn’t think any car would quite live up to my beloved Seat Ateca – I really did love that car.

I loved almost everything about it and was gutted when I had to return it. However, a new year brings a new car and I am delighted to report that whilst I do still hold dear the memories of the Seat Ateca there is a new kid on the block and it’s living up to its reputation as being one of the more affordable – yet good-to-drive – crossover options on the market today.

Citroen’s C3 Aircross delivers on pretty much all fronts. It’s nice to look at, it’s got plenty of space and legroom, it’s design and in-built technology are as good as the rest and the bright colours (mine’s a bright blue) just makes the car pop on the road. Last but not least, it’s a compact SUV meaning I still feel relatively high up in the car and thus feel important when driving around town – something important for one’s self esteem.

As I said, I really did love the Seat Ateca, but from the day I got behind the driver’s seat of the Aircross I knew that a new love affair was happening. In the front, the car felt light and airy and gave a feeling of spaciousness, even if the glove compartment was rather compact and the coffee cup holders aren’t anywhere near as deep as they need to be to stop a cup of boiling hot coffee spilling everywhere with each wheel turn.

It’s the space at the back of the car and in the boot that really suited me down to the ground, however. Let’s start with the back – I often am on babysitting duties on a weekend for both my sister’s children. That means I often have a ten-year-old, an eight-year-old and a fifteen-month-old baby in a car seat all in the back. As you might expect from a doting auntie, I have had them in many different cars over the years, but none of the vehicles came up trumps like the Aircross. There was plenty of room for all three of them, even with my baby niece Sienna in a rather bulky car none of them complained about being squashed or moaned about the dreaded middle seat!

For ultimate versatility I had the option of sliding rear seats and backrests that can reclined in one of four positions meaning you can trade up to 15cm of rear legroom for extra boot space and vice versa. This came particularly useful when again carting all three children around, with various buggies, car seats and bin liners full of overnight things that are allegedly “essential” for overnight stays at my house.

I also really liked the infotainment system. The radio’s ease-of-use left me overjoyed (and I mean overjoyed – quite frankly I was embarrassed by my reaction). When I discovered that you can use voice commands to call someone in your phone book I thought it would make my life easier. However, it often miss-heard my commands and would call the wrong person, which is more a nuisance than anything else and I quickly got over that one little fault with an otherwise near on perfect vehicle.

I highly recommend the Citroen C3 Aircross to anyone who wants to take the first step on the SUV ladder – I promise this car wont disappoint.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH:

As well as carting three children of varying ages around in as much comfort as possible when all in one vehicle, this car provided ample boot space that meant I didn’t have to stress around when trying to get things in and out of the car which (I’ve only just learnt) is a big thing when trying to look after and entertain three children at once!

Model: Citroen C3 Aircross
Price (as tested): £18,610
Engine: 1.2-litre engine
Power: 109bhp
Torque: 205Nm
Max speed: 114 mph
0-60mph: 11.8 seconds
MPG (combined):56.5
Emissions: 115g/km