Citroen Aircross

The 2025 Citroen Aircross in India is primarily powered by a single engine option, designed to offer a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

The engine is a 1.2-litre turbocharged PureTech petrol unit. This 3-cylinder engine produces 109 bhp (110 PS) of power at 5500 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm when paired with the 6-speed manual transmission. For the 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, the torque output is slightly higher at 205 Nm, available between 1750-2500 rpm.

The Aircross is a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle. The 6-speed manual transmission offers a smooth and engaging driving experience, while the 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, sourced from Aisin, provides a convenient and refined option for city driving. The engine is generally refined for a three-cylinder unit, with good low-end performance and linear power delivery. It can easily handle city commutes and maintain triple-digit speeds on highways. Claimed mileage figures are around 17.6 kmpl for the automatic and 18.5 kmpl for the manual variants, making it a fuel-efficient option in its class.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Citroen Aircross is engineered to deliver an exceptional ride quality, which is often highlighted as one of its strongest attributes. Citroen has a reputation for comfortable suspensions, and the Aircross lives up to this, being well-tuned for Indian road conditions.

The SUV features a MacPherson Strut suspension with coil springs at the front and a rear twist beam with coil springs at the rear. This setup provides a supple and compliant ride, effectively absorbing bumps, potholes, and uneven surfaces, giving occupants a "flying carpet" like feel. The suspension feels a tad bit soft, which contributes significantly to its comfort over rough patches.

The electric power steering is light and easy to operate, making city driving and parking maneuvers effortless. While not designed for aggressive cornering, the Aircross maintains good stability at higher speeds, and body roll is kept in check for a vehicle of its size. The overall driving experience is pleasant and confidence-inspiring, making it a comfortable family commuter for both urban and highway journeys.

The interior of the 2025 Citroen Aircross focuses on providing a spacious, comfortable, and practical cabin, designed to accommodate Indian families. It offers flexible seating configurations, available in both 5-seater and 7-seater layouts.

The dashboard design is fairly modern and practical, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system prominently in the center. A 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster provides essential driving information. While the overall material quality and finishes are functional, they might not match the premium feel of some direct rivals.

Comfort is a strong point, with well-cushioned seats that offer decent support. The 7-seater variant includes roof-mounted AC vents for the second and third rows, which is a crucial feature for comfort in India's climate, though the 5-seater variants miss out on rear AC vents. The second row in the 7-seater version can be quite versatile, and the third row, while best suited for children or short distances, adds significant practicality. The cabin offers good storage spaces, including large door pockets that can hold 1-litre bottles. Other features include steering-mounted controls, manual AC, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and a Tyre Pressure Warning System. Boot space is practical at 444 litres in the 5-seater configuration, and the third row in the 7-seater can be removed to expand cargo capacity.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Citroen Aircross is a key highlight, aiming to provide essential connectivity and entertainment features in a user-friendly package.

The central element is a responsive 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is integrated into the dashboard. This system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and communication. The interface is generally intuitive and easy to navigate.

Complementing the central touchscreen is a 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster for the driver. This display offers various modes and themes, providing clear and customizable driving information. The audio experience is delivered through a 6-speaker sound system. While the system covers the basics well, it lacks some advanced features found in higher-segment vehicles. However, the inclusion of wireless smartphone connectivity is a significant convenience feature for modern users.

The exterior design of the 2025 Citroen Aircross is characterized by its bold, quirky, and distinctive French styling, which helps it stand out in the crowded compact SUV segment. It carries forward Citroen's signature design cues, emphasizing a robust and adventurous stance.

Key exterior features include a two-part front grille design with integrated Citroen chevrons, giving it a unique face. The headlamp setup, though largely halogen in lower variants, contributes to its strong visual identity. The SUV features prominent body cladding, roof rails, and a high ground clearance of 200 mm, underscoring its SUV credentials. The side profile is functional with large windows and doors, while the rear stands out with C-shaped taillamps and textured detailing. The Aircross rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, which further enhance its muscular appearance. Dual-tone roof options are available, adding to its stylish appeal. Its dimensions are approximately 4323 mm in length, 1796 mm in width, and 1669 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2671 mm.

Safety in the 2025 Citroen Aircross is equipped with essential active and passive safety features to ensure occupant protection. The vehicle typically comes with 6 airbags, strategically placed to protect occupants. Standard safety equipment includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Hill Hold Control. Other features such as a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and child seat anchor points (ISOFIX) are also available. Parking sensors are provided for the rear, aiding in maneuvering. While the Aircross covers fundamental safety aspects, it's worth noting that it has not been tested by an NCAP body yet, and it may lack some of the more advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) found in higher-segment vehicles or some competitors.

The 2025 Citroen Aircross operates in the highly competitive compact SUV segment in India, facing off against a strong lineup of established players. Its primary competitors include the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, both of which are popular choices offering a wide range of features, engine options, and strong brand presence. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder also pose significant competition with their hybrid powertrain options and spacious interiors. Other rivals include the Honda Elevate, known for its practicality and Honda's reliability, and the MG Astor, which offers a feature-rich cabin and ADAS technology. The Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq, built on the MQB A0 IN platform, also compete with their strong turbocharged petrol engines and robust build quality. The Citroen Aircross aims to differentiate itself with its unique design, focus on ride comfort, and versatile 5- and 7-seater configurations, offering a distinct alternative in this crowded market.

The 2025 Citroen Aircross is a compelling proposition in the Indian compact SUV market, particularly for buyers who prioritize comfort, practicality, and a distinctive design. Its well-tuned suspension delivers an exceptionally smooth ride, making it ideal for navigating varied road conditions. The flexible 5- and 7-seater configurations, coupled with a spacious cabin, enhance its appeal as a family-friendly vehicle.

While it might not lead the segment in terms of cutting-edge features or raw performance figures compared to some rivals, the Aircross offers a balanced package with its refined turbo-petrol engine, user-friendly infotainment, and essential safety features. Its unique French styling ensures it stands out from the crowd. For those seeking a comfortable, practical, and uniquely styled SUV that offers good value for money, the 2025 Citroen Aircross is a worthy contender that delivers on its promise of a comfortable and versatile ownership experience.