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Citroën C4 SUV Crossover Test Drive
Most car reviews describe the C4 Aircross as being bold and bemusing. Yet, the French car maker summarised it as an "intense and optimistic" concept.
So, we wanted to find out whether this subcompact crossover sport utility vehicle is as "outlandish" as they claim, and is it good enough to buy.
When was Citroën C4 Aircross Released?
In fact, the first unveiling of the C4 SUV model occurred at the Geneva Motor Show in 2012.
But, they had already made the decision not to sell them in the United Kingdom or in Ireland.
Even so, sales of the Citroën C4 Aircross began across most of Europe and continued until April 2017.
Its successor, a compact crossover SUV called the Citroën C5 Aircross, later became the flag bearer for the Chinese market.
After road testing the Aircross C4, it was hard not to compare attributes and size with the Citroën C4 Cactus 4x4 version.
Why?
They both measure almost the same size as the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the BMW X3. The twin grilles and fierce squinting headlights also seem to create an aggression rarely seen in Citroen 4x4 and SUV models.
A closer inspection revealed the Mini-esque floating roof and the silver-trimmed rear windows. Not to mention the lovable tiny wing mirror design feature.
Citroën C4 Aircross SUV Specifications
They deployed their "Airbump" bubble-wrap technology as with the C4 Cactus SUV range. But what about driving and handling capabilities?
Propulsion comes from a four-wheel-drive hybrid car system. The popular option is a 218bhp 1.6-litre petrol turbo twinned with a 95bhp electric motor.
They claim it can operate the rear axle on its own for a 31-mile electric-only range. The resulting statistics may be a little too improbable for the real world.
Citroen C4 Aircross 2.0i 4x4
- Drive Wheel: All wheel drive 4x4
- Ride Height: 168 mm
- Power: 154 hp/6000 rpm
- Maximum Speed: 198 km/h
- Engine Displacement: 1998 cc
- Kerb Weight: 1430 kg
- Acceleration: 0 - 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds
- CO2 Emissions: 186 g/km
- Fuel Consumption (economy) Combined: 7.9 l/100 km
There's a new brand of "Alloy Bumps" fitted down low. They help to absorb the heave-ho of green lane off-roading if that "floats your boat" (byway open to all traffic) and yes... pun intended!
Citroen C4 Aircross Interior and Trim
Citroen say they designed the C4 Aircross to boost "physical and mental well-being". It's also meant to pick up on the sofa spirit of the C4 Cactus SUV.
So, what about the physical side of the C4 Aircross interior trim level? The most noticeable characteristic has to be the "king-size" seats.
Here's the thing:
They are bold with an intense white and orange colour scheme. In addition, huge panoramic HD screens beam out a plethora of bright colours.
Pro Tip: This UK Citroen C4 Aircross review attempts to be neutral in its findings. Even so, it's difficult to see how some of the features will contribute to your mental wellness.
Citroen C4 Aircross Audio Spatialisation
All four seats come equipped with microphones and speakers. This advanced technology creates "sound bubbles" inside the vehicle.
In other words, you will be able to communicate via easy chat to selected passengers... or you might choose to ignore them all.
Of course the official wording from Citroen is a little less flippant. They say "each passenger can choose who they want to speak to while respecting the relaxation of their fellow travellers".
Rating the Citroen C4 Aircross SUV
The Citroen C4 Aircross SUV rivals the Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Kuga. It carries the trademark styling most of which comes from the larger C-Crosser SUV.
Whereas, it's also fair to point out that the majority of the mechanical makeup of the C4 Aircross is based on the Mitsubishi ASX.
Plus Points
Large seats and spacious interior cabin- Platform based on the Mitsubishi ASX
- Stylish with appealing design lines
Minus Points
- Small boot space for a long soft roader
- Expensive in comparison to other SUV available
- Some may dislike the chintzy cabin quality
Citroën C4 Aircross Price Range (OTR*): £37,990 - £41,990