The French automotive brand Citroen has just launched the Aircross X in India, positioning it as an affordable yet feature-rich SUV starting at just Rs 8.29 lakh ex-showroom. With its unique design philosophy, advanced comfort technologies, and competitive pricing, the Aircross X aims to disrupt the mid-size SUV segment dominated by established players like Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. But does this French contender have what it takes to win over Indian hearts and wallets? Let's dive deep into every aspect of the new Citroen Aircross X to help you make an informed decision.
The Indian SUV market has witnessed unprecedented growth over the past few years, with buyers increasingly gravitating towards vehicles that offer versatility, comfort, and value for money. Enter the Citroen Aircross X, a mid-size SUV that promises to challenge conventional thinking about what an affordable SUV should offer. Priced competitively and packed with features typically found in more expensive segments, the Aircross X represents Citroen's serious commitment to the Indian market.
Performance and Handling: French Engineering Meets Indian Roads
The Citroen Aircross X comes powered by two engine options, both based on the proven 1.2-litre three-cylinder architecture that has served Citroen well across global markets. The naturally aspirated variant produces a modest 82 PS of power and 115 Nm of torque, while the turbocharged PureTech 110 engine delivers a more impressive 110 PS and 205 Nm of torque.
Real-World Performance Insights
During our extensive road testing, the turbocharged variant proved to be the more engaging option for Indian driving conditions. The engine delivers its peak torque between 1750-2500 RPM, making it particularly well-suited for city driving and highway overtaking. The naturally aspirated engine, while economical, feels underpowered when fully loaded with passengers.
What truly sets the Aircross X apart is Citroen's legendary suspension tuning, often referred to as the "Flying Carpet Effect." The MacPherson strut front suspension combined with a rear twist beam setup has been specifically calibrated for Indian road conditions. This results in exceptional ride comfort that absorbs potholes and road irregularities with remarkable composure.
The steering system uses electric power assistance, providing adequate feedback for city driving while remaining light enough for parking maneuvers. The 200mm ground clearance ensures that the Aircross X can tackle Indian roads with confidence, whether navigating urban obstacles or rural terrain.
Engine Specifications: Technical Deep Dive
Understanding the technical specifications is crucial for potential buyers, especially those comparing the Aircross X with competitors. The engine lineup reflects Citroen's global strategy of downsizing without compromising performance.
| Specification | PureTech 82 (NA) | PureTech 110 (Turbo) |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1199 cc | 1199 cc |
| Cylinders/Valves | 3 Cylinder, 12 Valve | 3 Cylinder, 12 Valve |
| Max Power | 82 PS @ 5750 RPM | 110 PS @ 5500 RPM |
| Max Torque | 115 Nm @ 3750 RPM | 205 Nm @ 1750-2500 RPM |
| Transmission Options | 5-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 | BS6 Phase 2 |
The turbocharged engine represents the sweet spot in the lineup, offering a good balance of performance and efficiency. The wide torque band makes it particularly suitable for Indian traffic conditions, where frequent stop-and-go driving is common. The availability of both manual and automatic transmissions with the turbo engine adds to its appeal for different types of buyers.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency: Real-World Economics
Fuel efficiency remains a critical factor for Indian buyers, and the Aircross X delivers competitive figures across its engine range. The naturally aspirated engine claims an ARAI-certified mileage of 17.5 kmpl, while the turbocharged manual variant achieves 18.5 kmpl. The automatic transmission variant delivers 17.6 kmpl.
Real-World Mileage Analysis
Based on our comprehensive testing across city, highway, and mixed driving conditions:
- City Driving: 12-14 kmpl (turbo manual), 11-13 kmpl (turbo automatic)
- Highway Driving: 16-18 kmpl (turbo manual), 15-17 kmpl (turbo automatic)
- Mixed Driving: 14-16 kmpl (turbo manual), 13-15 kmpl (turbo automatic)
The 45-litre fuel tank provides adequate range for long-distance travel, with the efficient turbo engine enabling highway ranges of over 700 kilometers on a full tank. The fuel efficiency figures are competitive within the segment, though not class-leading when compared to some diesel alternatives from competitors.
Interior and Comfort: Where Citroen Shines
Step inside the Aircross X, and you're immediately greeted by Citroen's emphasis on comfort and practical design. The interior showcases the brand's "Advanced Comfort" philosophy, with careful attention paid to ergonomics, material quality, and space optimization.
The dashboard design is distinctly European, featuring clean lines and logical control placement. The new Aircross X variants feature soft-touch leatherette wrapping on the instrument panel and door bolsters, significantly enhancing the premium feel compared to the standard model. The deep brown interior theme creates a sophisticated ambiance that rivals more expensive SUVs.
Seating and Space Configuration
One of the Aircross X's standout features is its innovative 5+2 Flexi-Pro seating arrangement, making it India's first mid-size SUV to offer such versatility. The system provides seven different seating configurations:
- Full House Mode: All seven seats up for maximum passenger capacity
- Celebration Mode: Optimized for family gatherings and group travel
- Outdoor Mode: Balances passenger space with cargo capacity
- Camper Mode: Third row folded for camping gear storage
- Ultra Space Mode: Maximum cargo space with third row removed
The 2671mm wheelbase ensures generous legroom for passengers, while the 1669mm height provides adequate headroom even for taller occupants. The front seats offer manual height adjustment and good lateral support, though long-distance comfort could be improved with additional cushioning.
Technology and Features: Modern Conveniences
The Aircross X embraces modern connectivity and convenience features, headlined by the new 10.25-inch bezel-less touchscreen infotainment system. This represents a significant upgrade over the standard model and provides a more premium user experience.
MyCitroen Connect: 40+ Smart Features
The advanced connected car technology includes:
- Remote engine start/stop with pre-conditioning
- Geo-fencing and vehicle tracking
- Real-time vehicle diagnostics
- Fuel status monitoring
- Emergency SOS alerts
- Usage-based insurance integration
The 7-inch digital instrument cluster offers customization options with two color themes and displays essential driving information including TPMS, eco-indicator, and trip computer data. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity ensures seamless smartphone integration without cable clutter.
Additional convenience features include automatic climate control with rear AC vents, wireless charging pad, multiple USB charging points including fast chargers for rear passengers, and ambient lighting that enhances the cabin atmosphere during evening drives.
CARA AI Integration
The Aircross X introduces CARA AI, Citroen's multilingual artificial intelligence assistant that can understand and respond in multiple Indian languages. This feature enhances the user experience by providing voice-controlled access to various vehicle functions and information services.
Safety Ratings: Five-Star Protection
Safety represents one of the Aircross X's strongest selling points, having achieved a five-star BNCAP (Bharat New Car Assessment Programme) rating for adult occupant protection and four stars for child occupant protection. This achievement places it among the safest vehicles in its price segment.
| Safety Feature | Availability | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 6 Airbags (Standard) | Front, side, and curtain airbags |
| ABS with EBD | Standard | Electronic brake-force distribution |
| ESP | Standard | Electronic Stability Program |
| Hill Hold Assist | Standard | Prevents rollback on inclines |
| TPMS | Standard | Tire pressure monitoring system |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Standard | With reverse camera on higher variants |
| 360-Degree Camera | Optional (Rs 25,000) | Satellite view technology |
The high-strength steel body structure provides excellent crash protection, while the comprehensive airbag system ensures occupant safety in various collision scenarios. ISOFIX child seat mounts are standard across all variants, demonstrating Citroen's commitment to family safety.
Price and Variants: Value Proposition Analysis
The Citroen Aircross X pricing strategy reflects the brand's intention to offer premium features at accessible price points. The range starts from Rs 8.29 lakh for the base 'You' variant and extends to Rs 13.49 lakh for the top-spec MAX AT 7-seater variant.
Citroen Aircross X Price Range
Starting Price: Rs 8.29 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
Top Variant: Rs 13.49 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
| Variant | Engine | Transmission | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| You (5-seater) | 1.2L NA | 5MT | Rs 8.29 Lakh |
| X Plus (5-seater) | 1.2L Turbo | 6MT | Rs 9.77 Lakh |
| X Plus (7-seater) | 1.2L Turbo | 6MT | Rs 11.37 Lakh |
| X Max (7-seater MT) | 1.2L Turbo | 6MT | Rs 12.34 Lakh |
| X Max (7-seater AT) | 1.2L Turbo | 6AT | Rs 13.49 Lakh |
When compared to direct competitors like the Hyundai Creta (starting at Rs 10.73 lakh) and Kia Seltos (starting at Rs 10.79 lakh), the Aircross X offers significant price advantages while matching or exceeding many features. The value proposition becomes even more compelling when considering the comprehensive safety package and advanced comfort technologies included as standard equipment.
Competitive Comparison: How Does It Stack Up?
The mid-size SUV segment in India is highly competitive, with established players offering proven products. The Aircross X's challenge lies in convincing buyers to consider a relatively new brand over established alternatives.
Aircross X vs Hyundai Creta
The Creta offers a larger 1.5-litre engine with more power (115 PS vs 110 PS in turbo Aircross), but the French SUV counters with better torque delivery and superior ride quality. The Aircross X's pricing advantage of over Rs 2 lakh for comparable variants makes it attractive for budget-conscious buyers seeking premium features.
Aircross X vs Kia Seltos
The Seltos provides more engine options including diesel variants, but the Aircross X's unique selling proposition lies in its comfort-focused engineering and innovative seating configurations. The 5+2 seating layout gives the French SUV a distinct advantage for large families.
Strengths
- Excellent value for money proposition
- Superior ride comfort and suspension tuning
- Five-star BNCAP safety rating
- Innovative 5+2 seating configuration
- Comprehensive connected car features
- Premium interior materials and design
- Strong warranty and service support
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Take:
The Citroen Aircross X presents a compelling proposition for Indian buyers seeking a feature-rich, safe, and comfortable SUV at an attractive price point. Its unique combination of French engineering expertise, innovative seating solutions, and comprehensive safety equipment sets it apart from mainstream alternatives.
The SUV is particularly well-suited for buyers who prioritize ride comfort, safety, and value for money over outright performance or brand prestige. Families requiring versatile seating arrangements will find the 5+2 configuration especially appealing, while the extensive connected car features cater to tech-savvy users.
If you're considering the Citroen Aircross X, we recommend taking an extended test drive to experience the superior ride quality and innovative features firsthand. Visit your nearest La Maison Citroen showroom or book a test drive online through the official website.
Have you driven the Aircross X? Share your experience in the comments below and help fellow readers make informed decisions. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more comprehensive car reviews and buying guides!
The automotive landscape in India continues to evolve, with manufacturers increasingly focusing on safety, technology, and value propositions. The Citroen Aircross X exemplifies this trend, offering a European perspective on what an affordable SUV should provide. While it may not achieve the sales volumes of established rivals immediately, it certainly deserves serious consideration from discerning buyers who value substance over perception.
As Citroen continues to strengthen its presence in India, the Aircross X represents a significant step toward establishing the brand as a credible alternative to Korean and Japanese competitors. Its success will largely depend on how well Indian consumers embrace the French philosophy of comfort-first engineering and whether the brand can overcome traditional preferences for established names in this segment.
Disclaimer: All prices mentioned are ex-showroom and subject to change. Features and specifications may vary by variant and region. This review is based on available information and test drive experience at the time of publication. Readers are advised to verify current prices and specifications with authorized dealers before making purchase decisions. The author and publication are not responsible for any changes in pricing or specifications post-publication.
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