The model will be launched around the end of the year and is part of the brand’s strategy in the region to present accessible models to expand participation. It joins the C3 hatch and another vehicle is expected by 2024 to complete the trilogy.
At a regional press event held in São Paulo, Citroën unveiled the new C3 Aircross, a seven-seater SUV that will be launched in Argentina in December. It is also the second model of the three that the C-Cubed project plans to relaunch the French brand in South America, and which plans to double market share by 2024.
The strategy began last year with the C3 and will have a third model next year. It also points to a repositioning of the brands under the Stellantis grid. Citroën, in this scenario, is heading to propose more accessible vehicles than its Peugeot brothers and with more groundbreaking designs than its Fiat cousins, and with a focus mainly on interior comfort. For example, thanks to the launch of the C3, one of the cheapest cars on the Argentine market, Citroën grew its sales by 21% during 2022. With these launches, the firm also aims for 30% of its global sales to be made outside of Europe by 2025.
Like the C3, the C3 Aircross was developed and is manufactured in Brazil, according to regional needs. Therefore, Stellantis in our country also requires a good level of exports of the national Peugeot 208 and Fiat Cronos to have the largest possible number of units of these models in dealers, according to the trade balance scheme imposed by the Government.
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“We have no doubt that the new Citroën C3 Aircross SUV will be another successful product from Stellantis in South America. It carries all our knowledge and respect for the consumers of the region. Our local structure is a unique differentiator that allows Stellantis to develop special and innovative products like this new SUV”, said Antonio Filosa, CEO of Stellantis in South America.
The presentation was made with pre-series units and no technical details were provided, such as motorization. Some specifications were known, such as that there will be versions with three rows of seats and seven seats. Thus, the C3 Aircross will fight in a segment today unguarded, where only the Chevrolet Spin is offered (and exclusively by savings plan). The rest of the seven-seater models are in higher segments (and with higher prices).
With a length of 4.33 m and a takeoff of 20 cm -in line with the features of an SUV-, the bodywork is two-tone. The large doors allow access to the rear seats in a practical way. The third row is rebutted 60/40. If these seats are not used, the trunk capacity can go up to 489 liters. Aesthetically, with similarities to the C5 Aircross, the led lights and surround headlights stand out.
Inside, the instrument panel is digital with a seven-inch screen, which is complemented by the ten-inch multimedia center with Android and Apple wireless interface. There are also up to five USB connectors.
The model will maintain the commitment to ride comfort, a brand promise, with smooth steering and a soft suspension system, to absorb the imperfections of the roads in the region. It includes a roof ventilation system to benefit the rear seats and good habitability, thanks to the 2.67 m wheelbase.
The rest of the details and configurations will be known at the time of the commercial launch.
Source: Ambito
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