Funky 2025 Citroen C3 Aircross SUV and C3 hatch revealed in Europe but hybrid Kia Picanto and Toyota Corolla Cross rivals not likely for Australian release any time soon

The revamped Citroen C3 range has been fully revealed, with the electric halo version now flanked by a hybrid hatch and rugged Aircross SUV variant. 

Outside the EV’s petrol-free propulsion, the rest of the C3 range uses a revised version of Citroen's (and Peugeot’s) 82kW 1.2-litre three-cylinder ‘Puretech’ petrol powertrain with a hybrid version available. 

Sadly for Francophiles, Citroen Australia did not provide a positive indication on whether either the Kia Picanto-rivalling C3 hatch or C3 Aircross Toyota Corolla Cross foe were likely for Australian release.

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That’s a shame, because Citroen’s vertical, boxy design language is a fresh take on the compact SUV and hatch, both of which have become increasingly coupe-themed of late.

Instead, Australia will continue with Citroen’s now superseded third-gen C3 hatch, with the C3 Aircross discontinued locally. 

The new hatch was initially launched as a pure EV with an 82kW motor, 44kWh LFP battery for a reasonable 320km WLTP driving range. It shares Stellantis’ latest iteration of the CMP ‘Smart Car’ platform with next generation versions of the Fiat Panda and Opel Frontera. 

The underpinnings also support combustion engines, hence the new-gen combustion-engined C3 in Europe. It will use a three-cylinder petrol engine with option 4V hybrid model that scores a 21kW electric motor integrated into a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

The little C3 hatchback uses petrol or hybrid power.

A total combined power figure is not confirmed, though total torque is reportedly 205Nm. Citroen claims that the C3 hatch will be able to cover 50 per cent of city journeys in electric mode.

Citroen’s quirky upright styling is backed up by hydraulic bump stops with a comfort-oriented ride and ‘Advanced Comfort Seats’, that Citroen says have 10mm more foam padding for a “feeling of softness and comfort”.

It’s 100mm taller, sure, but at only 19mm longer than the car it replaces, Citroen's new C3 promises excellent 20mm increases in rear seat legroom and 31mm in headroom. 

The C3 Aircross would compete with compact SUVs such as the Toyota Corolla Cross.

A 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen and slim dash-mounted digital dashboard is shared with its Aircross SUV companion that is 390mm longer. Citroen is boldly offering the C3 Aircross with up to seven seats with the third row simply folding away into the boot floor. 

Like the C3 hatch, Citroen promises hybridisation for the Aircross, though exactly what powertrain is unconfirmed. Gives its much larger size than the C3 hatch, it’s likely to be a more potent plugless configuration. An all-electric C3 Aircross will be offered, too. 

Further details of the Aricross will be revealed mid-year, and local importer Inchcape is not ready to announce any plans to bring either the C3 hatch or C3 Aircross to Australia yet.