Citroen Aircross 2012 Review

Talk about leveraging one car platform, talk about 'theme and variations.' There are now three versions of the same car available here; Mitsubishi's ASX (donor vehicle), Peugeot's 4008 and now, Citroen's C4 Aircross.

They are same-under-the-skin small SUVs out of a Japanese Mitsu' factory but with different front and rear styling and different interiors though the latter two are nearly identical inside.

PRICE

ASX petrol wins on price and spec' particularly at the top end of the scale which is where the $36,990 ASX Aspire, $38,490 Peugeot 4008 Allure and $33,990 Citroen C4 Aircross Exclusive all play. Neither of the European brands offer a diesel donk.

The ASX leads with standard satnav that isn't in either of the "Europeans', Rockford Fosgate premium audio, five year warranty and a reverse camera (standard in the Pug). A new, restyled ASX is due soon offering even more kit to attract buyers its way.

BEAUTY CONTEST

But the Citroen wins the beauty contest brandishing a handsome face with a stylish rear end. It has more wow factor than the other two, particularly the current ASX which ain't pretty. This is the first SUV 4WD from Citroen and only two Aircross Exclusive models are available in 2WD and 4WD petrol with CVT auto.

KIT

Citroen has been a bit cunning with the spec' making leather upholstery ($2000) and other goodies like metallic paint, xenon headlights, glass roof and reversing camera optional. Tick these boxes and it will add thousands.

But it does get fairly generous kit including Bluetooth phone, striking 18-inch alloys, paddle shift, climate control, comprehensive trip computer, rain sensor, auto headlights and rear park sensors. Cruise control, a pollen filter and auto dim rear view mirror are also included. It's not a povvo pack that's for sure but leather would have been welcome.

POWERTRAIN

Aircross runs the same 2.0-litre petrol four out of Mitsubishi Lancer/ASX with 110kW/197Nm output. It has variable valve timing and is capable of returning  8.1-litres/100km on 95 octane. European Aircross has a 1.6 turbo four with more torque lower in the rev range that would probably make it a more responsive drive.

DRIVING

As it stands, the 2.0-litre needs to be treated robustly to get it going at a quickish rate and to overcome that 1450kg+ weight. Alternatively, you can use the paddle shift to flick it up and down through six "steps" that function as gears. It's reasonably quiet once you're up and running and the fuel use drops down quickly on cruise. We saw 7.1-litres/100km without really trying.

But CVT.... we're still not convinced and those slurring engine revs are fairly annoying. The ride is controlled and in the comfort spectrum apart from some harshenss from the low profile rubber. You can push it a tad through corners but the limits are clearly defined. Besides, Aircross isn't intended as a sporty vehicle.

It will, in 4WD variant, go some way off road thanks to selectable 2WD (front), 4WD and 4WD lock mode. That's all you need for mud, snow, sand and gravel driving. It seats five in relative comfort and has a decent load space expandable with 60/40 rear seats. The safety rating is five star.

VERDICT

Interesting one. The Citroen looks the part but options jack up the price and there's the Citroen name that's off-putting for some people (dunno why). When it all comes out in the wash, a new Australian distributor due soon might get the price right making this car a much more attractive proposition.

Citroen Aircross

Price: from $31,990
Warranty: 3 years/100,000km
Safety: n/a
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 110kW/197Nm
Transmission: 6-speed CVT, front wheel drive
Thirst: 7.9 / 100Km, 185 CO2 Emissions
Dimensions: 4341mm (L); 1799mm (W); 1625 (H)
Weight: 1395kg
Spare: space saver