Currently reading: Geneva motor show 2012: Citroen C4 Aircross

The new Citroen C4 Aircross has received its first public airing at the Geneva motor show today

The new Citroen C4 Aircross has received its first public airing at the Geneva motor show today, ahead of the compact SUV’s market launch in the autumn.

The new C4 Aircross takes some styling cues from Citroën’s Hypnos concept car first seen in 2008, particularly the design of the 18-inch wheels and rear lights.

See pictures of Citroën's Geneva line-up

The five-seat C4 Aircross is 4340mm long, 1800mm wide and 1630mm high. Key features include a panoramic glass sunroof that is illuminated by integrated LED lights at night and a boot volume of 442 litres.

The range will feature 2WD-only 1.6i, 114bhp petrol engine, plus 1.6, 110bhp and 1.8, 150bhp diesels. The diesels – the French marque’s 110Hdi and 150Hdi units – will be mated to a manual six-speed gearbox, while the petrol car will get a five-speed ‘box. A two-litre petrol variant will not be made available in European markets. The 110Hdi will be offered as a two or four-wheel drive car.

The Citroën C4 Aircross boasts vertically integrated LEDs at the front, indicator repeaters in the door mirrors, light guides in the rear light clusters and an integrated rearview reversing camera. Equipment includes GPS navigation with touch-screen, reversing camera and USB or Bluetooth connection for portable audio players.

On display at Geneva is an exclusive version of C4 Aircross with all-new Vapor Gray frosted-texture paint. The roof bars, door mirrors and door handles are all chrome-finished to match the new colour, while the two-tone diamond-effect wheel rims sport the same Vapor Gray tone as the interior. Citroen UK has yet to decide which versions will be offered for sale here.

The C4 Aircross will be the main attraction of a packed Citroën display that also includes the newly restyled C1 and Berlingo Multispace and a production version of the C3 Red Block. Also on show will be the complete DS line, including the DS4 Racing concept and new special editions – DS4 and DS5 Paris Rendez-Vous and DS3 Racing S. Loeb.

Citroën DS4 and DS5 Paris Rendez-Vous

The Citroën DS4 and DS5 Paris Rendez-Vous versions feature pearlescent white paint, chrome-finished door mirrors, chrome trim and black diamond-effect 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the club leather interior is finished with the DS line’s signature ‘watchstrap’ design in a warm brown colour with striking blue overstitching.

The leather upholstery is of a quality generally reserved for made to measure products. The club leather finish on the dashboard of the DS4 Paris Rendez-Vous is available in the same brown colour to match the seat upholstery.

Citroën DS3 Racing S. Loeb

The DS3 Racing S. Loeb, a signed and numbered series of just 200 examples based on DS3 Racing. The model is fitted with Citroën’s MyWay navigation system and features a distinctive use of colours and materials. The body is cloaked in a unique matt black colour with a textured effect. Citroën is the first manufacturer to launch a car with this type of paint. The roof, door mirrors, grille, dashboard fascia and gearstick base all feature a contrasting shade of red. The new model also features special decals and sports a numbered identification plate on the roof lining.

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The Citroën C4 range comprises three diesel and three petrol engines, plus three trim levels

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Citroën C3 Red Block

Citroën is also displaying the production version of C3 Red Block, which was seen in concept form at Geneva last year. The C3 Red Block comes with more dynamic suspension settings – roughly 50 per cent more stiffness and nearly 25 per cent less roll – with the steering adapted to the new suspension settings for a more defined road feel. The body height has been lowered 25mm, ESP has been fitted as standard and it comes with 17-inch wheels and 205/40 tyres. C3 Red Block is available with three engines, VTi 120 petrol, e-HDi 90 diesel and e-HDi 100 diesel, mated to manual gearboxes.

Inside, C3 Red Block features a gloss black dashboard fascia, while the pedals and front door surrounds are finished in aluminium. The diameter of the steering wheel has been reduced by 20mm and special red leather seat upholstery is available as an option.

 

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sirwiggum 5 March 2012

Re: Geneva bow for Citroen C4 Aircross

Personally, I think I preferred Citroen when it made big pointy shaped floaty hatchbacks and saloons than compact SUVs.

Alas, it appears that I am of an old school mindset.

Flash Harry 28 February 2012

Re: Geneva bow for Citroen C4 Aircross

The Aircross is one of the best looking SUV in a long time.

Flash Harry 28 February 2012

Re: Geneva bow for Citroen C4 Aircross

It looks like Citroen are on a roll at the moment,if only the sales figures reflected that.It would seem to me that Citroen could be to PSA what Audi is to the VW group.