Currently reading: Citroen C3 Aircross gets redesign, comfort and tech boost for 2021

Restyled front end, enhanced infotainment, more storage and new seats aim to give the Ford Puma rival a new lease of life

Citroën’s popular C3 Aircross has received a series of mid-life enhancements for 2021 in a bid to give the crossover a “more assertive design” while boosting comfort and tech levels. 

The bulk of the styling changes to the Nissan Juke rival appear at the front, where inspiration has apparently been taken from the firm’s Cxperience concept from 2016. New chrome chevron shapes extend out to restyled LED headlights and a new geometric-pattern grille, while a skid plate with coloured inserts also features. Citroën says it gives “greater structure with the impression of a higher-set bonnet”.

There’s also more extensive customisation available. Up to 70 possible exterior colour combinations are possible thanks to seven body colours (three new), four colour packs for the skid plate inserts, door mirror caps and quarter lights with new graphics, and three roof colours. A number of new wheel designs are also offered. 

98 Citroen c3 aircross my2021 official images tracking rear

Inside, this theme continues with the availability of three distinct ‘ambiences’ that alter the colour and materials used. The two most distinctive options (Metropolitan Graphite and Hype Grey) bring with them new chevron-style top stitching for the leather and leather-effect trim. 

The C3 Aircross becomes the latest Citroën to feature the firm’s Advanced Comfort seats. First offered on the C5 Aircross, they’re designed to improve the look and to feel more comfortable without affecting posture, with 15mm more foam and new structuring. There’s also more storage in a newly designed centre console, with a large storage space covered by a sliding shutter between the front seats. 

96 Citroen c3 aircross my2021 official images cabin

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Higher-spec versions now feature a larger, 9.0in touchscreen infotainment system that offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Wireless smartphone charging can also be specified. Twelve driver assistance systems or driving aids are offered - the same array found in the outgoing model. 

There are no significant changes to the C3 Aircross's engine range, which comprises 108bhp and 128bhp versions of the PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine and a 108bhp four-cylinder diesel. Pricing is yet to be announced, but the first deliveries are confirmed to start in June. 

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Phinehas 13 February 2021

Until their rumoured re-entry into the US market was scotched yesterday, I was convinced this was a PSA attempt to bring some Jeep-Ram styling to the car. I still can't unsee that. The C3AC has sold relatively well and to be honest, being as ugly as a box of frogs hasn't exactly held back the Juke. The underlying car here is still a good prospect.

Maxi Cooper 13 February 2021

Oh dear, another Citroen facelift that makes it look much worse. Im sure Citroen design in teams, giving half a dozen people a different part of the car to design , then sticking it all together! Their designs are rarely cohesive, like the new C4. What has happened to the company that gave us the original DS?...oh yeah it was designed by Bertoni, a sculptor!

The Apprentice 11 February 2021

Quite some time ago I sent the wife to the dealers to look at one as a possible buy, she accidentally got in C5 Aircross first and though this is very nice!  Then realised and got in the C3 Aircross, she was shocked at how cheap and nasty it felt, the armrest was a joke. Just because a smaller model is nearer half the price, it doesn't have to feel so cheap! Not all bad for Citroen, she would be quite happy to have the C5 Flair Plus she sat in, umm.. no sweety, the budget is 18K not 30K!