Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? We all want the perfect blend of budget-friendliness, top-notch safety, low monthly maintenance, the latest features, and reliable company service. It's like finding a needle in a haystack, but fear not, because today we are taking a deep dive into an exciting new contender in the Indian SUV market: the Citroen Aircross X Plus. Is this the family SUV you have been waiting for? Let's find out.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Citroen Aircross X Plus is powered by a peppy and efficient engine designed for both city commutes and highway cruises.

• Engine Type: 1.2-litre PureTech Turbo Petrol
• Maximum Power: 110 PS (approx.)
• Maximum Torque: 190 Nm (approx.)
• Cylinders: 3

Design Overview

Citroen is known for its unique and distinctive design language, and the Aircross X Plus certainly stands out from the crowd.

Exterior Design

The Aircross X Plus boasts a bold and muscular SUV stance that commands attention. It carries forward Citroen's signature split headlamp design, with sleek LED DRLs at the top and main headlamps integrated lower down. The strong character lines, prominent grille, and chunky cladding give it a rugged appeal, while stylish alloy wheels (depending on the variant) add to its premium look. It is truly a head-turner with its contemporary French styling.

Interior Design

Step inside, and you are greeted by a cabin that prioritises comfort and practicality. The interior follows a clean, minimalist design philosophy with a focus on ergonomics. Dual-tone finishes, high-quality fabric or leatherette upholstery (in higher trims like X Plus), and well-cushioned seats ensure a comfortable experience for all occupants. The layout is user-friendly, with controls easily accessible, making every drive pleasant.

Key Features

The Aircross X Plus is packed with features to enhance your driving experience and comfort.

• Infotainment Screen: Large 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Smartphone Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Sunroof: Panoramic sunroof (a much-awaited feature for the Indian market, expected in the X Plus variant)
• Camera System: 360-degree camera for easy parking and maneuvering
• Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless phone charging pad
• Climate Control: Automatic climate control for optimal cabin temperature
• Digital Cluster: Digital instrument cluster providing all essential driving information
• Rear AC Vents: Essential for rear passenger comfort in India
• Connectivity: Citroen Connect connected car technology

What is the Ground Clearance of Citroen Aircross X Plus

The Citroen Aircross X Plus offers an impressive ground clearance of approximately 200 mm. This means you can confidently tackle rough Indian roads and speed breakers without worry.

What is the Boot Space of Citroen Aircross X Plus

For the 5-seater configuration, the Aircross X Plus provides a generous boot space of approximately 444 litres. In the 5+2 seater version, with the third row folded down, you get ample space for your luggage, making it ideal for family trips.

What are the Dimensions of Citroen Aircross X Plus

• Length: Approximately 4323 mm
• Width: Approximately 1796 mm
• Height: Approximately 1669 mm
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2671 mm

Powertrain Options

Currently, the Citroen Aircross X Plus comes with one robust engine option, but with versatile transmission choices:

• 1.2-litre PureTech Turbo Petrol engine paired with a 6-speed Manual Transmission
• 1.2-litre PureTech Turbo Petrol engine paired with an Automatic Transmission (torque converter)

Safety Features

Safety is paramount, and the Aircross X Plus includes a decent set of features, though some might wish for more airbags in this segment.

• Dual Front Airbags (driver and passenger)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Hold Assist (HHA)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Reverse Parking Camera
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding car safety is crucial for Indian buyers. Here is what we know about the Citroen Aircross X Plus's NCAP rating.

Rivals of Citroen Aircross X Plus

The Citroen Aircross X Plus enters a highly competitive segment, locking horns with established players.

• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun
• MG Astor
• Honda Elevate

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Let us break down the advantages and disadvantages of the Citroen Aircross X Plus to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Excellent Ride Comfort: Citroen's suspension tuning is fantastic, offering a plush and comfortable ride over varied road surfaces, a major plus for Indian conditions.
• Spacious Cabin: The interior is quite roomy, especially in the second row, making it comfortable for long journeys. The 5+2 seating option adds versatility for larger families.
• Peppy Turbo Petrol Engine: The 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine offers good performance and is enjoyable to drive, both in the city and on highways.
• Unique Styling: It truly stands out with its distinctive French design, moving away from the generic SUV look.
• High Ground Clearance: 200 mm of ground clearance ensures you can confidently tackle bad roads.
• Feature Rich X Plus Variant: The X Plus variant promises premium features like a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging, enhancing the overall ownership experience.

Cons

• Limited Airbags: Only dual airbags are standard across variants, which might be a concern for some buyers in a segment where rivals offer 6 airbags or more.
• Fit and Finish: While generally good, some interior plastics could feel a bit basic compared to more premium rivals.
• Service Network: Citroen's service and sales network is still growing in India, which might be a concern for potential buyers in tier 2/3 cities.
• NCAP Rating Pending: The absence of a dedicated NCAP safety rating makes it harder for safety-conscious buyers to compare directly with rated rivals.

Conclusion

The Citroen Aircross X Plus certainly makes a strong case for itself in the crowded Indian SUV market. It offers a compelling package with its unique design, comfortable ride, practical and spacious interiors, and the potent turbo petrol engine. The introduction of premium features like a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera in the X Plus variant further sweetens the deal for those seeking a modern family SUV. While safety ratings are still awaited and the service network is expanding, the Aircross X Plus could be an excellent choice for buyers looking for something different, prioritising comfort and versatility, and who appreciate distinctive European styling. If you are in the market for a new SUV that stands out and offers a great family experience, the Citroen Aircross X Plus is definitely worth a test drive. It brings that unique French flair combined with practicality designed for Indian roads.