Finding the perfect family car in India can feel like a quest. You are weighing so many factors: your budget, the safety features for your loved ones, the monthly maintenance costs, the latest tech features, and of course, the after-sales service provided by the company. It is a big decision, and you want to get it right. Well, what if there was a car that aimed to tick most of these boxes, offering a blend of European flair with Indian practicality? Enter the new Citroen Aircross X Turbo Max AT 7 Seater DT. This new offering from the French automaker is making waves, promising a compelling package for Indian families looking for space, comfort, and an automatic driving experience. Let us dive deep and see what this car brings to the table.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.2L PURETECH 110 Turbo Petrol
• Maximum Power: 110 PS (approximately 108 bhp) at 5500 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 205 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic Torque Converter (AT)
• Fuel Economy (ARAI claimed): Around 17.9 kmpl (for AT variant)

Design Overview

The Citroen Aircross stands out with its distinctive French design philosophy.

• Exterior: It sports a robust SUV stance with a prominent grille featuring Citroen's signature double-chevron logo. The split headlamp design with LED DRLs gives it a modern look. Muscular lines, roof rails, and chunky cladding complete the adventurous appeal. The dual-tone (DT) option adds to its visual flair.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a surprisingly spacious cabin designed for comfort. The minimalist dashboard layout is clutter-free. The highlight for families is the flexible 7-seater configuration, which is quite versatile for passengers or extra luggage. The seats are well-cushioned, aiming to offer a comfortable ride even on longer journeys.

Key Features

The Citroen Aircross X Turbo Max AT comes equipped with a practical set of features:

• Infotainment Screen: A large 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration
• Instrument Cluster: Fully digital instrument cluster
• Air Conditioning: Manual AC with dedicated roof-mounted blower for second and third rows (for 7-seater)
• Rear Parking: Reverse parking camera with sensors
• Comfort: Power-adjustable ORVMs, steering-mounted controls
• Note: The Citroen Aircross currently does not offer a sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging in India.

What is the Ground Clearance of Citroen Aircross X Turbo Max AT 7 Seater DT

• The Citroen Aircross boasts a substantial ground clearance of 200 mm, which is excellent for tackling Indian road conditions and minor off-road excursions with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Citroen Aircross X Turbo Max AT 7 Seater DT

• With 5-seater configuration: A generous 444 litres
• With 7-seater configuration (all three rows up): Significantly less, typically suitable for small bags or groceries. The third row can be removed for even more luggage space when not in use.

What are the Dimensions of Citroen Aircross X Turbo Max AT 7 Seater DT

• Length: 4323 mm
• Width: 1796 mm
• Height: 1665 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2671 mm

Powertrain Options

The Citroen Aircross for the Indian market comes with a single engine option, but with choices for transmission:

• 1.2L PureTech 110 Turbo Petrol engine paired with a 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
• 1.2L PureTech 110 Turbo Petrol engine paired with a 6-speed Automatic Torque Converter (AT) (The focus of our review today)

Safety Features

Safety is a priority, and the Citroen Aircross comes with essential features:

• Dual Front Airbags (driver and passenger)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Hold Assist
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• Reverse Parking Camera
• ISOFIX child seat mounts for outer second-row seats

NCAP Rating Table

For potential buyers, crash safety ratings are crucial.

Rivals of Citroen Aircross X Turbo Max AT 7 Seater DT

The Citroen Aircross 7-seater competes in a tough segment. Its main rivals include:

• Kia Carens
• Maruti Suzuki XL6
• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
• Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus
• Certain variants of compact SUVs like Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are also cross-shopped, though they are primarily 5-seaters.

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Pros (Advantages)

• Ride Comfort: Citroen cars are known for their magic carpet ride, and the Aircross is no exception. It handles bumps and potholes exceptionally well.
• Spacious Interior: The cabin feels airy, and the 7-seater configuration is genuinely practical for larger families or occasional extra passengers.
• Turbo Petrol Performance: The 1.2L turbo petrol engine offers good performance, especially for city driving and highway cruising, complemented by the smooth automatic transmission.
• Distinctive Design: Its unique styling helps it stand out from the crowd.
• High Ground Clearance: 200 mm of ground clearance is a boon for Indian roads.
• Value Proposition: Often positioned competitively on price, offering a lot of car for your money.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Lack of Premium Features: The absence of features like an automatic climate control, sunroof, wireless phone charging, or ADAS might be a deal-breaker for some.
• Interior Quality: While spacious, some hard plastics in the cabin might not feel as premium as some rivals.
• Only One Engine Option: No diesel engine option might deter some buyers who prefer diesel for long-distance travel.
• Service Network: Citroen's sales and service network is still growing in India, which could be a concern for buyers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
• No NCAP Rating: The lack of an official crash test rating can be a point of concern for safety-conscious buyers.

Conclusion

The Citroen Aircross X Turbo Max AT 7 Seater DT presents itself as a compelling option for Indian families looking for a practical, comfortable, and distinctive 7-seater automatic SUV. It shines with its class-leading ride comfort, spacious interior, and robust ground clearance. While it might miss out on some premium bells and whistles found in rivals, its core strengths lie in its practicality and ease of driving. If your priorities are a smooth automatic transmission, comfortable family commutes, ample space, and a car that stands apart, the Aircross certainly deserves a test drive. Evaluate your needs against its strengths and weaknesses to see if this French charmer is the right fit for your garage.