Citroen Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater

Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, right? We all look for that perfect balance. Is it budget-friendly? How safe is it for our family? Will monthly maintenance burn a hole in our pocket? What about the latest features we all desire? And, crucially, how good is the company’s service network? These are the questions that keep us awake, and rightly so. In a bustling market full of choices, a new challenger has arrived, promising to tick many of these boxes: the new Citroen Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater.

Citroen, with its unique French flair, has been steadily making its mark in the Indian automotive scene. With the Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater, they are aiming squarely at the heart of the family SUV segment. Let's dive deep into what this exciting 7-seater SUV brings to the table and see if it could be your next dream car.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Citroen Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater comes with a peppy and efficient engine designed for Indian driving conditions.

• Engine Type: 1.2-litre Turbo PureTech Petrol Engine
• Displacement: 1199 cc
• Max Power: Around 110 PS (approx 81 kW)
• Max Torque: Around 190 Nm
• Transmission: Available with both 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic (Torque Converter) options.

This turbo petrol engine is known for its smooth power delivery and decent fuel economy, making it suitable for both city commutes and highway cruising in your new Citroen Aircross.

Design Overview

The Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater boasts a distinctive design that stands out from the crowd.

Exterior

• Bold SUV Stance: It has a muscular and robust road presence, typical of a modern SUV.
• Signature Citroen Styling: Features like the split headlamp design and the double-chevron grille are unmistakably Citroen.
• LED Lighting: Modern LED DRLs and tail lamps add to its premium appeal.
• Roof Rails & Alloy Wheels: Functional roof rails and stylish alloy wheels enhance its SUV character.

Interior

• Spacious Cabin: Designed for comfort, especially for a 7-seater SUV, offering good legroom and headroom in the first two rows.
• Practical Layout: The dashboard has a clean, uncluttered design with easy-to-reach controls.
• Comfortable Seating: Seats are well-cushioned for long journeys, and the third row is best suited for children or for shorter trips.
• Quality Materials: Good quality plastics and fabric upholstery give a pleasant feel to the cabin.

Key Features

The Aircross X Turbo Plus variant is expected to be loaded with features to enhance your driving experience and comfort, making it a strong contender for the best 7 seater SUV.

• Infotainment Screen: A large 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
• Air Conditioning: Automatic climate control for consistent cabin temperature. Rear AC vents ensure comfort for second and third-row passengers.
• Convenience: Power windows, electrically adjustable ORVMs, steering-mounted controls.
• Charging: Wireless charging pad for smartphones.
• Advanced Camera: A 360-degree camera system for easier parking and maneuvering in tight spots.
• Sunroof: While a panoramic sunroof might not be available, a standard electric sunroof is expected in this top-end variant.

What is the Ground Clearance of Citroen Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater?

A crucial factor for Indian roads, the Citroen Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater offers an impressive ground clearance of around 200 mm. This means you can confidently tackle uneven roads and speed breakers without worrying about scraping the underbelly, making it a practical SUV India choice.

What is the Boot Space of Citroen Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater?

When all three rows are in use, the boot space is limited, around 44 litres. However, with the third row folded down, it expands significantly to a generous 444 litres, providing ample room for luggage for a family trip. This flexibility is key for a 7 seater SUV.

What are the Dimensions of Citroen Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater?

• Length: Approximately 4323 mm
• Width: Approximately 1796 mm
• Height: Approximately 1669 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2671 mm

These dimensions contribute to its spacious interior and stable road presence.

Powertrain Options

The Citroen Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater is offered with a single, powerful 1.2-litre Turbo PureTech Petrol engine. This engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual gearbox for those who enjoy precise control, or a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission for relaxed city driving and highway cruises. There is no diesel engine option available.

Safety Features

Citroen prioritizes safety, and the Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater comes equipped with a suite of safety features.

• Airbags: Dual front airbags are standard, with higher variants expected to offer more airbags.
• Braking System: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Helps maintain vehicle stability in tricky situations.
• Hill Hold Assist: Prevents rollback on inclines.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Keeps you informed about tire health.
• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera: Aids in safe parking.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a prime concern for Indian car buyers. The Citroen C3 Aircross, which forms the base for this new variant, underwent Global NCAP testing.

While the Global NCAP rating for the C3 Aircross is 2 stars, Citroen is continuously working on enhancing safety. It's important to note that the Aircross X Turbo Plus builds on this platform, and prospective buyers should consider the overall safety package offered.

Rivals of Citroen Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater

The new Citroen Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater steps into a highly competitive segment. Its main rivals in the Indian market include:

• Hyundai Creta (5-seater, but price overlap)
• Kia Seltos (5-seater, but price overlap)
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (5-seater, but price overlap)
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (5-seater, but price overlap)
• MG Hector Plus (7-seater direct rival)
• Mahindra Scorpio-N (7-seater, more rugged)
• Tata Safari (7-seater, premium offering)
• Kia Carens (MPV, but 7-seater alternative)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Citroen Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater to help you make an informed decision on this SUV India contender.

Pros

• Spacious & Comfortable: Offers excellent space, especially in the first two rows, and a comfortable ride quality, ideal for long journeys with family.
• Unique French Design: Stands out from the crowd with its distinctive and appealing exterior styling.
• Strong Turbo Petrol Engine: The 1.2-litre turbo engine delivers good performance for both city and highway driving.
• High Ground Clearance: Its 200 mm ground clearance is perfect for navigating diverse Indian road conditions.
• Feature-Rich: The Turbo Plus variant comes packed with modern features like a large touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and a 360-degree camera.
• Flexible Seating: The 7-seater configuration adds versatility, allowing you to carry more passengers or fold down seats for extra boot space.

Cons

• Third-Row Space: The third row is best suited for children or for short distances for adults.
• Limited Service Network: Citroen's service network is still growing in India compared to established players.
• NCAP Rating: The Global NCAP rating of 2 stars for the C3 Aircross might be a concern for some safety-conscious buyers.
• No Diesel Option: Absence of a diesel engine might deter some buyers looking for better fuel efficiency or long-distance torque.
• Brand Perception: As a relatively newer brand in India, building trust and resale value might take time.

Conclusion

The new Citroen Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater presents a compelling package for Indian families looking for a distinctive, spacious, and feature-packed SUV. It brings a fresh perspective to the 7-seater SUV segment with its unique design, comfortable ride, and practical features. While the growing service network and the NCAP rating might be points to consider, its strong engine, high ground clearance, and spacious interior make it a worthy contender. If you’re in the market for a family car that stands out and offers a comfortable journey, the Aircross X Turbo Plus 7 Seater deserves a serious look. We highly recommend you head to your nearest Citroen dealership for a test drive to experience its charm firsthand and see if this French SUV fits perfectly into your lifestyle. It could very well be the best 7 seater SUV for your family in India.