The Citroën C3 Aircross, a vehicle renowned for its segment-best ride comfort and unique 5+2 modular seating, has been rebranded and significantly updated as the Citroën Aircross X. This aggressive model refresh directly addresses the core complaints from Indian buyers: the lack of essential comfort and safety features.
The Aircross X enters the competitive mid-size SUV segment with a solid promise: blending French flair and peerless ride quality with modern technology, enhanced safety, and unmatched utility. With bookings officially open, the Aircross X is set to challenge segment leaders like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, not just on price, but on practicality and a newly feature-rich package.
This detailed post covers the confirmed upgrades, genuine technical data, and its standing in the segment.
Aircross X: Upgrades & Key Technical Data
The Aircross X is a variant of the C3 Aircross that integrates long-requested features and safety upgrades.
| Feature | Confirmation Status / Genuine Data | Significance |
| Official Name | Confirmed: Citroën Aircross X (New top-spec variant/rebranding of the C3 Aircross line) | Simplifies model lineup with the upcoming Basalt X (Coupe SUV). |
| Seating Capacity | Confirmed: 5-Seater and Unique 5+2 Seater Options | Segment Exclusive: The only SUV in the ₹10-15 Lakh segment to offer modular 7-seater utility. |
| Safety System | Confirmed: 6 Airbags (Standard), ABS with EBD, Hill Hold Assist, ESP, TPMS. | Major upgrade; the previous model had only 2 airbags. |
| AI Integration | Confirmed: Cara AI Assistant | New in-car smart assistant with multilingual voice commands and connected car features. |
| Key Convenience | Confirmed: Cruise Control, Push Button Start/Stop, Keyless Entry | Addresses the most critical feature deficits compared to rivals. |
| Engine (Turbo) | Confirmed: 1.2L PURETECH 110 Turbo Petrol | Power: 110 PS (approx.108.62 bhp) |
| Torque (AT) | Confirmed: 205 Nm (for the Automatic Transmission variant) | 15 Nm higher torque output than the manual variant, aiding drivability. |
| Transmission (Auto) | Confirmed: 6-Speed Torque Converter (TC) Automatic | A robust and smooth automatic gearbox, superior to cheaper AMTs. |
| Infotainment | Confirmed: 10.25-inch Touchscreen with Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. | Competitive screen size in the segment. |
| Safety Rating | Confirmed: 5-Star BNCAP Rating (Expected/Targeted for the updated model with 6 airbags). | Crucial validation to challenge segment leaders. |
Exterior & Interior Design Enhancements
The Aircross X largely retains the bold, high-riding stance and muscular design of the C3 Aircross but incorporates cosmetic and feel-good changes.
- Exterior Tweaks: Expect an updated grille design, the inclusion of LED fog lamps (or revised headlamp clusters), and new alloy wheel designs. The new ‘X’ badging and fresh paint options (like the Dark Green) provide a modern identity.
- A Cabin of Comfort: The primary focus is on sensory appeal and functionality:
- New Dashboard Finish: Soft-touch or leatherette inserts on the dashboard to enhance the premium feel.
- New Lighting: White or soft ambient lighting to improve night-time cabin ambiance.
- Features: Inclusion of Auto-dimming IRVM (Inside Rear View Mirror) and, crucially, Ventilated Front Seats (expected on top trims) to match key rivals.
- Cockpit: A new steering wheel design and a 7-inch Digital Instrument Cluster complement the large central touchscreen.
A Cabin of Comfort and Premium Touches
The most crucial area of upgrade in the Aircross X is the cabin, which has been fundamentally restyled to address premium feel and feature deficits. The focus is to deliver on Citroën’s ‘Advanced Comfort’ promise with a sensory upgrade that truly challenges the segment.
Design and Material Enhancements
- New Dashboard Finish: The dashboard now features a much-improved, premium feel with Soft-touch Leatherette inserts (similar to the new Basalt X), complemented by tasteful Gold Accents. This dramatically enhances the visual and tactile appeal.
- Premium Upholstery: The seats receive an upgrade to Leatherette Upholstery, providing a more luxurious and easy-to-clean surface compared to the previous fabric.
- Redesigned Elements: Expect a new steering wheel design and a redesigned gear lever to align with Citroën’s latest global cabin themes.
- Ambient Lighting: The inclusion of Ambient and Footwell Lighting provides a subtle, premium white glow, significantly improving night-time cabin ambiance.
Essential Comfort & Technology Infusion
The Aircross X introduces features that were non-negotiable for segment competitiveness:
| Feature | Description | Segment Significance |
| Ventilated Front Seats | Confirmed on top trims (“Max” variant) to offer enhanced comfort in hot Indian weather. | A key match for rivals like Creta and Seltos. |
| Cara AI Assistant | New in-car smart assistant with multilingual voice commands and connected car features. | A cutting-edge digital upgrade for the brand. |
| Infotainment Screen | Large 10.25-inch Touchscreen with Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. | Competitive screen size in the segment. |
| Driver Cockpit | A 7-inch Digital Instrument Cluster complementing the central touchscreen. | Fully digital and customisable display. |
| Convenience | Push Button Start/Stop, Keyless Entry, and Auto-dimming IRVM (Inside Rear View Mirror). | Addresses the most critical feature deficits. |
| 360-Degree Camera | Optional Add-on for the top Max variant, greatly aiding parking and manoeuvring. | A practical safety and convenience feature for tight spaces. |
Utility and Passenger Comfort
- 5+2 Seating: The unique modularity remains, with the second row offering comfortable recline and the third row being completely removable, converting the 7-seater into a massive 511 Litre boot 5-seater.
- Rear AC Vents: The 7-seater models continue to feature Roof-mounted AC vents with dedicated blower controls for the second and third rows, ensuring effective cooling for all passengers.
- Charging Ports: Multiple Type-C USB Ports are provided for all rows, ensuring connectivity for every passenger.
The Aircross X’s cabin is no longer just functional and spacious; it is now feature-rich, technologically advanced, and dressed with premium materials, making it a compelling place to spend time.
The Engine Proposition: Torque Converter Advantage
The Aircross X continues with the PURETECH 110 Turbo Petrol engine, which is the core of its performance strategy.
| Powertrain | Displacement | Power (PS) | Torque (Nm) | Transmission | USP |
| Turbo Petrol MT | 1,199 cc (3-cylinder) | 110 PS | 190 Nm | 6-speed Manual | Best-in-class mileage for Turbo-Petrol MT (18.5 kmpl) |
| Turbo Petrol AT | 1,199 cc (3-cylinder) | 110 PS | 205 Nm | 6-speed Torque Converter | Smooth, reliable automatic gearbox with extra torque. |
| NA Petrol MT (Base) | 1,199 cc (3-cylinder) | 82 PS | 115 Nm | 5-speed Manual | Entry-level affordability. |
Performance Insight: While the displacement is smaller than the 1.5L engines of Creta/Seltos, the Aisin-sourced 6-speed Torque Converter transmission is a huge plus. It provides a smoother, more durable automatic experience than the AMT gearboxes found in some sub-compact rivals and is well-tuned to exploit the engine’s 20 Nm of low-end torque.
Aircross X vs. Mid-Size Segment Rivals
The Aircross X maintains a unique position, challenging the lower end of the mid-size segment (Creta/Seltos) and the upper end of the compact segment (Sonet/Nexon).
| Feature | Citroën Aircross X (7-Seater) | Hyundai Creta / Kia Seltos (Top Spec) | Tata Nexon / Mahindra XUV 3XO (Top Spec) |
| Seating Capacity | 5/7 Seater (Modular & Removable 3rd Row) | 5 Seater Only | 5 Seater Only (Sub-4m) |
| Airbags | 6 Airbags (Confirmed) | 6 Airbags (Standard/Optional) | 6 Airbags (Standard/Optional) |
| Unique Tech/Comfort | Cara AI Assistant, Cruise Control, Ventilated Seats (Expected) | ADAS Level 2, Panoramic Sunroof, Ventilated Seats | Panoramic Sunroof (XUV 3XO), Ventilated Seats |
| Engine Size (Top) | 1.2L Turbo Petrol (110 PS) | 1.5L NA Petrol / 1.5L Turbo Petrol (115 – 160 PS) | 1.2L Turbo Petrol (120 – 130 PS) |
| AT Type | 6-speed Torque Converter (TC) | IVT, DCT (Creta/Seltos) | AMT, DCT (Nexon/XUV 3XO) |
| Ride Quality USP | Segment-leading Comfort and Suspension Tuning | Balanced but firm (Sportier) | Good over broken roads (Plush) |
| Expected Price (Ex-showroom, Top AT) | ₹13.5 Lakh – ₹14.5 Lakh | ₹17.0 Lakh – ₹20.0 Lakh | ₹13.0 Lakh – ₹15.5 Lakh |
Competitive Edge:
- 7-Seater Utility: The Aircross X is the most affordable 7-seater SUV in India today, providing utility unmatched by any rival in its price bracket (or the segments above).
- Ride Comfort: Its unique suspension setup makes it the top choice for buyers frequently driving on poor road surfaces.
- Safety Parity: The upgrade to 6 Airbags and the expected 5-star BNCAP rating now puts it on an equal footing with safety leaders.
Pricing and Availability
The Citroën Aircross X was launched in India on October 3, 2025.
Bookings for the vehicle were opened earlier, around September 16, 2025.
Here are the exact ex-showroom prices (as of the launch date) for the Citroën Aircross X variants:
| Variant Name | Configuration | Transmission | Ex-Showroom Price (INR) |
| Aircross You | 5-Seater | Manual (NA Petrol) | ₹8.29 Lakh |
| Aircross X Plus | 5-Seater | Manual (NA Petrol) | ₹9.77 Lakh |
| Aircross X Plus Turbo | 7-Seater | Manual (Turbo Petrol) | ₹11.37 Lakh |
| Aircross X Max Turbo | 7-Seater | Manual (Turbo Petrol) | ₹12.35 Lakh |
| Aircross X Max Turbo Dual Tone | 7-Seater | Manual (Turbo Petrol) | ₹12.55 Lakh |
| Aircross X Max Turbo AT | 7-Seater | Automatic (Turbo Petrol) | ₹13.49 Lakh |
| Aircross X Max Turbo AT Dual Tone | 7-Seater | Automatic (Turbo Petrol) | ₹13.69 Lakh |
Note:
- NA Petrol refers to the 1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated petrol engine.
- Turbo Petrol refers to the 1.2-litre Turbo-Petrol engine.
- Prices for the Max variants do not include optional extras like the 360-degree camera (approx. ₹25,000 extra) or Dual-Tone roof (approx. ₹20,000 extra, unless already part of the Dual Tone variant).
- Aircross You and Aircross X Plus 5-seater variants use the lower power (82 PS) Naturally Aspirated engine, while the other variants use the higher power (110 PS) Turbo-Petrol engine.
Author Insights
The Aircross X is a well-engineered course correction. Citroën fixed the crucial feature and safety gaps while smartly retaining its unique 7-seater utility and class-defining comfort. The focus shifts from “missing features” to “practical value,” making it a rational choice for the discerning family buyer.
FAQs
u003cstrongu003eQ1. Is the Citroën Aircross X a new car?u003c/strongu003e
No, it is the officially updated and repositioned version of the Citroën C3 Aircross, incorporating major feature and safety upgrades.
Q2. Does the Aircross X get a sunroof?
No. A single-pane or panoramic sunroof is not offered on the Aircross X.
u003cstrongu003eQ3. Does the Aircross X have a diesel engine option?u003c/strongu003e
No, it is a Petrol-Only model, powered by the 1.2L PURETECH 110 Turbo engine.
Q4. What is Cara AI?
Cara AI is Citroën’s new smart in-car assistant, providing connected car functions, voice commands, and vehicle information.
Q5. Can the 7-seater version be converted to a 5-seater?
Yes. The third-row seats are removable, allowing the owner to convert the vehicle into a 5-seater with a massive boot capacity of over 511 Litres.
The Aircross X should see a significant, albeit moderate, boost in festive season sales, moving from niche player (approx. 50-100 monthly units) to a consistent 500-800 unit performer. The 5-star BNCAP and new features eliminate key purchase barriers; success depends now on effective dealer network expansion and sustaining the perceived value-for-money.
