Citroen Aircross X: A Perfect SUV for Indian Roads

If you're shopping for an SUV between ₹10 lakh and ₹15 lakh and want one that looks great, drives well, and has all the modern features, then you should definitely consider the Citroen Aircross X. I test-drove this car last week and was quite impressed. Today, I'll explain its strengths and weaknesses in detail.

Design: Elegant on the outside, regal on the inside

The Citroen Aircross X will catch your eye the first time you see it. The signature French car style is clearly evident. First of all, its new Deep Forest Green color looks very refined. The front grille features a shiny chrome finish, and the V-shaped LED headlamps, when switched on at night, illuminate the entire road.

The 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels further enhance the car's sporty appearance. If you're looking for a more stylish look, you can opt for a dual-tone roof for an additional ₹20,000. With a black roof, the car looks even more attractive.

But the real fun comes once you get inside the car. As soon as you open the door, a new dashboard design greets you. The deep brown and tan interior theme creates such a luxurious feel that you won't even remember you've bought a car worth ₹10-15 lakh. Soft-touch materials are everywhere you touch. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and features golden stitching detailing, which exudes quality.

Seating and Space: Comfortable for a Family

The Aircross X is available in two variants: a 5-seater and a 7-seater. I tested the 7-seater variant. The second and third-row seats fold completely, allowing you to customize the number of passengers or luggage space as needed. The third-row seats are lightweight and easily removable. The second-row seats are split 60:40 and can be slid back and forth.

The seats are quite comfortable, even on long journeys. The Max variant even offers ventilation for the front seats, which is a boon in the Indian heat. Third-row passengers have separate air vents, providing relief from the heat.

Technology: Future Features Today

Now let's talk about the technology that sets this car apart in its price range. First, there's the 10.25-inch bezel-less touchscreen infotainment system, which offers a smartphone-like experience in terms of responsiveness. It supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, meaning you won't need cables anymore.

The 7-inch digital instrument cluster clearly displays all the necessary information. You can also customize it to your liking.

But the most special feature is the Cara AI digital assistant. It's not just a voice assistant; it becomes your personal secretary. You can speak to it in Hindi, English, Tamil, and Telugu—over 50 languages ​​in total. You can ask, "Brother, when is my flight today?" and it will tell you the flight status in real time, and even automatically adjust your route if a flight is delayed.

It will also keep you updated on the vehicle's health. Oil change, tire pressure, service reminders—everything. There's even a voice SOS feature in case of an emergency. Frankly, this feature makes this car smart.

Safety: No compromise on family safety

Citroën has spared no expense when it comes to safety. Six airbags are standard across all variants. This means even if you purchase the base variant, you'll still be fully protected. Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill hold assist, ABS, and EBD—everything is there.

This car recently received a 5-star rating in the India NCAP crash test, which validates its safety capabilities. For an additional ₹25,000, you can also get a 360-degree camera on the Max variant, which makes maneuvering in tight parking spaces much easier.

The tire pressure monitoring system keeps you constantly informed about your tire pressure. This not only ensures safety but also saves fuel.

Performance: Dominating the Roads

The Aircross X offers two engine options. The base variant features a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 82 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque. This engine is perfect for those who mostly drive in the city and prioritize fuel economy.

But if you're looking for performance, you should opt for the 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine. This engine produces 110 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque with the manual transmission, while the automatic variant offers 205 Nm of torque. I tested the automatic variant, and its performance was quite impressive. Overtaking on the highway is easy, and the car handles smoothly even in city traffic.

The 6-speed automatic transmission works very smoothly. Gear shifts are so smooth that they're almost imperceptible. If you mostly drive in the city, the automatic variant is a better choice.

Fuel Saving Options

If you're looking to reduce running costs, you can also opt for a CNG kit on the naturally aspirated engine variant. This is installed at the dealership and significantly reduces your fuel costs.

Variants and Pricing: Depending on Your Budget

Now let's talk about the most important thing: pricing. The Citroen Aircross X comes in three variants:

U Variant: Rs-8.29 lakh (ex-showroom)

5-seater, 1.2L NA petrol, 5-speed manual

Basic features but 6 airbags standard

X Plus Variant: Rs-9.77 lakh to ₹11.37 lakh

5-seater NA petrol or 7-seater turbo petrol

10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, LED DRLs

X Max Variant: Rs-12.34 lakh to ₹13.49 lakh

7-seater turbo petrol, manual or automatic

All premium features, Cara AI, ventilated seats

Competitors: Who does it compete with in the market?

The Aircross X competes directly with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyrider, and Volkswagen Taigun. Among all these, the Aircross X's biggest strengths are its 5-star safety rating, ventilated seats, and Cara AI digital assistant. These features are not available anywhere else in this price range.

Service and Maintenance

Citroën has significantly expanded its service network in India. There are now over 150 service centers across the country. Spare parts availability has also improved. Citroën's service costs are also significantly lower than competitors, which makes it easier on your pocket in the long run.

Conclusion: Is it for you?

If you want:

An SUV with a 5-star safety rating

Premium interior and a comfortable ride

Advanced technology features

The convenience of a 7-seater

Better value for money than competitors

Then the Citroën Aircross X is for you. If you're on a budget, consider the U variant, and if you want all the luxury features, opt for the Max variant.

In my personal opinion, the X Plus variant offers the best value for money. It has the essential features and is not overpriced. You should definitely test drive it once and experience the experience of taking the steering wheel in your own hands. You'll realize that French cars have something that others don't.