Citroen C3 Aircross: Real-World Fuel Economy Tested And Explained
The Citroen C3 Aircross, a midsize SUV from the French manufacturer, competes with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara. Instrumented tests were conducted to determine its real-world fuel efficiency, powered by its 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with auto start/stop technology designed to save fuel.
Under the hood, the C3 Aircross features a 110hp, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine. It produces 190Nm of torque for the 6-speed manual transmission and 205Nm for the 6-speed torque converter automatic. Tests revealed that the manual version of the C3 Aircross achieved a fuel efficiency of 9.76 kilometers per liter (kpl) in the city and 14.04 kpl on the highway. The automatic variant was slightly less efficient, returning 9.46 kpl in city driving and 13.62 kpl on the highway.
Both versions of the C3 Aircross come with auto start/stop technology, which is intended to improve fuel efficiency by shutting down the engine when the vehicle is stationary. However, during tests conducted in high ambient temperatures (around 40 degrees Celsius), the system did not engage in order to keep the air conditioning running and maintain cabin comfort. On the highway, the manual version maintains a speed of 100 kilometers per hour (kph) at 2,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), while the automatic operates at a slightly higher 2,100 rpm at the same speed, both in top gear.
The real-world fuel efficiency tests are comprehensive. The process begins by filling the tanks of test cars to the brim and ensuring the tire pressures are set according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The vehicles are then driven on fixed city and highway loops, maintaining specific average speeds. During these tests, the air conditioning and other electrical systems like the audio system, indicators, and wipers are used to simulate regular driving conditions. To further neutralize any variations in driving patterns, drivers are periodically swapped. At the end of each test cycle, the cars are refueled to the brim and fuel efficiency is calculated.
The Citroen C3 Aircross, with its 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and fuel-saving technologies, offers competitive fuel efficiency in the midsize SUV segment. Despite the slight drop in efficiency for the automatic variant, the C3 Aircross remains a noteworthy contender, providing a balance of performance and economy. The auto start/stop feature, although not engaged during high-temperature tests, is an added advantage for fuel savings in more moderate conditions. The C3 Aircross demonstrates commendable fuel efficiency, particularly on the highway, making it a viable choice for those seeking a fuel-efficient midsize SUV.
