Barcelona, Spain. mobile.bg team from the event site.
The family SUV Citroën C3 Aircross is already on the Bulgarian market, and we are testing all its versions – with ICE, hybrid and pure electric drive. What we have to start with is that the car gets a real SUV look. Its lines are pointed, and the front hood is raised, which gives the model a more muscular and at the same time more stylish appearance. The transformation is reminiscent of one of its direct competitors – the updated Renault Captur (2024), but here we have an even more unique vision and, most importantly – option for seven seats, which is a precedent for this class of cars.
The new C3 Aircross is longer and wider than its predecessor and correspondingly more spacious inside. It is available with several drive options, including a hybrid and a purely electric model – e-C3 Aircross. But don't rush to think that this latest edition is too expensive. Its price starts at just over 35,000 leva including VAT, making it one of the most affordable crossovers on the Bulgarian market. Although the budget nature of the car is evident in some respects, the new C3 Aircross is an excellent family vehicle – or in other words, the perfect car in terms of price/quality ratio.
Interior
In addition to its changed appearance, the new Citroën C3 Aircross offers a redesigned interior that is eccentric but also practical. The horizontal layout of the dashboard is typically French, and the different textures of the surfaces break up the interior and hide the cheaper materials. Overall, the interior feels a bit budget-friendly, but it has its own charm.
To the right of the dashboard are several storage shelves that are convenient for everyday items. Thanks to the model's tub-like proportions and high silhouette, headroom is excellent both front and rear. We'd recommend avoiding the seven-seater version unless you're planning to register the car to a company and thus save 20% of the price. The third row of seats is small, taking up almost all of the luggage space. You sit low, legroom is minimal, and comfort – controversial.
The further forward you are in the car, the better the comfort. The second row is comfortable, with ample legroom, and the front seats offer comfort comparable to higher-class cars. Overall, the interior is well-designed and it feels like the C3 Aircross is ready for family life. The only complaints are the rougher plastics in places, but considering the price of the car, you could hardly complain.
Engine and dynamics
The previous C3 Aircross lacked Citroën's intelligent hydraulic shock absorbers, which didn't make the ride particularly comfortable. Fortunately, the new generation comes with an improved suspension, which significantly improves the way the car drives. Without being too soft or bouncy, the C3 Aircross offers an optimally firm ride.
It feels stable on the road, even in sharper turns, despite its high height and boxy shape. The steering is light, which does not predispose to dynamic driving, but makes the car pleasant for everyday driving. In other words, this is not a car for “street racers“, but for young families with an active lifestyle.
Of the two available gasoline engines, we tested the more powerful one - 136 hp. Even this option seems a bit sluggish, although it starts well, assisted by the electric motor of the hybrid system. It is the hybrid that is the best choice for the new C3 Aircross, since the base engine with 99 hp it will probably seem too weak, especially on the highway.
The electric version is available with only one battery - 44 kWh, with the electric motor developing 113 hp. This provides a range of up to 300 kilometers. Neither acceleration nor range are impressive, but for city driving the e-C3 Aircross is a good choice. However, if you are looking for a balance between economy and dynamics, the hybrid option remains optimal.
Prices and equipment
The Citroën C3 Aircross (2025) range includes three equipment levels: YOU, PLUS and MAX.
The base YOU level starts at 35,233 BGN including VAT, making it almost unparalleled on the Bulgarian market.
The mid-range PLUS level is the best value for money – it offers a 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a rearview camera and safety assistants.
The top MAX level adds more extras, but its price brings it closer to higher-end competitors.
The electric e-C3 Aircross is perfect for city use. Don't worry about the 300 km range – many families don't travel that far in a week, let alone a day. More importantly, the price starts at 50,000 BGN, making it competitive among electric vehicles.
Conclusion
The new C3 Aircross is not perfect, but it impresses with a unique look, comfortable ride, practical interior and, most importantly, an attractive price. Its main shortcomings - hard plastics in the cabin and not very powerful engines - are easily forgivable given the price class. In other words, this is a great SUV for little money.