Review: Citroën C4 Aircross (2012-18)

Overview

Released in July 2012, the Citroën C4 Aircross was a five-door, compact SUV available in front- and all-wheel drive models. Manufactured in Mulhouse, France, the C4 Aircross was initially powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a six-step sports mode function which could be engaged via the steering wheel gearshift paddles.

Like the Peugeot 4008 , the C4 Aircross was built on the same platform as the Mitsubishi ASX . As such, the C4 Aircross was fitted with electric power-assisted steering, MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. The C4 Aircross, however, was distinguished by its unique sheetmetal; Citroën also claimed that the C4 Aircross featured higher grade interior trim and switchgear.

The C4 Aircross was 4131 mm long, 1799 mm wide, 1625 mm tall, had a 2670 mm long wheelbase and ground clearance of 200 mm. Cargo capacity was 416 litres with the rear seats in place, increasing to 1193 litres when the seats were folded forward.

AWD system

The  all-wheel drive (AWD) system for the C4 Aircross had three selectable modes:

• 2WD: two-wheel drive for dry, tarmac roads and maximum fuel efficiency;
• 4WD: electronically-controlled all-wheel drive. In normal conditions, 85 per cent of the engine’s torque would be directed to the front wheels, though more torque could be directed to the rear wheels in the event that traction was lost or a sharp acceleration; and,
• LOCK: permanent four-wheel drive, with 50 per cent more torque – with a maximum of 82 per cent – would be directed to the rear wheels (compared to 4WD mode).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features

Standard features for the C4 Aircross Exclusive included 18-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB) and Bluetooth audio streaming, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a cooled glovebox, 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, two 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

From March 2013, the C4 Aircross was also fitted with a reversing camera as standard.

Leather seats – with heated and power adjustable front seats – were available as an extra-cost option.

Related links

• Specifications: Citroen C4 Aircross (July 2012)
• Specifications: Citroën C4 Aircross (March 2013)
• Specifications: Citroen C4 Aircross (January 2014)
• Wikipedia.org: Citroën C4 (second generation)