Citroen just showed families exactly what they've been missing in a compact crossover. Sales of the new C3 Aircross Hybrid have kicked off in Japan — and the real shock isn't under the hood, it's the cabin: a three-row, seven-seat layout, a first for this class. Citroen squeezed that third row into a body just 4,410 mm long, 1,790 mm wide and 1,660 mm tall — the wheelbase grew by 65 mm to 2,670 mm to make room.
The third row is two individually folding seats. The second row splits too, so owners choose between carrying seven people or freeing up cargo space. Citroen Advanced Comfort seats — usually reserved for the front — now reach the second row as well, a rarity in this segment. The suspension gets Citroen's signature Progressive Hydraulic Cushion (PHC) technology, normally kept for pricier models.
Under the bonnet sits a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo making 136 hp, paired with an electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Together, the 48-volt system produces 145 hp. It's front-wheel drive only, and there's no plug — this is a self-charging hybrid. Fuel economy on Japan's WLTC cycle is rated at 19.6 km per litre, roughly 5.1 L/100 km — almost absurdly frugal for a seven-seat crossover.
The Max trim adds alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, a heated windscreen, wireless phone charging and keyless entry. The base C3 Aircross Plus Hybrid is priced at ¥3,999,000 (about $26,700), while the Max runs ¥4,350,000 (about $29,000).
Citroen previously confirmed an international 2CV gathering is coming to Germany.
