It’s refined, and settles down at a cruise. The set-up is efficient, too, offering up to 51.5mpg and 136g/km CO2 emissions, so it should be a cheap car to run. It delivers decent performance with a respectable 10.1-second 0-62mph time and enough torque so you don’t have to work the not-so-great six-speed manual gearbox too hard. The engines are a known quantity (although there’s still no electrification) and our car’s 108bhp 1.2-litre turbo PureTech petrol unit feels strong enough. There’s also a range of colour packs that can add an element of personalisation, while the car we’re driving is also relatively affordable at £21,500. Even on the base model, automatic air-conditioning and full LED lights are standard-fit, while range-topping Shine Plus features 17-inch alloys, leather, some good driver-assistance tech (including collision warning and autonomous braking), and strong connectivity as part of the upgraded infotainment system. You get plenty of standard equipment, too. Once you learn where everything is, you barely need to look at the unit to swap between menus. The climate controls are all still on-screen, but Citroen has introduced a new ‘home’ function and menu design, making it easier to swap between features on the move. There’s a new nine-inch unit, which is both sharper and easier to navigate. The biggest change is the fresh infotainment system. Our range-topping Shine Plus test car features this new set-up, and it’s a worthwhile upgrade, as we’ll see. That’s a significant saving, but it’s worth noting you can only have that bargain price tag if you order online, and you’ll have to do without the new nine-inch infotainment system found on Shine trim and above. In fact, you can buy a C3 Aircross for as little as £17,320, which is nearly £2,000 less than the entry-level Captur. The crossover is the third-best-selling model in the firm’s range, and these latest updates are designed to keep the car competitive with newer rivals like the Renault Captur. Things move fast in the compact SUV world, and after four years on sale it’s time for a facelifted Citroen C3 Aircross. The Aircross’s soft ride means it’s relaxing to drive too, while the manufacturer has added some upgrades to the technology, and clever everyday practicalities that have made this small SUV a more competitive model in an incredibly crowded class. The updated C3 Aircross is a more convincing all-round offering than its predecessor, with Citroen adding a few more creature comforts targeted squarely at family buyers.

C3 aircross suv