The Drive Report: Citroen Aircross X

A spruced-up version of the existing Aircross, meant primarily to increase dealership footfall, it gets LED light clusters up-front, blacked out bits on the air-intake

• Citroen Aircross X gets design, interior, and feature upgrades
• New features: LED lights, leatherette seats, ventilation
• Turbo-petrol variant offers strong value at Rs 13.69 lakh

Did our AI summary help?

Citroen India is nothing if not perseverant. The brand has been throwing ideas at the wall, just to see what sticks and the latest, feature-rich overhaul of its volume drivers, branded “X” is a way to address some of the shortcomings of its popular models like the Aircross and its coupe-style sibling, the Basalt.

The C3 Aircross, when launched in 2023, had all the makings of a segment hit. It rode-in on Citroen’s differentiating wave that prioritised ride quality, a peppy turbo-petrol segment-best road presence and third-row utility. Surely, they nailed the formula by focussing on the fundamentals? Not quite, as it turned out. Because the customer base wants a higher-level of premiumisation, even if it only addresses superficial concerns.

And that’s precisely what we have here with the Citroen Aircross X. A spruced-up version of the existing Aircross, meant primarily to increase dealership footfall, it gets LED light clusters up-front, blacked out bits on the air-intake. It also gets a new set of rims which round-up the key design changes on the outside. At first glance, the Aircross X doesn’t scream for attention. It has presence, yes – a tall stance, squared-off proportions, and that unmistakable Citroën face with the split lighting signature flowing seamlessly from the chevrons. There are piano black strips, adding a premium flourish to the tailgate design, but alas, the taillamps remain LED-free.

Interiors

The moment you step into the new Aircross X, it is evident that Citroen has put serious thought into elevating the cabin experience. This no longer feels like a cabin built to a cost. It feels engineered to justify its size and price.

The dashboard is entirely new, particularly the upper half, and it now aligns with the design language seen on the European-spec C3. The execution is impressive. Textured, angular patterns lend visual depth, bronze accents add warmth without appearing flashy, and the primary touch points are finished with soft padding that genuinely enhances perceived quality.

The moment you step into the new Aircross X, it is evident that Citroen has put serious thought into elevating the cabin experience

What further lifts the cabin experience is the revised set of controls and hardware. The air vents have a fresher design, the start button feels better integrated, and even the wireless charging pad, complete with a subtle logo embossing, adds a touch of intent rather than feeling like an afterthought.

The proximity key makes entry seamless. Inside, the new centre console is neatly laid out and sensibly practical, though the door pockets are small, just about accommodating a one litre bottle.

Up front, you only get a single Type A charging port. The leatherette seats are a clear upgrade. They feel more premium, offer solid support, and now include ventilation, which is a welcome addition.

The 10.25 inch touchscreen and 7-inch driver display carry over, but updated bezels help them blend more cohesively with the redesigned dashboard. The infotainment unit itself remains straightforward and functional. It is intuitive, easy to navigate, and does what it needs to without fuss. The digital driver display follows the same philosophy, clear and simple to familiarise yourself with.

That said, the segment has evolved quickly. Compared to newer rivals, both screens could benefit from sharper resolution and quicker responses. They work well enough, but they no longer feel cutting edge.

Even the ambient lighting is handled with restraint. It is subtle, clean, and never distracting. The cumulative effect is clear. The Aircross X feels more premium not just in how it looks, but in how it feels when you interact with it every day. But it’s not without blind spots. The transmission lever, for instance, feels quite dated and clunky at this point, even if automatic transmission is offered to you at a relatively low price.

There are other, smaller setbacks. For instance, you have to choose between third-row seating and storage. In a way this works, because the third-row is just not big enough for long journeys, so you don’t necessarily have to make a choice between taking the children or the luggage.

Performance

The Aircross X is offered with an 82 PS naturally aspirated 1.2 litre engine in the lower trims, but the 110 PS 1.2 litre turbo is the one that truly suits this SUV. It produces 190 Nm with the manual and 205 Nm in the automatic (being tested). It’s no thriller, but it is a surprisingly nice car to drive. The motor is sprightly, the ride is quite absorbent and the visibility is great. A practical daily-driver with manageable proportions.

Verdict

The X treatment does go a long way in making the Aircross feel like a more complete car. The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol was always a peppy unit, and while there are no changes to the powertrain, the added creature comforts when combined with the already solid fundamentals, make for a complete package. One that’s only beset by a lacklustre service network. But a top-end turbo-petrol automatic, with seating for six (at least), a strong design language and quality interiors, Rs 13.69 lakh, is a fairly accessible price point.