The all-new Citroen C3 Aircross boasts a roomy, modular and classy looking interior and more luggage space than any other compact SUV.

THE CITROEN C3 AIRCROSS you see here was inspired by the C-Aircross Concept at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year and follows in the footsteps of Citroen releasing its C5 Aircross in April. More than that, this model sees the C3 Picasso people mover morph into a practical crossover. Here’s how Citroen describes it, “New C3 Aircross is a new-generation SUV with unrivalled space for a vehicle of its type, a modular design and a large opening panoramic glass sunroof”.

It will launch into the UK and Europe in November and while nothing’s been announced locally, it could arrive Down Under either very late this year or early next year. The distribution of Peugeot and Citroen in Australia has passed to Inchcape Motors which also handles Subaru in this country.

Citroen says the C3 Aircross will be a proper crossover rather than a rough-road tourer, but it will offer some handy features, like Grip Control (brake-based traction control), Hill Descent Assist, 12 driver assistance systems, including Colour Head-up Display and four connectivity technologies, including Wireless Smartphone Charging and MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

With its 2.6 metre wheelbase, Citroen suggests there will be class-leading passenger room with the rear seats (60:40 split) able to be moved forwards and backwards by up to 150mm. The standard boot size is 410 litres but grows to 520 litres if the rear seats are pushed forwards and 1289 litres if they’re folded down. The load-through space is 2.4 m with the seats folded down. The boot floor is dual height and can create a flat boot space when the rear seats are folded down.

There will be five engines available for the C3 Aircross, three petrols and two diesel engines and both manual and six-speed automatic transmissions will be offered.