2012 Citroen C4 Aircross coming to Australia late next year

Although the name implies links to the Citroen C4 small car (which launches in Australia this month), the Citroen C4 Aircross is based on the Mitsubishi ASX compact crossover.

Expect the C4 Aircross to share powertrain technology with the ASX and its other sister car, the recently revealed Peugeot 4008, which will beat the Citroen to the market by at least a few months. The 4008 goes on sale in Australia in the second quarter of 2012, while the C4 Aircross won’t launch here until later in the year.

Depending on the market, the Citroen C4 Aircross will be available with four different engines. The entry-level option will be an 85kW/152Nm 1.6-litre petrol engine teamed with a five-speed manual transmission. This model will be available in front-wheel drive only.

Next up are two HDi diesel engines: an 82kW/270Nm 1.6-litre and a 110kW/300Nm 1.8-litre. Both engines are paired with a six-speed manual transmission and are available in both front- and all-wheel drive.

The largest engine in the range is a 2.0-litre petrol with 113kW of power and 198Nm of torque. It is the only powerplant that comes with the option of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as well as a five-speed manual. It also comes with front- and all-wheel drive flexibility.

At 4340mm long, 1800mm wide and 1630mm tall, the Citroen C4 Aircross is 45mm longer, 30mm narrower and 15mm lower than the Mitsubishi ASX. The boot offers 442 litres of cargo space with the rear seats upright.

Citroen says the C4 Aircross will become “one of the front-runners in its segment in terms of CO₂ emissions”, which means fuel consumption also promises to be sharp. In Australia, the ASX is powered by the two larger engines from above, with the diesel using just 5.9 litres/100km on the combined cycle and the petrol spanning from 7.7 to 8.1 litres/100km.

The C4 Aircross will be one of the most distinctive compact SUVs on the market, with a highly stylised headlight and grille assembly, gaping lower front intake, floating D-pillar and boomerang taillights.

Inside, the C4 Aircross will be well equipped, with at least the top-spec models to come with keyless entry and start, touchscreen navigation, rear camera, panoramic glass sunroof, and USB/Bluetooth audio connectivity.

More details on the 2012 Citroen C4 Aircross will be revealed in the coming months in the lead-up to its Australia launch in the second half of next year.

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