One month ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, Citroën has revealed its C-Aircross Concept, which offers its new vision of the compact SUV. The C-Aircross Concept also reflects a new step for the company’s Advanced Comfort programme. With a World Premiere set for the Geneva Motor Show on 7 March, Citroën says that the C-Aircross Concept heralds the company’s global offensive in the SUV sector.

“The C-Aircross Concept demonstrates Citroën’s pursuit of its international product offensive. Based on the state-of-mind of New C3, it illustrates a different vision for the compact SUV segment, full of confidence and boldness. This concept also embodies the ambitions of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, making its interior space a source of well-being.” Linda Jackson, Citroën CEO.

The C-Aircross Concept features ‘opposing opening doors’, including rear-hinged doors at the back for better accessibility, a design reminiscent of the Aircross and CXperience concepts.

Citroën’s designers opted for an elevated one-piece dashboard, and for suspended and raised seats that complement the interior architecture – which is primarily horizontal in design for an impression of fluidity, modernity and space.

In addition to the single spoke steering wheel (a nod to the brand’s heritage), the fabric-covered dashboard features a tinted ‘head-up display’, which is directly in the driver’s field of vision. Information is displayed in colours that perfectly match the interior colour scheme of the vehicle. In the middle of the dashboard, a 12-inch touchscreen takes centre stage, displaying driving information and infotainment updates.

As with New C3, the C-Aircross Concept benefits from the Citroën Advanced Comfort programme. Designed as a cocoon and comfortable living space for its driver and passengers, the interior of the C-Aircross Concept is equipped with a number of features that promote physical and mental well-being.

The seats are covered in a warm, embossed Alcantara with a quilt-effect. Inspired by the world of bedding, the seats are designed to adapt to the shape and size of each occupant, ensuring a relaxing on-board experience.

Citroën says the cabin contains a large number of spacious and easily accessible storage spaces. Up front, the driver and passenger benefit from a storage area that runs right across the length of the dashboard. There are other spaces too, including large storage compartments in the doors and an area for storing bags out of sight under the centre console.

The designers have also added storage to the seat backs and seat side panels. Lastly, the centre console is equipped with a compartment dedicated to wireless induction charging for smartphones.

Rear passengers can place their tablet computers on the backs of the front seats to watch a film.

The navigation system is Citroën Connect Nav, a 3D connected navigation system with voice recognition. Occupants can choose their own music or even choose to watch their favourite film. Depending on the on-board experience desired, an array of screen configurations are possible – 1/3 -2/3, 2/3 -1/3 or full screen.

In order to encourage information sharing and discussion on-board, the Citroën C-Aircross Concept gives passengers the opportunity to automatically synchronise all of their electronic devices via the Mirror Screen functionality. Mirror Screen connectivity is already available across the Citroën range.

The C-Aircross Concept also features ConnectedCAM Citroën, the on-board HD camera that was a world first on New Citroën C3.

The C-Aircross Concept also comes with a ‘Share with U’ app installed. This new service enables those inside the car to share their media files (games, music and videos) with their travelling companions.

The SUV-style C-Aircross Concept comes with a Grip Control dial built into the central console for a more versatile drive. This smart technology is designed with 5 operational modes:

STANDARD: This mode is for normal road conditions (main roads, motorways and urban roads)
SAND: This mode uses the two front wheels simultaneously to reduce the risk of getting stuck in sand or on soft ground
OFF-ROAD: This mode acts as a Limited-slip Differential and ensures optimum traction on slippery surfaces (mud, wet grass or dirt roads)
SNOW: This mode instantly adjusts the rotation of each of the driven wheels to the grip available on snow-covered surfaces
ESP OFF: This mode allows the driver to deactivate the ESP (active up to 50km/h or 31mph).