For South African families seeking an affordable 7-seater SUV, options are extremely limited—especially with the recent surge in vehicle prices. However, there is one standout choice that manages to combine practicality with budget-friendliness: the Citroën C3 Aircross.
Currently, the Citroën C3 Aircross holds the title as the only seven-seater SUV available for under R400,000 in South Africa. Priced from just R375,900, it offers a compelling package for families in need of extra seating without breaking the bank.
A Rare Find in a Shrinking Segment
Over the past few years, the price of new vehicles—particularly SUVs—has increased significantly. This inflation has hit large family cars hard, especially those with seating for seven. For many households, a seven-seater remains essential for transporting kids, relatives, and friends. Yet, affordable choices in this category are almost nonexistent.
That’s where the C3 Aircross comes in. In its range-topping Max trim, Citroën offers what it calls a “5+2” configuration, meaning it includes two additional rear seats—bringing the total to seven. These extra seats are built into the boot area, so they can be folded flat when not in use, giving back access to the 511-litre luggage compartment.
What You Get for the Price
Despite its competitive pricing, the Citroën C3 Aircross doesn’t cut corners on features. Under the hood, it packs a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 81kW of power and 205Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, and the vehicle returns a respectable combined fuel consumption of 6.3 litres per 100km.
Design-wise, the C3 Aircross sports modern styling, with slim LED daytime running lights in Citroën’s signature chevron shape and 17-inch alloy wheels. Buyers can further personalize the look with a two-tone roof option in colours like Cosmo Blue, Platinum Grey, or Polar White.
Comfort and Convenience
Inside the cabin, the Aircross offers a solid list of standard features:
- Leather multifunction steering wheel
- USB ports for front and rear passengers
- 12V socket
- 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster
- 10-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Six-speaker audio system
- Manual air conditioning with rear vents
- Electrically adjustable side mirrors
For added peace of mind, the SUV is equipped with:
- Two airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill-start assist
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Tyre-pressure monitoring
- Rear parking sensors and a reverse camera
Warranty and Service Plan
Each new Citroën C3 Aircross comes with a 5-year/100,000km warranty and a 4-year/60,000km service plan, ensuring lower long-term maintenance costs and added reassurance for buyers.
In a market where affordability is becoming increasingly rare, especially in the seven-seater segment, the Citroën C3 Aircross stands out as a practical, stylish, and budget-friendly option for families. While its additional seats may compromise boot space when in use, the flexibility it offers at a sub-R400,000 price point is unmatched in South Africa today.
7-Seater SUV: A Practical Solution for Budget-Conscious Families
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly family vehicle with space for up to seven passengers, the Citroën C3 Aircross is currently your only new SUV option under R400,000 in South Africa. While compromises like reduced boot space with all seats in use are part of the package, the C3 Aircross makes up for it with strong features, efficient performance, and modern design.
For families who need flexibility and functionality without overspending, this SUV offers exceptional value and remains a rare gem in an increasingly expensive segment.
Related article: New Hyundai Santa Fe 7-Seater SUV Arriving in South Africa This June
