Citroën C3 Aircross Dimensions: Complete Guide to Both Generations

Understanding the Citroën C3 Aircross dimensions isn’t just about numbers — it’s about knowing how the car fits into your life. Whether you’re comparing generations, checking if it fits into a tight garage, or sizing up its interior space for family adventures, we’ve built a deep-dive guide to give you the clarity mainstream sites rarely offer.

We’re tackling both generations of the C3 Aircross:

• 1st Generation (2017–2024)
• 2nd Generation (2024–present)

Let’s break everything down with precision, personality, and practicality.

Understanding the Evolution of the Citroën C3 Aircross

The Citroën C3 Aircross has always played the quirky rebel in the compact SUV world. But while the first generation leaned into soft lines and playful French charm, the second generation arrives bulkier, bolder, and far more versatile.

And yes — the dimensions changed a lot.

Let’s map out how.

Exterior Dimensions Overview: A Side-by-Side Snapshot

Quick Comparison Table

The second generation is longer, wider, taller, and has a stretched wheelbase, translating into a roomier cabin and extra road presence.

Weighing the Differences: Why Size Matters

Dimensions aren’t vanity metrics — they literally shape your daily experience:

• Longer wheelbase = smoother rides
• Extra width = better shoulder room
• More height = easier child seat access
• Longer length = bigger boot and interior

We notice Citroën moved the C3 Aircross from quirky city-SUV to a more serious family competitor.

1st Generation Dimensions (2017–2024)

Let’s dive deep into the original model that put the C3 Aircross name on the map.

Exterior Dimensions

• Length: 4,154 mm
• Width (mirrors folded): 1,765 mm
• Width (with mirrors): 1,976 mm
• Height: 1,637 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,604 mm
• Front Track: 1,547 mm
• Rear Track: 1,539 mm

These numbers place the first-gen Aircross firmly in the “compact crossover” category — big enough to be practical, small enough to squeeze into city life.

Ground Clearance

• 175 mm

This height offers comfort tackling rough paths, speed bumps, and city imperfections.

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Turning Circle

• 10.8 metres

For a crossover, this makes it surprisingly easy to maneuver in tight car parks.

1st Generation Interior Dimensions

The 1st generation impressed with its upright design and clever space tactics.

Front Cabin

• Headroom: ~1,010 mm
• Shoulder Room: 1,370 mm
• Legroom: Generous for a compact SUV, thanks to the upright seating position

Rear Cabin

• Headroom: ~960 mm
• Shoulder Room: 1,320 mm
• Rear Legroom: Adequate for adults under 6 ft — tight if taller
• Sliding Rear Bench (optional): +150 mm adjustability

Boot Space

• 410 litres (standard)
• 520 litres (with sliding bench forward)
• 1,289 litres (rear seats folded)

We’ve always loved this clever boot — it beat many rivals for flexibility.

1st Generation Practical Dimensions

Roof Load

• Up to 70 kg

Towing Capacity

• Braked: Up to 1,200 kg
• Unbraked: 600 kg

Doors & Loading

• Rear door opening height: 770 mm
• Boot sill height: 745 mm

These figures shape usability when loading strollers, bikes, or weekly shopping.

2nd Generation Dimensions (2024–Present)

The second generation is a major transformation. Citroën switched from playful compact crossover to a properly sized family SUV.

Exterior Dimensions

• Length: 4,390 mm
• Width (mirrors folded): 1,820 mm
• Width (with mirrors): 2,030 mm
• Height: 1,660 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,675 mm

A notable stretch in every direction gives this generation more swagger.

Ground Clearance

• 200 mm

Citroën clearly wanted to boost the rugged stance.

Turning Circle

• 10.9 metres

Slightly wider, but still manageable in urban environments.

2nd Generation Interior Dimensions

The new proportions unlock a major comfort upgrade.

Front Cabin

• Headroom: ~1,020 mm
• Shoulder Room: ~1,450 mm
• Elbow Room: Wider thanks to the increases in width

Rear Cabin

• Headroom: ~1,000 mm
• Shoulder Room: ~1,420 mm
• Legroom: Noticeably improved due to longer wheelbase
• Optional 7-seater version: Unique in its class

If you're after space, the second-gen is a leap forward.

2nd Generation Boot Space

• VDA boot volume: ~460 litres
• 7-seater version (seats up): 40–50 litres
• 7-seater (3rd row folded): Full 460 litres
• Seats folded flat: Up to ~1,600 litres

The configuration options make this model far more family oriented.

Comparison of Generations: Key Dimensional Shifts

Overall Growth

The 2nd generation:

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• Is 236 mm longer
• Is 55 mm wider
• Is 23 mm taller
• Has a 71 mm longer wheelbase
• Offers more ground clearance

Practical Changes

• Bigger boot in 5-seater mode
• Optional 7-seat layout (first for the model)
• More legroom
• Wider cabin for increased comfort
• Evolved from city-SUV to full family crossover

Visual Presence

The new Aircross feels closer to a C-segment SUV than a B-segment one.

How the Citroën C3 Aircross Dimensions Compare to Competitors

Against Renault Captur

• C3 Aircross (2nd gen) is longer and taller
• More rear legroom
• Captur offers more premium cabin feel, but less space

Against Peugeot 2008

• The 2008 is slightly longer than the 1st-gen but shorter than the 2nd-gen
• Aircross offers superior headroom and boot space

Against Dacia Jogger (7-seater rival)

• Jogger has more length but less SUV height
• Aircross offers higher seating position and better ground clearance

Parking and Urban Usability

1st Generation

• Fits easily into tight spots
• Mirrors fold compactly
• Lower height makes multi-storey access easy

2nd Generation

• Requires more space length-wise
• Taller profile may challenge older car parks
• Wider mirrors need awareness in narrow streets

Still, the steering remains light and visibility generous.

Family Practicality: Dimensions in Real Life

We love to translate numbers into real-world experiences.

Strollers & Baby Gear

• 1st gen: Can take a medium stroller without taking wheels off
• 2nd gen: Can take most full-size strollers and extra bags

Child Seats

• Both models offer ISOFIX on outer rear seats
• 2nd gen offers easier door aperture for fitting bulky seats

Teenagers in the Rear

• 1st gen: Teens fit but might complain
• 2nd gen: Teens finally stop complaining

Pets

• Higher boot height in 2nd gen makes pet access easier

Interior Flexibility

1st Generation

• Sliding bench
• Removable boot floor
• Flat-folding passenger seat (depending on trim)

2nd Generation

• Modular seating
• More generous luggage area
• Optional 7-seat layout changes the car’s purpose entirely

Why the Dimensions Shifted: Citroën’s Strategy

Citroën aimed to:

• Enter the mainstream family SUV market
• Provide electric and hybrid options
• Deliver more cabin room for global markets
• Increase practicality to match tougher competition

Growth in dimensions was inevitable — and strategic.

Who Should Choose Which Generation?

Choose 1st Generation if you want:

• A compact urban-friendly crossover
• Lower running costs
• Light steering and small footprint
• Better maneuverability

Choose 2nd Generation if you need:

• More legroom and boot space
• Optional 7 seats
• A more modern, rugged look
• Better ground clearance
• An EV or hybrid version

Conclusion: The Dimensions Define the Experience

From compact city crossover to full-fledged family SUV, the Citroën C3 Aircross has grown in size and purpose. Whether you’re measuring your garage, comparing models, or planning your next practical purchase, understanding the dimensions helps you choose confidently.

The 1st gen is ideal for urban simplicity.
The 2nd gen is built for modern family life.

Both have strengths — but it all depends on what fits your world.

FAQs

1. Is the Citroën C3 Aircross a large SUV?

No — but the 2nd generation is now closer to a midsize family SUV.

2. Does the new C3 Aircross offer seven seats?

Yes, the 2024+ model can be configured with a third row.

3. Is the 1st generation small enough for tight city parking?

Absolutely. Its compact footprint was designed for urban environments.

4. Has the boot size increased in the 2024 model?

Yes — it jumps to around 460 litres in 5-seat configuration.

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5. Which generation offers better legroom?

The 2nd generation thanks to its longer wheelbase and wider cabin.

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