Citroen Aircross Gets 5-Star Bharat NCAP Rating – Safety, Features, Price, and More
The Indian compact and midsize SUV market is abuzz with launches and feature enhancements, but safety is increasingly becoming a determining factor for customers. Among the list of safest SUVs in the nation, the Citroen Aircross ncap 5-star safety rating for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and a 4-star rating for Child Occupant Protection (COP) by Bharat NCAP. This accolade places the Aircross in the list of safest SUVs ever tested under India’s new crash test regulations.
In this article, we’ll break down the safety performance, features, design, engine options, pricing, and competition of the Citroen Aircross to understand why this SUV is now a stronger contender in its class.
Citroen Aircross Bharat NCAP Crash Test Results
The Citroen Aircross 5S variant underwent testing by Bharat NCAP, and the results were impressive:
- Adult Occupant Protection (AOP): 27.05 out of 32 points → ★★★★★ (5 stars)
- Child Occupant Protection (COP): 40 out of 49 points → ★★★★ (4 stars)
Key Test Results:
- Frontal Offset Deformable Barrier: 11.05 out of 16
- Side Impact Test: Perfect 16 out of 16
- Side Pole Impact Test: Cleared successfully
- Child Seat Performance: 24 out of 24 in dynamic tests + 12 out of 12 in CRS installation
The Aircross’s body build-up from high-strength steel, Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), and Ultra High Strength Steel (UHSS) helped significantly in reducing cabin intrusion and bolstering passenger protection.
This ranks the Aircross as the first Citroen car in India to attain the complete 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, a significant achievement for the French car manufacturer.
Safety Features – More than 40 Standard Inclusions
One of the best things about the Citroen Aircross is that it doesn’t hold safety features in reserve for upper trims. For all its variants, customers receive 40+ safety features that include:
- 6 airbags (front, side, and curtain)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Hold Assist
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Rear parking camera and sensors
- 3-point seatbelts for all occupants
- Seatbelt reminders and load limiters
- Pedestrian protection features
This complete safety kit is designed to make the Aircross highly capable not only of survival in crash situations but also of staying safe and avoiding accidents altogether.
Design and Comfort Features
Aside from its superior safety features, the Citroen Aircross has never failed to amaze with its European design and comfort features. Some of these include:
- LED projector headlamps with DRLs
- Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
- Power-folding ORVMs with turn indicators
- Soft-touch dashboard with premium finishes
- Flexible seating configurations – offered in both 5-seater and 5+2 options
- 17-inch alloy wheels to enhance road presence
Citroen has also concentrated on delivering maximum comfort, another of the brand’s foundational principles. The Aircross features cushy suspension calibration, a roomy cabin, and clever storage solutions that make it a top family SUV.
Engine and Performance
The Citroen Aircross comes with two petrol engine options in India, to suit different customer tastes.
- 1.2L Naturally Aspirated PureTech Petrol
- Power: 82 bhp
- Torque: 115 Nm
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual only
- Mileage: ~17.5 kmpl
- 1.2L Turbocharged PureTech Petrol (Gen-3)
- Power: 110 bhp
- Torque: 190–205 Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual / 6-speed torque converter automatic
- Mileage: ~17–18.5 kmpl
The two engines are both tuned for a mix of performance and efficiency, and the turbo-petrol variant provides a punch for highway cruising and city overtaking. Although Citroen does not yet have a diesel variant, the petrol range is well-tuned to Indian conditions.
Variants and Price
The Citroen Aircross comes in various trims with versatile seating arrangements. Value for money makes it a more affordable option in its class.
- Starting Price: ₹8.32 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Top Variant Price: ₹14.10 lakh (ex-showroom)
The top-of-the-line Turbo AT Max Dual Tone 5+2 variant is loaded with features and amenities, whereas the base trims are sensibly priced for cost-conscious buyers.
Competition
With its 5-star safety rating and enhanced features, the Citroen Aircross is now firmly placed with established competitors in the compact/mid-size SUV segment. Major competitors are:
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos
- Honda Elevate
- Skoda Kushaq
- Volkswagen Taigun
- Maruti Grand Vitara
- Toyota Hyryder
- Tata Curvv (coming soon)
The new safety award enables Citroen to place the Aircross as a safer option in a very competitive segment.
The Future Citroen Aircross X
Adding to the hype, Citroen has also announced the launch of the Aircross X, which will further beef up the lineup. Priced as a more premium variant, the Aircross X will boast some extra styling features and feature additions, further fortifying the brand’s SUV lineup in India.
Why the 5-Star Rating Matters
Indian automobile customers are increasingly putting a premium on safety ratings as opposed to glitzy features, particularly following recent Bharat NCAP tests of best-selling SUVs. For Citroen, which is still a young company in India, such recognition gives it an enormous credibility boost.
The 5-star adult safety and 4-star child protection rating increase the faith of families in selecting the Aircross, particularly if competitors such as Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are still to be tested under Bharat NCAP.
Final Thoughts
The Citroen Aircross has never been a practical and comfortable SUV, but now with its recent Bharat NCAP 5-star rating, it wears the badge of being among India’s safest SUVs. Added to its versatile seating configurations, efficient petrol engines, European aesthetics, and competitive pricing, the Aircross comes across as a compelling value proposition in the mid-size SUV category.
With Citroen planning to introduce the Aircross X and additional products under its Citroen 2.0 program, the brand is well on its way to increasing its presence in India. For people who desire a safe, comfortable, and stylish SUV, the Citroen Aircross is now a strong contender.
FAQs about Citroen Aircross 5-Star Bharat NCAP Rating
Q1. What was the safety rating given to Citroen Aircross by Bharat NCAP?
The Citroen Aircross scored a 5-star rating for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and a 4-star rating for Child Occupant Protection (COP).
Q2. Which model of Citroen Aircross was tested by Bharat NCAP?
The 5-seater model of Citroen Aircross was tested according to Bharat NCAP test regimes.
Q3. What were the Citroen Aircross crash test results?
It scored 27.05/32 points in Adult Occupant Protection and 40/49 points in Child Occupant Protection.
Q4. What basic safety features are equipped in the Citroen Aircross?
Basic safety features that come equipped are six airbags, ESC, hill-hold assist, ISOFIX mounts, TPMS, reverse parking camera, seatbelt reminders, and three-point seatbelts for every seat.
Q5. What are the engine options for the Citroen Aircross?
It comes with a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine (82 hp) and a 1.2L turbo-petrol engine (110 hp) with manual and automatic gearboxes.
Q6. What is the price range of the Citroen Aircross in India?
The Citroen Aircross’s price ranges from ₹8.32 lakh to ₹14.10 lakh (ex-showroom).
Q7. Who are the main competitors of the Citroen Aircross?
It challenges the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder.
Q8. Are there any plans to introduce a new variant of the Citroen Aircross in the near future?
Yes, Citroen has announced that the Aircross X will be launching soon, bringing new features and increasing the portfolio of SUVs of the brand in India.
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