Citroen C3 Aircross SUV sold in South America as the New Aircross has been evaluated by the Latin NCAP. Based on the tests, the Brazil-spec model of the SUV sold in India has been awarded a zero-star safety rating. Tested according to the latest norms, the SUV has been evaluated based on various categories including pedestrian safety, frontal and side-impact, whiplash protection, and more. Before we get into the details, it is worth mentioning that the SUV was introduced in the Indian market last year and has been on sale ever since.
The Brazilian version of the Citroen C3 Aircross tested by Latin NCAP comes equipped with two airbags and ESC as standard. The higher-spec versions of the car come with multiple other features.
In the Latin NCAP tests, the SUV scored 33.01 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP). It revealed that the vehicle offered weak chest protection for the front passenger in frontal impact. Meanwhile, the side impact test resulted in significant intrusion in the passenger compartment increasing the risk of injury. Further making things grave, the SUV had an absence of side head protection in side pole impact.
Similarly, the SUV's performance in Child Safety tests had major gaps. It scored 11.37 per cent in Child Occupant Protection (COP). This is because of the inability of the car to deactivate the front passenger airbag for rearward-facing child seats. Additionally, the ISOFIX anchorage markings were not on par according to Latin NCAP standards. The test results also mentioned that the Child Restraint System (CRS) failed during installation.
The SUV relatively had better Pedestrian Protection with 49.57 per cent score. Even with that, the results mention that it had weak head protection for pedestrians. It was rated at 34.88 per cent for Safety Assist Features because of missing Lane Support, Speed Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
Commenting on the results, Stellantis India spokesperson commented, “At Stellantis, we remain dedicated to offering customers clean, safe, and affordable mobility with products that fulfil the most stringent regulations across the world. we strive to enhance the safety features of each new generation of vehicles. As part of our ongoing product improvement efforts, we consider the new third-party assessments and integrate proven technological solutions into our engineering process where relevant. Stellantis believes there is no single way to measure vehicle safety; third-party assessments are one of many inputs used when designing the safety of our vehicles.
In India, the safety of our customers is at the core of everything we do. Our vehicles come with six airbags, ISOFIX, and a rear seatbelt reminder across the entire lineup. The newly launched Citroën Basalt, with its 4-star Bharat NCAP rating, exemplifies this commitment to safety, innovation, and engineering excellence.
We take pride in delivering vehicles that combine safety, performance, and advanced features, tailored for Indian consumers. Every vehicle we develop in India reflects our deep understanding of local needs and aspirations, designed independently to meet the country's unique regulations and priorities.”