*The story has been updated with the latest developments*
With the growing clatter around vehicular safety, a car scoring 0 stars in a crash test is looked down upon with a frown and Citroen has managed to do the same. The French carmaker, which vows for safety, has come crashing down after the Aircross, formerly called C3 Aircross, scored a 0-star safety rating at the Latin NCAP.
As per the latest report by Latin NCAP, the Aircross has scored a 0-star safety rating for both adult and child safety. The model tested by the autonomous body was a left-hand drive model manufactured in Brazil. It came equipped with two airbags, three-point seatbelts for all and ISOFIX anchorages and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) as standard.
Citroen C3 Aircross crashes at Latin NCAP
The mid-size SUV underwent testing in various categories, including frontal and side impact, whiplash, pedestrian protection, and electronic stability control (ESC). While it performed reasonably well in some areas, it received zero points for side pole impact due to the lack of side head protection, which is a mandatory safety feature in many markets.
The frontal impact test revealed weak chest protection for the front passenger. In the side impact test, significant intrusion into the passenger compartment was observed, increasing the risk of injuries to occupants. The whiplash protection test indicated poor neck protection for adults. Furthermore, dynamic child protection could not earn points as the ISOFIX anchorage markings do not comply with Latin NCAP standards, and the manufacturer has not provided any updates or plans to address this issue.
Most tested Child Restraint Systems (CRS) failed during installation, and it was not possible to deactivate the passenger seat airbag when installing a rearward-facing CRS in that position. Pedestrian head protection ranged from marginal to weak, with limited areas of good protection. Additionally, the Seat Belt Reminders do not meet Latin NCAP standards. The car lacks Speed Assist Systems as standard features and does not offer Lane Support Systems or Autonomous Emergency Braking, even as optional equipment.
The results would remain unchanged even if the car were equipped with side body airbags, as it lacks side head or curtain airbags. While side body airbags might marginally improve the side impact score, the Adult Occupant Protection rating would still remain at zero stars. Similarly, the Child Occupant Protection rating would continue to hold a zero-star status.
Citroen C3 Aircross specs & features
The India-spec Citroen C3 Aircross is yet to undergo a crash test for evaluation of its safety. It gets two petrol engine options: a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated unit and a 1.2-litre turbocharged unit. The former pushes out 81 bhp and 115 Nm of peak torque while the latter kicks out 109 bhp and 205 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual gearbox for the NA petrol unit, a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter for the turbo petrol motor.
Some of the key features on offer in the Aircross is a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, steering mounted audio controls, auto climate control.
Stellantis Reaction
Stellantis has now commented on the same by releasing its official statement which says, “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.”
*The story has been updated with the latest developments*
