The Citroën C3 Aircross (also known as the New Aircross), manufactured in Brazil, has received a troubling 0-star safety rating in the latest crash tests conducted by Latin NCAP. Despite featuring some basic safety equipment, the car fell short in key areas critical to modern vehicle safety standards, raising concerns for its suitability for passengers and vulnerable road users alike.

The Numbers Behind the Verdict

The C3 Aircross scored:

• 33.01% for Adult Occupant Protection
• 11.37% for Child Occupant Protection
• 49.57% for Pedestrian Protection and Vulnerable Road Users
• 34.88% for Safety Assist Systems

These scores stem from a series of crash tests, including frontal impact, side impact, whiplash, pedestrian protection, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) performance. However, a side pole impact test was not conducted due to the absence of side head protection, a glaring omission that automatically resulted in zero points for this test.

A Breakdown of Adult Occupant Safety

While the car’s bodyshell was rated as stable and capable of withstanding further loadings, significant issues were found:

• Frontal Impact: Weak chest protection for the front passenger and marginal protection for the knees due to contact with hazardous structures.
• Side Impact: Significant intrusion into the passenger compartment heightened injury risks.
• Whiplash Test: Poor neck protection for adult occupants.
• Lack of Side Head Protection: No side curtain airbags were offered, even as an optional feature, disqualifying the vehicle from critical side pole testing.

Child Occupant Safety Falls Alarmingly Short

The C3 Aircross scored just 11.37% in Child Occupant Protection, highlighting critical shortcomings:

• The ISOFIX anchorages, while present, did not meet Latin NCAP marking standards.
• Several Child Restraint Systems (CRSs) failed installation tests.
• The car lacks the ability to disconnect the passenger airbag when installing a rearward-facing CRS, further compromising child safety.

Pedestrian Protection: Marginal at Best

The car achieved 49.57% in pedestrian safety, offering:

• Marginal or adequate head protection in most areas, with a small section of good protection.
• Good lower-leg protection but weak upper-leg protection near the borders.

The absence of Autonomous Emergency Braking for Vulnerable Road Users (AEB VRU), even as an optional feature, significantly impacted the overall pedestrian safety score.

Safety Assist Systems: Limited Features, Limited Points

The Citroën C3 Aircross scored 34.88% in Safety Assist Systems, largely due to the lack of modern features:

• Seat Belt Reminder (SBR): Available only for the driver and non-compliant with Latin NCAP protocols.
• No Speed Assistance or Lane Support Systems: Key omissions in today’s safety landscape.
• No Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): Missing for city, inter-urban, and pedestrian scenarios.

A Missed Opportunity in Safety

At a time when passenger safety is increasingly prioritized, the C3 Aircross’s 0-star rating is a significant letdown. While the vehicle includes front airbags, ESC, and basic pedestrian protection, the absence of essential safety features like side curtain airbags, advanced driver-assist systems, and compliance with international standards underscores its failure to meet even minimum expectations.

The Bigger Picture: A Trend of Low Scores for Stellantis

The C3 Aircross joins a concerning trend of Stellantis vehicles scoring poorly in Latin NCAP tests. Previous models from the group have also struggled to surpass the 2-star mark under current protocols, suggesting a systemic issue that needs addressing.

Final Thoughts

For Citroën, the latest Latin NCAP results are a wake-up call. The automotive landscape is shifting toward a safety-first approach, and models failing to meet basic standards risk being left behind. While the C3 Aircross may offer some appeal in terms of design and price, its safety shortcomings cast a long shadow over its prospects in an increasingly competitive market.

Safety should never be optional, and Citroën will need to rethink its approach to ensure its vehicles offer the protection today’s consumers rightfully demand.