Bharat NCAP announced today that the Citroen Aircross midsize SUV grabbed a prestigious 5-star safety rating in adult occupant protection and 4 stars for child safety in its recent crash tests. This marks a major step for Citroen’s push into India’s SUV scene, giving buyers more peace of mind and a safety-first value proposition.
Five-Star Rating Facts: What Really Happened?
The Citroen Aircross (5-seater) is now in the spotlight with its solid crash test result. Bharat NCAP gave this SUV:
- Adult Occupant Protection (AOP): 27.05/32 points
- Child Occupant Protection (COP): 40/49 points
Crash tests covered frontal offset, side movable deformable barrier, and side pole impact scenarios. The Aircross earned 11.05/16 in frontal offset, 16/16 in side, rated ‘OK’ in side pole, showing strong cabin integrity and good post-crash protection for passengers. BNCAP noted the crotch, legs, chest regions on dummies had mostly marginal to good results. The Aircross performed better than Citroen Basalt (4-star AOP), scoring 0.86 points higher.
Engineered for Real Protection: Not Just Numbers
All Aircross variants come standard with six airbags, ISOFIX anchors, TPMS, electronic stability control, and hill-hold assist. The crash results apply to both 84hp 1.2-litre petrol and 110hp 1.2-litre turbo petrol 5-seat variants. Citroen uses a structure reinforced by Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) and Ultra High Strength Steel (UHSS) for better crash energy absorption, keeping the cabin solid even under severe impact.
Price, Models, & Features: Who Should Buy It?
- Ex-Showroom Price (5S): ₹8.32 lakh – ₹13.63 lakh
- Engine Options: 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.2L turbo petrol (manual or automatic)
- Seating: 5-seater tested. Flexible seating including 5+2 also available.
- Standard Features: LED projector headlamps, power-fold ORVMs, rear AC vents, touchscreen system, real grab handles, soft-touch dash, automatic climate.
Citroen’s Promise & Strategy
Stellantis India exec Kumar Priyesh said, “Citroen’s 2.0 strategy is shaping aspirations with safety at the core. Aircross’s five-star rating is a bold statement for smart, secure mobility. Comfort and safety drive the brand’s philosophy: advanced comfort, cutting-edge safety, and intuitive tech in a practical package.” Festive season 2025 could see more launches, with Aircross X rumored soon.
Child Safety Evaluation
Aircross scored full marks in crash dynamics and child restraint installation but got lower marks in vehicle assessment. Cop seats scored 40/49 in COP tests, 4.1 points better than the Basalt, with both SUVs ultimately earning a 4-star COP grade. Detailed observations noted the strong protection afforded by ISOFIX and the stability of the cabin under simulated child occupant crash conditions.
Final Analysis: Should You Consider Citroen Aircross?
This SUV isn’t just about flashy ratings—it’s about genuine safety and value. The main 5-seater variant tested by Bharat NCAP stands out with honest, transparent scores. If adult or family safety is a purchase priority, Aircross’s rating, build, and equipment justify a close look. India’s midsize SUV market gets a real contender.
