MOTORING: Big plans for South African Stellantis and the new Citroën C3 Aircross

Last year, the multiconglomerate automaker Stellantis was the fifth largest player in the world, selling 6.5 million vehicles. Toyota was at number one, selling 10.8 million units, followed by Volkswagen at number two (8.8 million units). In South Africa, that winning picture was echoed when it came to Toyota and VW, but it was an entirely different story for the local arm of Stellantis. 

According to the Automotive Business Council’s (Naamsa’s) recent stats, July saw Toyota SA sell 10,850 vehicles, accounting for 26.2% of overall market share. Volkswagen SA managed to flog 6,125 units, which gave them 14.8% of the pie. However, Stellantis SA, which houses seven brands locally, including Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Opel, Citroën and Peugeot, managed to sell only 573 vehicles in total, translating into a tiny 1.4% of overall market share.

Clearly, as things stand, Stellantis can only be regarded as a niche contender in the local market, an outsider if you will. However, if there ever was a time for a turnaround story, this somewhat dismal picture could significantly change in the next two to three years.

Manufacturing plant

Within the next two years, local “Stellantinites” aim to take their place in the sun, with the construction of a local manufacturing plant at Coega, near Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape.

In what is touted to be a R3-billion joint venture between South Africa’s IDC (Industrial Development Corporation) and Stellantis, plans have been set in motion for the multiconglomerate’s first locally manufactured vehicle, the Peugeot Landtrek bakkie, to roll off factory lines in 2026.

While construction in Coega takes place, Stellantis is hoping to claim some of that elusive market share with a string of recently launched (and well-priced) products, which include the updated C3 hatch and refreshed Opel Corsa. But its real golden goose just may be the new Citroën C3 Aircross that’s been widely applauded for both its price and decent driveability.

New Citroën C3 Aircross

I recently got to experience the 5-seater and 7-seater derivatives on a launch in Gauteng. Like many of my fellow scribes, I walked away thinking: “This is a damn good car” and “How on earth have they managed to bring it in at such a competitive price?” I mean which manufacturer introduces a new model which comes in at R105,000 LESS than the previous generation?

“What’s the catch?” you might ask. I did.

First, the new C3 Aircross is now manufactured in India and not Europe where it was previously put together at a substantially higher price. This is not exactly something to worry about. India has massive state-of-the-art manufacturing plants. Additionally, most of the Aircross’s competitors in this budget crossover B-segment are made there – think the Toyota Urban Cruiser, (the same car as the Suzuki Grand Vitara), the Renault Kiger, the Nissan Magnite, the Kia Sonet and the Suzuki Fronx, which is basically the same car as the recently released Toyota Starlet Cross.

This segment, which sees an average of 28,000 units sold monthly, is highly lucrative. It accounts for a massive 53% of all passenger vehicle sales in SA. 

Engines and models

At its Gauteng launch, we got to test drive the two C3 Aircross “Max” derivatives on offer, which both rely on a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, good for 81kW and 205Nm and are supported by a 6-speed automatic transmission. (It should be noted that a number of its rivals like the Suzukis and Toyotas in the segment use 4-speed auto transmissions.)

Inside and out

The new C3 Aircross, with its increased wheelbase, is about 200mm longer than its pricier Slovakian-made European counterpart, coming in at 4.32 metres in length. There’s also substantially more ground clearance (200mm) making it a decent gravel off-roader. Looks-wise, with its elegant edges and curves, it still manages to maintain a modicum of French flair.

In its 5-seater guise, one gets 444 litres of boot space as well as a full spare wheel. The 7-seater forgoes almost all its boot space for a third row of two individual seats, but when they are folded down, it opens up 511 litres of load bay. 

While there are some plasticky elements in the cabin (much like most of its competitors), the interior is surprisingly well-equipped. There’s a good-sized 10-inch infotainment system that’s wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatible. A handy reverse-view camera with park-distance sensors is included, as well as stuff like aircon and steering wheel controls. If you can’t live without a sunroof (I can), a wireless charging pad (I can) and cruise control (I can) these “luxury” elements have been forsaken to allow for its competitive pricing.

Safety

One thing I am a big fan of is airbags – preferably six. The new Aircross only has two, which is a pity. Thankfully it’s got electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock brakes and hill-hold assist. Surprisingly it also has tyre pressure sensors, tech usually found in a more premium segment.

The drive

Much of our launch route took place in the heavily congested Fourways area as well as on some less-populated, pothole-riddled secondary roads. What was evident from the get-go was the punchy power in its turbo-charged mill. The delivery was smooth, supported by its well-calibrated auto transmission. On acceleration, there was even a cool sporty growl. The ride might not be as cushioned as most Citroëns are famous for, but once again one must consider its price point.

There was at least decent insulation in the cabin with minimal road noise. On the fuel front, consumption, which is claimed at 6.3l/100km, was impressive. I managed to get mine to come in at around 6.8l. By year end, a manual “Plus” unit will be added to the range.

The riot act

Global CEO Carlos Tavares recently caused an uproar when he read the riot act to underperforming Stellantis brands at a press conference in Milan. “If they don’t make money, we will shut them down,” the hard-nosed leader announced.

His statement soon went viral. Although he didn’t mention products by name, it’s believed that he was alluding to Stellantis brands like Maserati and Lancia which have both of late showed poor sales. In fact Stellantis, like several other global automakers, has struggled to meet targets in the first half of this year, causing panic among shareholders. 

After Stellantis’ mid-year results were announced on 25 July, indicating net profits of €5.6-billion – a 48% decline year on year – Tavares added, “It is an understatement to say that H1 2024 results were disappointing and humbling … This is a bump on the road that we are now fixing and that we are going to fight against to make sure that we can rebound from here and that we fix the operational issues that we face.” 

With the green light given to the Stellantis manufacturing plant in Coega, one can only surmise that Tavares and his people must be confident in the company’s future in South Africa and the African continent. 

Local Stellantis MD Mike Whitfield, who previously headed Nissan, recently told media, “To become a major player in the South African automotive industry, it is necessary to sell more than 2,000 units a month.|

His big boss Tavares will certainly be closely watching him and what transpires at Coega.

Pricing:

Citroën C3 Aircross Max 1.2T 81 kW AT 5-seater – R344,900
Citroën C3 Aircross Max 1.2T 81 kW AT 7-seater – R354,900. DM