tech2 News StaffSep 16, 2021 18:52:31 IST
The made-in-India, made-for-India Citroen C3 has been revealed in full, providing the Indian market a glimpse of the newest SUV-flavoured small car on the block. Citroen has confirmed the C3 – the first of three models to emerge from the brand’s C-Cubed programme – will be launched in the first half of 2022. Interestingly, Citroen has steered clear of referring to the C3 as a compact SUV, instead choosing to say it’s a hatchback with SUV cues. In India, it will rival both hatchbacks as well as some of the more affordable compact SUVs such as the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite.
The Citroen C3 measures in at 3.98 metres in length. Image: Citroen
The iconic Citroen double chevron takes pride of place on the nose, with the chrome extensions flowing into the thin, X-shaped LED daytime running lights. The headlight clusters themselves are positioned below the LED DRLs, integrated into the front bumper. There’s a large radiator grille, with a faux skid plate adding some muscle to the C3’s front-end. A total of four colour options (white, grey, silver and orange) will be on offer in India, along with two roof colour options (grey and orange). A total of 78 accessories have been designed for the Citroen C3 to expand customisation options.
The Citroen C3 is based on the PSA Group’s Common Modular Platform (CMP), which already forms the basis for several Peugeot models on sale abroad. This platform is also ready for electrification, confirmed Citroen during the unveil.
The C3 will be manufactured at Citroen’s facility in Tiruvallur. Image: Citroen
The Citroen C3 measures in at 3.98 metres in length, and has a 2.54 metre wheelbase. The C3 – which Citroen says will be an ‘attractive and affordable’ offering targeted at ‘younger, first-time vehicle buyers’ – has 180 mm of ground clearance, with the company saying it has worked on the approach and departure angles as well as the overhangs of the C3 to ensure it remains compact and easy to drive. Citroen says the C3’s turning circle is rated at 10 metres, and boot space is rated at 315 litres.
A 10-inch touchscreen takes centre stage on the dashboard of the C3. Image: Citroen
With a focus on comfort and on providing maximum interior space, Citroen says the C3 will have the most amount of rear seat space of any compact SUV on sale in the country with 653 mm of leg room. Taking centre stage on the C3’s dashboard is a freestanding 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as smartphone mirroring. There’s also a smartphone holder integrated into the centre console, and there will be different interior trim options to choose from.
Citroen has refrained from sharing specifics about powertrains at present, but the Citroen C3 is expected to come with a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine putting out around 110 hp and 205 Nm of torque; a non-turbocharged version of this engine could be on offer with the entry-level versions of the SUV. Gearbox options are likely to include a six-speed manual and a six-speed torque converter automatic. A diesel engine is highly unlikely to be offered with the C3.
When it is launched next year, expect the Citroen C3’s price to be in the range of Rs 5-9.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Citroen will also introduce the C3 in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Peru and Ecuador.
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