Citroen has officially announced that it will unveil an all-new SUV on April 27, 2023. The company hasn’t revealed any details of the SUV; however, it is most likely to be the new C3 Aircross that has been spotted testing multiple times on the Indian roads. It will target emerging markets and will be the second model of the C-Cubed project.
The new Citroen C3 Aircross has already been spotted testing multiple times on the Indian roads. It will be offered in two seating layouts – 5-and 7-seat with later having bench-type seats in the second & third-row. The new model appears larger than the European-spec C3 Aircross and is expected to measure around 4.4 meters in length.
The new Citroen SUV will be based on the Stellantis CMP platform, which also underpins the Citroen C3 hatchback on sale in India. Going by the spy images, it is visible that the new model will share styling cues from the C3 hatchback. It will have a split headlamp setup with the daytime running lights positioned on top & the main headlights placed below. The new SUV has divided front grille, one adjacent to the main headlights & one placed lower on the bumper. It will have rectangular shaped tail-lights.
The new model will have design elements similar to the typical SUV than a minivan. The model will have shorter front and rear overhangs, and will have longer wheelbase compared to the hatchback model. The SUV will have a flexible seating option to create more luggage space.
The 5-seater model will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, MG Astor, VW Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq. The 7-seater model could be positioned against the Kia Carens and the Maruti Suzuki XL6. The dashboard layout is expected to be shared with the C3 hatchback. Citroen is likely to add more features as standard with the SUV. It is expected to receive a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay connectivity, a digital instrument console, 4 speakers, power windows, auto AC and others.
The new Citroen C3 is likely to be powered by the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 110bhp and 190Nm of torque. The 7-seater model is likely to get the same engine, which could be tuned for higher power. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and an automatic unit.
