French carmaker PSA Group will officially launch its first product – the Citroen C5 Aircross 5-seater premium SUV in the country in the first quarter of 2021. The new model will come via CBU route and is expected to cost somwehere around Rs 28-30 lakh. Citroen has also confirmed that the locally developed products will be rolled out in India from the second half of 2021. The first locally developed Groupe PSA product will be an all-new sub-4 meter SUV, codenamed Citroen C21.
Citroen C21 Local Testing Begins
The company has started local testing of the upcoming Citroen C21 compact SUV. The spotted model was heavily camouflaged; however, it is visible that the upcoming model will have a bold presence with flared wheel arches, upright front and bigger bumper.
PSA’s CMP Modular Platform
The sub-4 meter SUV will be based on the Groupe PSA CMP (EMP1) platform. This common modular platform currently underpins several global products from Groupe PSA. In fact, the popular Peugeot 208 hatchback is also based on this platform. The new CMP platform is compatible with different bodystyles including hatchback, sedan and SUV. This platform can also accommodate different types of engines such as petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric.
1.2L turbocharged Petrol
It is expected that the upcoming Citroen compact SUV will come with a single 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Likely to produce around 130bhp, this engine is expected to be offered with manual and automatic gearbox options. Citroen could also offer the C21 compact SUV with a 1.2L naturally-aspirated petrol and 1.5L diesel engines.
Launch in Second Half 2021
It is reported that the locally developed Citroen products will be launched in the second half of 2021. The new model is likely to arrive during festive season, Diwali 2021. The company is also readying a mid-sized sedan, a premium hatchback and an all-new electric mini SUV in India.
Citroen C21 Competition
The upcoming Citroen C21 compact SUV will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
