The much-anticipated Citroen C3 sub-compact SUV is all set to make India debut today. This is the brand’s global model, which will also go on sale in select international markets including Brazil. Production of the new model is reportedly to commence tomorrow, while India launch expected in the first half of 2022.
According to a latest media report, the new Citroen C3 will be a budget SUV and will be positioned below the existing sub-4 meter SUVs including the Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue and others. It is likely to rival the likes of the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and the soon-to-be-launched Tata Punch.
The report claims that Citroen will be focusing on affordability over features or performance. The company could follow the Renault strategy, which introduces the Kwid entry-level car with crossover design highlights. However, the spy images reveal that the new Citroen C3 will measure similar to existing sub-4 meter SUVs such as the Magnite and the Venue.
The new Citroen is reportedly to be offered in two versions. In fact, the top-spec model is reportedly to miss out on some high-end features. The car to be unveiled tomorrow will be kitted with accessories like fog lamps, alloy wheels, plastic cladding, chrome garnish and enhanced interior. Most of these features won’t come as standard. The report further claims that the safety won’t be a talking point. It is likely to get a 2-star crash test rating from NCAP.
The Citroen C3 budget SUV is likely to be offered with two engine options – a 81bhp, 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol and a 108bhp, 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol. A 5-speed manual is likely to be offered as standard, while an automatic gearbox is expected to be offered as an optional. It is rumoured to be the first model in India to feature flex-fuel engine.
The Citroen C3 compact SUV will be based on the simplified version of the Peugeot 208’s CMP (Common Modular Platform). It will be produced at the Thiruvallur plant, which has a production capacity of 1 lakh cars per year. Citroen is working on increasing its dealership count. Similar to the C5 Aircross, the new C3 will also be sold online.
Citroen has also released a teaser image of the sub-compact SUV. It comes with the brand’s familiar design featuring signature chrome grille, dual-layer headlamps, sculpted bonnet, a large hexagonal-shaped air-intake with chrome surround, roof rails and ORVMs with integrated blinkers.
Source – Team-BHP
