Citroen is continuously testing the much-awaited C3 hatchback on the Indian roads. Recently, we managed to take a closer look at multiple Citroen C3 hatchbacks on the Bangalore-Hyderabad highway. What’s interesting is that the new C3 sub-compact hatchback will come with two petrol engine options.
The upcoming Citroen C3 will be offered with two petrol engines – a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated and a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged. For people not in the know, Groupe PSA (Which is now a part of Stallantis) is already offering cars with this engine in global markets. The 1.2L NA engine is capable of producing close to 80bhp, while the 1.2L turbo petrol engine is good for two states of tunes – 108bhp and 128bhp.
We believe that Citroen will introduce the 108bhp version of the 1.2L turbo petrol engine. The turbo unit will be offered with manual as well as automatic gearbox, while the NA unit will only come in manual avatar. Citroen is yet to confirm the gearbox options to be on offer. It is expected that the new Citroen C3 could get a 7-speed DCT or a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. In the international markets, Peugeot is selling the 1.2L turbo engine with a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
Nissan and Renault are also selling the Magnite and Kiger with two petrol engines – one naturally-aspirated and another turbo unit. The turbo unit offered with manual and CVT automatic gearbox. Citroen is going to follow the similar strategy with the turbo unit, which will come with manual and automatic gearbox.
Citroen C3 Key Details
While Citroen is marketing the new C3 as a compact hatchback, the vehicle looks like a micro SUV. Going by the spy images, it is visible that the Citroen C3 comes with more SUV-ish design than the hatchback. The company is testing multiple variants of the C3, and even the top variants are devoid of heavy cladding and alloy wheels.
It is based on Stellantis’s new CMP (Common Modular Platform) platform. It features short overhangs, a 10m turning circle and a short bonnet for maximum visibility. Measuring under 4 meters in length, the new Citroen C3 has a ground clearance of 180mm. The architecture is claimed to be heavily localised and will be used to develop a wide range of models for India and other developing markets.
The new Citroen C3 will be offered with multiple interior colour scheme. We have seen two different interior schemes – an all-black and a dual-tone (Black & Orange). The vehicle gets a large free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, which will support connectivity features. The AC vents are placed below the touchscreen and on the either side of the dashboard. Interestingly, the vehicle gets a plain steering wheel without any switches for audio and Bluetooth telephony controls.
Despite compact size, the Citroen C3 manages to create significant space inside the cabin. The small car gets semi-digital instrument console, AC buttons on the lower part of the central console and relatively feature-less central tunnel.
