Unofficial bookings for the upcoming Citroen C3 have been commenced at dealership level. The sporty hatchback will go on sale in June 2022 and take on the Tata Punch and Maruti Suzuki Ignis. Unveiled in September 2021, the India-spec C3 will be the company’s first model to be developed under its C-cubed programme. It’s especially developed for emerging markets like South America and India. The hatch will be manufactured locally in India with over 90 percent localisation, thus helping the company achieve aggressive pricing.
The new Citroen small car will be designed on the CMP modular platform that will also be used for the upcoming Jeep sub-4 metre SUV. It measures 3.98-metre in length and has raised bonnet, high ground clearance and elevated seating position. The new Citroen C3 carries the brand’s signature double-slat grille connected the split LED headlamp clusters. The black cladding all around the body and flared wheel arches add more to its SUV-ish looks. The hatch will be offered in multiple monotone and dual-tone colour options.
Inside, there is a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Its dashboard has textured panel and the flat-bottom steering comes with mounted controls. It also gets a digital instrument cluster.
While official specifications will be revealed in coming weeks, the new Citroen C3 is reported to come with the 1.2L naturally aspirated and 1.2L turbocharged petrol engines making power close to 80bhp and 108bhp/128bhp respectively. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be on offer. Though, the naturally aspirated gasoline unit will be offered with manual transmission only.
The C3 will be Citroen’s smallest car in India, which is expected to be priced from Rs 5.5 lakh onwards. Its lower variants will compete against sub-4 metre SUVs including Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. More details on the new Citroen small car will be revealed next month. Stay tuned to IndiaCarNews.