French automaker Citroen has officially announced plans to launch 3 new locally developed cars in the Indian market in 2023-24. The company will launch 2 new models including the electric C3 hatchback in the country this year. Adding to it, Citroen is developing two new models under its C-Cubed program.
Citroen 7-Seater SUV
Citroen is currently testing a new 7-seater utility vehicle on the Indian roads. It will be based on the C3 hatchback and is rumoured to be called the Citroen C3 Aircross. The design of the UV will be inspired from the C3 and bigger Citroen cars on sale in global markets. The spotted model was equipped with 17-inch wheels; however, the production car could get 16-inch wheels.
The 3-row UV will be positioned against the likes of the Maruti Ertiga, Suzuki XL6, and the Kia Carens. It could also impact the sales of the Renault Triber. It is likely to share interior features with the C3 hatchback. The 7-seater SUV is likely to be powered by the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 110bhp and 190Nm of torque.
Citroen eC3
The French automaker will launch the all-electric version of the C3 hatchback in India in February 2023. Called the Citroen eC3, the new model will be available for bookings from January 22, 2023. It looks largely identical to the regular model; however, the EV misses out on a tailpipe and a new charging port located on the front fender. Inside the cabin, the electric vehicle gets a revised centre console and a new drive controller.
The new Citroen eC3 comes equipped with a 29.2kWh battery pack, which is sourced from Svolt. It comes with a 3.3kW onboard AC charger and is also capable of CCS2 fast charging. The battery sends power to the front-axle-mounted electric motor that produces 57bhp and 143Nm of torque. It is claimed to offer an ARAI certified range of 320km. The electric model offers two driving modes – Eco and Standard – and also has regenerative braking. It is claimed to achieve 0-60kmph in 6.8 seconds before hitting a top speed of 107kmph. Using DC Fast charging, the battery can be charged from 10-80 percent in 57 minutes.
Citroen’s New SUV In 2024
The company is reportedly developing an all-new SUV for the Indian market. It will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and others. The new SUV is expected to measure around 4.3 meters in length. It is expected to be priced significantly lower compared to its direct rivals. The new Citroen SUV will be based on the Stellantis’ CMP (Common Modular Platform) that also underpins the C3 hatchback.
It is likely to share the styling cues from the C4 Cactus, which is on sale in the international markets. The new compact SUV is likely to be powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with power output close to 130bhp. The company could also plan to introduce the hybrid version of the SUV to meet the real-world driving emission tests that come into effect in 2023.
