French automaker, Citroen will start introducing locally developed products in the Indian market from the end of 2021. The first locally developed Citroen will be a sub-4 meter SUV, codenamed C21. It is rumoured to be called new Citroen C3 Sporty, which will be positioned against the Tata Nexon, Renault Kiger, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, etc.
Tata Motors will also introduce the production version of the HBX concept in the end of 2021. These models is expected to be introduced around Diwali, around September-October. The new HBX micro SUV will be the second model based on the brand’s new ALFA modular platform, which underpins the Altroz hatchback.
Citroen C3 Sporty
The sub-4 meter SUV is scheduled to make global debut in September 2021. The launch is expected to take place soon after the debut. The new model will be based on the brand’s new CMP (Common Modular Platform), which will also underpin an electric derivative of the C21. Codenamed eCC21, the electric SUV is reportedly to arrive in 2022.
The new Citroen C3 Sporty has already been spotted testing numerous times on the Indian roads. Going by the spy images, it is visible that the styling of the small SUV is inspired by the bigger Citroen C3 Aircross and the C5 Aircross. The new Citroen C3 compact SUV will be powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which can produce up to 130bhp of power. A 5-speed manual gearbox will come as standard, while a DCT automatic gearbox could join the line-up at a later stage. The Citroen CC21 could be the first model in India to feature flex-fuel system, which is compatible to feature a 1.2L petrol engine with ethanol blends starting from 27% to entirely on the biofuel.
Tata HBX
The production version of the HBX micro SUV has already been spotted testing in India. The small SUV was planned to be introduced in the second quarter of 2021; however, the launch has been pushed by a quarter due to COVID-19 pandemic. The small SUV is rumoured to be called the Tata Timero. It will be positioned against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis and the upcoming Hyundai AX1.
The Tata Timero is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that also powers the Tiago, Tigor and the Altroz. This engine churns out 86bhp of power and 113Nm of torque. The small UV could also get the 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine with power output close to 100bhp. Transmission options are likely to include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).
