Made-in-India Citroen C3 compact SUV makes global debut, launch in 2022

Tuhin Guha Updated: September 16, 2021, 06:18 PM IST

Citroen has revealed its next offering for the Indian market, the Citron C3 sub-four-metre SUV. The C3 is made in India and is the first model based on its C-Cubed architecture. This architecture is heavily localized and will be the base for a range of models for India and other developing markets.

Citroen C3 styling, customisation

The geometric styling remains and seems to have been heavily influenced by that of the C5 Aircross. So there is a similar split headlamp setup with the integrated chevrons but with the new 'X' LED lighting motifs seen on cars like the C4. The Citroen C3 features a large rectangular grille and an intricately stylised air dam below it with silver and orange highlights.

In profile, the 3.98m length is quite apparent and there is that slightly upright look and the straight C-pillar that is quite common in the brand's cars. The Airbumps make an appearance here as well while there are dual-tone steel wheels as well. The rear looks fairly simple with a rounded boot lid, compact c-shaped LED highlighted taillamps and a silver skid plate on the bumpers.

Keeping Indian needs in mind, the Citroen C3 has been developed with short overhangs, a 10m turning circle and a sloping bonnet for better visibility specifically for the Indian market. The ground clearance is 180mm. Another major focus is on customisation with 78 accessories available. These will be both cosmetic and functional and will include four solid and two dual-tone exterior paint options in 10 combinations and various interior colour palettes including eight seat cover choices.

Citroen C3 interiors, features

The interiors of the upcoming Citroen C3 carries on with the brand's geometric design theme, with the tubular central panel in contrasting colour, a layered shelf below it and the C5 Aircross-inspired split AC vents. The squarish steering wheel with controls is seen here too but the highlight is the 10-inch widescreen touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple Carplay. Practicality was focused on heavily with touches like the phone mount, numerous cubbies and class-leading elbow, knee and headroom. Boot space is 315l while wheelbase is a sizeable 2,540mm.

Citroen C3 engines, platform, suspension

The Citroen C3 is based on a heavily localized architecture, a development of the global EMP platform which can accommodate EV powertrains in the future. There will be no diesel engine options in this segment from Citroen but the Puretech 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol can be expected with around 110PS and 205 Nm. This should pair with a six-speed manual or the EAT6 six-speed torque converter automatic. Lower-spec versions might even get the N/A 83PS version of this engine. Citroen has tuned the suspension specifically for the Indian market. The comfort focus remains but the hydraulic bump stops seem to have been given a miss.

Citroen C3 India launch date, expected pricing

Earlier planned for a 2021, the COVID19 pandemic has pushed back launch timelines for Citroen's C-Cubed offerings. The Citroen C3 will launch by the first half of 2022 and is expected to be followed by a hatchback based on the same architecture. This will be followed by two more offerings around the same architecture. As for pricing, the Citroen C3 can be expected to come in at the lower end of the sub-four-meter SUV segment and with the likes of the upcoming Tata Punch, Renault Kiger, Hyundai Venue and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza with prices ranging between Rs 6 to 11 lakh ex-showroom. Citroen will offer its wide range of customer service offerings with digital showrooms, 24-hour parts availability, service-on-wheels, among other things.