Citroen has finally taken the wraps off its second offering in India – the C3 which will be the French brand’s entry point into our market. Now we were expecting the C3 to be a subcompact SUV or an Aircross as it moves in CitroenBut surprisingly the brand is very strategically positioning it as an SUV-inspired B-segment hatchback which is a smart move opening up a wide volume segment for the French brand. So instead of entering the already highly subcompact SUV segment, Citroen is taking on models like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz and even the Honda WR-V, as there is still room for new offerings. is white. Again, this is likely to push the Swift and Grand i10 Nios segment ahead against the higher trims, but that largely depends on the pricing.
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The new C3 still looks rugged but not overly tight and has Citroen’s quintessentially quirky design that is well retained.
Citron Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vincent Coby while speaking on strategy to Siddharth Vinayak Patankar, Editor-in-Chief-Cars and Bikes, on the latest Freewheeling with SVP webisode, said, “We believe it is important to meet core needs. We are in need of being stretched, excited and satisfied to address the wonders of personal mobility, and that is the B-hatch sub-four meter segment. We wanted to make a statement here but that doesn’t mean that we haven’t tried SUV’s. The benefits are completely ignored and when you see it you understand that we have accepted or assumed substantial SUV influence in the vehicle in terms of posture and location. But when you start out, you will need your creditworthiness and Reliability is required to demonstrate where we are entering from the sub-four meter. Obviously, as we implement new strategies, as we grow with the family, we will be addressing market revolutions We know what they are, but instead of going with eye-catching trendy, start at the core and expand. Running is always the best. NG and not be credible in the centre.”
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It looks very European just like the C5 Aircross and the distinctive Citroen face is still futuristic with a bold presence.
So yes! The new Citroen C3 is kind of bridging the gap between premium hatchbacks and subcompact SUVs, which used to be in the cross hatch days. We have seen this design slant working well for Renault with the Kwid in the entry-level A segment and Citroen has taken a similar approach. So the new C3 still looks rugged but not overly tight and has Citroen’s quintessentially quirky design. It looks very European like its big brother and the typical Citroen face is still futuristic with a bold presence. The split headlamp setup with the halogen unit on the bumpers and DRLs above look modern and trendy while the sleek chrome grille with the double helical Citroen logo merges seamlessly with the DRLs. Then the silhouette is smooth-edged and not too boxy to complement its urban nature. Touches around the contrast roof and fog lamps, wing mirrors and chunky plastic cladding on the sides add to its funky look and accessories like bold silver skid plates on both the front and rear again build on the rugged appeal, which in turn Accented by 180mm of ground clearance and raised approach and departure angles. The chunky alloy wheels also look stylish and are of the same size typically seen in subcompact SUVs. The rear looks a bit simple in comparison but still goes well with the overall look and has a European elegance to it.
Then the silhouette is smooth-edged and not too boxy to complement its urban nature.
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Now design has been at the heart of Citroen’s identity globally and the brand continues to grow with that strength in our market as well. Elaborating on his design approach, Kobi said, “The exterior and interior styling is something we have a long history about and I think the C5 Aircross is proving itself. For us its two very There are fundamental dimensions. First, we’re keen on proportion and upbeat levels. Sophisticated treatments but on top of that we really want to be different. We have a style identity that relies on very smooth and rich, sexy surfaces. and Very clear sharp technical elements. That’s what makes Citroen’s design. So you have a very approachable and gentle design but with the freedom of sharp technical elements to show that we’re there but not driving too much of the grandeur of the vehicle Huh.”
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The interior is finished in all-black color and you get an orange contrast center finish to match the width of the dash.
The cabin looks very stylish and even the quality of the materials used seems upmarket. It scores well with things like auto climate control system, steering mounted controls, multiple USB charging ports and power adjustable wing mirrors, a dedicated fitment area for the mobile holder close to the instrument panel and even the touchscreen infotainment system. The interior is finished in all-black color and you get an orange contrast center finish to match the width of the dash. Talking about the contrast, silver highlights on the center console are around the door pockets and air-con vents. The steering wheel and squarish design of the air-convent is a direct lift from the C5 Aircross. The seats are also expected to offer good side and lumbar support, while the headrest and black fabric upholstery get the finishing touches. However, the rear power window switch knobs are awkwardly placed behind the handbrake and also lack a center armrest that rivals offer.
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There’s a large 10.25-inch touchscreen unit with wireless smartphone integration options that support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Then connectivity has also been one of the focus areas while developing the C3. There is a large touchscreen unit with wireless smartphone integration options supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Citron does not want to compromise on this front as connectivity has been a major deciding factor among car buyers and especially young customers. That said, it still misses out on connected car technology and features like wireless charging rivals the i20 and Altroz iTurbo.
The seats are also expected to offer good side and lumbar support, while there are fixed headrests, but the rear power window switch is awkwardly placed behind you, the central console missing out on the front center armrest as well.
Commenting on the brand, Kobi said, “India is the largest phone market in the world with the biggest growth and therefore has a ready-to-use smartphone offering. You will have the screen you want, the application technologies you want. The car is free of dirt. Of cables and you can have your uninterrupted technical pleasure while driving the C3. And then it doesn’t have to be only in the premium segment and not at the core of the market.” Keeping in mind the interests of these young and millennial customers, Citroen is also offering a wide range of customization options for the C3 and over 75 accessories options. So from the body color to the interior trims and features, all of them can be customized.
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Contrast touches around the roof and fog lamps, wing mirrors and chunky plastic cladding on the sides add to its funky look.
Under the hood, the new Citroen C3 is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that makes around 100 bhp and 160 Nm of peak torque. The motor will be mated to a five-speed manual gearbox while an automatic transmission is likely to be optional in the higher trims for ease of driving in traffic conditions. And speaking of comfort, a tight turning radius of 10 meters helps it steer through tight spaces and city traffic. It is born on the heavily localized Common Modular Platform (CMP) which will also underpin the future models in Citroen India’s line-up. It will be assembled at Citroen’s factory in Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu where a separate line has been developed for SUVs and this will help the French brand in competitive pricing. In fact, all the development of the C3 has been done in Chennai and is specifically designed for developing markets like India and Brazil. “The entire development of this vehicle has been done in Chennai. The technical/supplier choices, manufacturing readiness, and of course we have this very unique, innovative, always-on omni-channel distribution system, which we believe This is part of the innovation Citroen will bring to the market.”
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The Citroen C3 will be launched in India next year and will be manufactured locally at Citroen’s Tiruvallur plant in Tamil Nadu.
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The premium hatchback is expected to go on sale in our market early next year and later we will also get new variants like the C3 Aircorss which will be more attractive to look at and compete with subcompact SUVs. Citroen has also confirmed to introduce one model in India every year.
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