Citroen has this month introduced a price hike on its C3 high-riding hatchback, the third price hike by the French automaker since the launch of the C3 in July 2022. Citroën has not given any reason for the hike but it is likely that they have increased it to counter the rising input cost.
Mechanically, there is no change in the C3, and that means it will continue to be powered by the two 1.2-litre petrol powertrain options. The first is an 83hp, naturally aspirated unit mated to a 5-speed manual and the second is a 110hp, turbocharged unit mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. There is no automatic gearbox option as of now, but Citroen plans to introduce a 6-speed torque converter automatic for the C3 in the second half of 2023.
The C3 is available in three trims – Live, Feel and Feel Turbo. However, the Live and Feel trims have seen a price hike of Rs 18,000, while the Feel Turbo prices remain unchanged. The C3 now starts at ₹6.16 Lakh and goes up to ₹8.25 Lakh.
The C3 takes on the manual versions of the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite and the Renault Kiger. With the new pricing, the base spec Citroen C3 is ₹16,000 more expensive than the starting price of the Punch and Magnite, and ₹34,000 costlier than the Ignis. However, this brings down the starting price of the Kiger to under ₹34,000.
Citroën recently launched the electric counterpart of the C3 in India, and is currently working on an all-new mid-size SUV, which could be called the C3 Aircross. The SUV is undergoing final stages of testing, and is expected to be launched later this year, taking on the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyrider. The brand will also bring the fully electric eC3 Aircross SUV to India by 2025.