Citroen India made its mass market debut with the C3 almost a year back and the new offering is based on the C-Cubed platform that will spawn a host of more affordable models in the future. The C3 is the first of the three models planned, which includes a compact SUV and an electric vehicle. The latter has hit the showrooms and now the upcoming C3 7-Seater compact SUV reveal date has been announced. The car was spotted testing yet again and there are now more clear images of the car.
The camouflaged test mule reveals little on the product side but the model will be based on the C3’s C-Cubed architecture with styling cues borrowed from the larger C5 Aircross – the automaker’s flagship offering in India. However, the C3 Aircross will be a far more affordable option despite falling in the Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Kia Seltos as well as the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. Just like how Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger are to Tata Nexon and Kia Sonet.
The Citroen C3 7-Seater has been internally codenamed CC24 and will share the same underpinnings as the standard C3. It’ll be larger than the latter though, measuring 4.2 metres in length. Citroen’s quirky and fun design elements will be thrown in abundance.
Expect to see only the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engines on the C3 Aircross. The turbo mill belts out 110PS and 190Nm. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual on the latter. Citroen is expected to introduce a 6-speed torque converter on the C3 Aircross and the same gearbox will likely be offered on the C3 too.
The new Citroen C3 7-Seater could be more feature-laden than the C3, which would be a big product differentiator internally between the models. Moreover, it will also help Citroen package the model more efficiently against its rivals. Additionally, Citroen’s outstanding ride quality and the model should impress quite a few as a comfort-oriented package. The company is looking to export the made-in-India models, so expect a strong chunk of demand from overseas markets too. Citroen is planning an aggressive push going forward. eC3 is already here. eC3 Aircross will most likely follow in early 2024 too. The eC3 seems likely to be targeted at fleet owners which is a much bigger market considering the push to electrify public transport.
