Citroen has launched C3, its first mass-market product in India with prices starting from INR 5.7 lac. The high-riding hatchback was open for bookings from June against a token amount of INR 21,000. Following the price reveal, the deliveries of C3 in Indian market will start from today.
The C3 is essentially a sub-compact SUV, much like the Tata Punch, however, the French automaker officially classifies it as hatchback ‘with a twist’. With over 90% localization, the made in India Citroen C3 is built at the company’s manufacturing facility in Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu.
In terms of appearance, the 2022 Citroen C3 follows the same design principles as the C5 Aircross, with highlights such as the color-coded inserts on the bumpers, split headlamps, a hexagonal air dam, X-shaped faux scuff plate, black cladding and wraparound taillights at the rear. The C3 sports 15-inch steel wheels with covers as standard, and optional 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels are also offered. A dimpled-effect dashboard panel is seen in the interior which can be optioned between orange and anodized grey colors.
Key features of the C3 include a large 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster, manual air conditioning, a 4-speaker sound system, and front and rear USB charging ports, in addition to tachometer, rear windscreen wiper and defogger, powered wing mirror adjustment, a day/night rear-view mirror, and a central lock/unlock button for the doors. Standard safety features include dual airbags, rear parking sensors, and seatbelt reminders.
Under the hood, the Citroen C3 offers two petrol engine options- a 1.2L three-cylinder naturally aspirated unit mated to a 5-speed manual transmission good for 82hp of power and 115Nm torque. The other engine is a 1.2L three-cylinder turbo-petrol unit, which produces 110hp of power and 190Nm torque, making it the most powerful engine in its class and is paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Unlike other cars in the segment, the C3 does not get an automatic transmission at launch, however it is expected to be introduced at a later stage. The 2022 Citroen C3 in India is priced as:
- 1.2P Live: INR 5,70,500
- 1.2P Feel: INR 6,62,500
- 1.2P Feel: INR VIBE pack INR 6,77,500
- 1.2P Feel dual tone: INR 6,77,500
- 1.2P Feel dual tone VIBE pack: INR 6,92,500
- 1.2P Turbo Feel dual tone VIBE pack: INR 8,05,500
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com