Made-in-India Citroen C3 unveiled; launch in 2022

Citroen has finally unveiled the new C3 crossover-hatchback for the Indian market. Expected to be launched in the first half of 2022, the new C3 will be Citroen's contender in the cut-throat sub-4m segment in India. 

The wait is finally over! Citroen has dropped the veil on the all-new India-bound C3. Marketed as a B-segment hatchback with SUV cues, the new C3 will be produced locally with 90% parts localisation. The C3 will be Citroen's second product launch after the C5 Aircross, and it’s expected to go on sale in the first half of 2022. The new C3 is also the first of three models that are based on the company’s C-Cubed program, which has been developed specifically for emerging markets like India and South America.

Measuring 3.98 metres, the C3 can be best described as a crossover-hatchback. However, with its quirky design elements, upright stance, and funky colour options, it looks quite cool. Design highlights include a double chevron logo, double-slat Citroen grille with split-LED headlamps, body-cladding all around, and tasty diamond-cut alloys. Around the back, the design is again very Citroen-like – the C3 has a stubby rear, dominated by cube-shaped LED tail lamps.

Since the new C3 has been developed and designed specifically for the Indian market, Citroen has paid special attention while designing the interior. The company says that ‘space’ and ‘wellbeing’ were the top priorities. The dashboard has a dual-tone finish – in the pictures here it is orange, but we believe different exterior paint options will have matching interior accents. As for the features, there’s a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. There’s also an interesting-looking smartphone holder right next to the display. The three-spoke steering wheel and digital instrument cluster look familiar to the C5. In terms of space and comfort, Citroen says the C3 will be one of the best. But is it really? Only time will tell…

Citroen hasn’t revealed all the technical specifications of the India-bound C3 as yet. However, the new vehicle is based on the company’s CMP modular platform, and it’s expected to be offered with a single petrol engine option. The engine is expected to be a 1.2-litre turbo unit in both manual and automatic versions.

Since the new C3 will be a volume product for the French carmaker, Citroen will be expanding its dealership network across the country at a rapid pace before the launch of the vehicle. At the moment, the company only sells the C5 Aircross through its La Maison flagship outlets in select Indian cities.

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