Citroen C3 Aircross is set to be positioned on the same CMP platform as the C3 borrowing some similar design cues
Citroen India has shared the first official teaser of their upcoming C3 Aircross SUV. This is also the first time they have confirmed the name – C3 Aircross. It will be the newest entrant into the ever expanding B-SUV segment. This is a segment that sees the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder hog most sales each month.
Citroen C3 Aircross will officially debut on 27th April 2023 and spy shots of the model on test have been doing the rounds. Latest spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast Siddhu, who managed to click them when the SUV was on test near Hyundai plant in Chennai.
Citroen C3 Aircross Side Profile – A closer look
This new Citroen 7 seater SUV has been designed and engineered in India. It will be produced from the company plant in Tamil Nadu. It is based on the C3 hatchback and is likely to be offered both in 5 and 7 seater options.
Exteriors will feature split headlamps with LED DRLs, Citroen’s signature front grille, flared wheel arches and rectangular tail lamps. It could measure around 4.2 meters in length and will get 2 and 3 row seating layouts. The 5 seater model will take on Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder and Kia Seltos while Citroen 7 seater will rival Kia Carens and Maruti XL6.
Its interiors will see several features borrowed from the C3 such as the steering wheel design, switchgears, etc. However, it gets a new dashboard that now sports a layered effect. It also receives new AC vents which are larger than that seen on the C3 while it will also get a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Automatic climate control will be making its way on higher-spec variants.
Likely to be offered as an entry level compact SUV, the new Citroen C3 Aircross could receive features such as electrically adjustable ORVMs, auto dimming IRVMs and reverse parking camera along with rear wiper and defogger.
Powertrain Options
Citroen C3 Aircross will carry forward the same engine lineup as seen on its hatchback counterpart. This 1.2 liter, 3 cylinder turbo petrol engine makes 110 hp power and 190 Nm on the C3. However power and performance may be tweaked on the larger offering. Manual as well automatic transmission will be on offer.
Citroen is expected to undercut rivals where pricing of the new C3 Aircross SUV is concerned. It could range from Rs 10-15 lakh (ex-showroom) with launch date slated for later this year. Once the regular petrol powered SUV goes on sale in India, Citroen is also planning to introduce the electric eC3 Aircross which will target fleet operators.