The powertrain on this new Citroen C3 based compact SUV is likely to be similar to C3 hatchback – A 1.2L turbo petrol unit
After C5 Aircross, the next step in Citroen’s roadmap was to make mainstream cars. We saw the launch of the C3 hatchback and Citroen’s maiden EV in India, eC3. Next step for Citroen is a compact SUV to rival Creta, Seltos, Grand Vitara, Hyryder and Astor. Test mules of a larger C3 have already been spied across India.
Citroen’s C3-based compact SUV is likely to be called C3 Aircross, instead of C3 Plus or C4. This upcoming compact SUV deviates from the C3 hatchback a lot more than what was earlier speculated. New spy shots reveal a new dashboard layout and a new set of features. It will probably get 7-seat and 5-seat options too. Let’s take a look.
2024 Citroen C3 Plus 7 Seater Spied Testing Again
Spy shots reveal that Citroen has stayed true to the C3 hatchback’s overall silhouette. Until its C-pillar design. We can see where Citroen has stretched C3’s design to fit into a larger vehicle’s footprint. Speaking of footprint, Citroen C3 Plus compact SUV is likely to be around 4.2 – 4.3m in length.
In previous spy shots, it was parked beside a Seltos, lending us perspectives about its dimensions. Citroen C3 Aircross is much more than just a stretched C3. Looking at the exterior of this upcoming Citroen, that might be debatable. Latest spy shots are from Bhojpur, Bihar. Images are credited to Sonu Singh.
On the inside, though, it is pretty evident that it is different from the outgoing C3 hatchback. The new spy shots reveal a massive departure from the C3 hatchback’s interior. Sure, steering wheel and other switchgear are shared, however, dashboard design is new.
Dashboard still features a layered effect. Quad AC vents in the center are now gone. In that place, we now have two large AC vents and above it, there is provision for a new touchscreen infotainment system. This will be a freestanding unit with a squarish shape as opposed to a horizontal screen on C3.
Citroen C3 Aircross SUV to get many new features, undercut rivals in pricing
Currently, the C3 hatchback lacks climate control, alloy wheels, electrically adjustable ORVMs, dimming IRVMs, reverse parking camera, rear wiper and defogger and even a tachometer. These are quality-of-life features and not just novelties. These features will make it to this more premium compact SUV. Pricing is likely to undercut other compact SUVs by quite some bit.
Powertrain is likely to be the same 1.2L turbo-petrol engine with 110 bhp and 190 Nm, mated to a 6-speed MT. Hopefully, Citroen C3 Aircross or C3 Plus or C4 should get a slight boost in power and an automatic option. Citroen C3 SUV prices could start from under Rs 10 lakh and go all the way to Rs 15 lakh, ex-sh. Launch is expected later this year or early next year.
