Until the C-Pillar, Citroen C3 SUV 7-seater looks similar to its hatchback counterpart and then it gets extended to accommodate a 3rd row
The first phase of Citroen’s strategy for India saw them introducing a mass-market vehicle in the form of the C3 hatchback. Based on the same, they have also launched its electric version, called eC3. In the next phase, Citroen will launch a 7 seater SUV based on the C3. Global debut is scheduled for 27th April, 2023.
It is likely to be called Citroen C3 Aircross. Ahead of debut, a Citroen C3 7-seater test mule has been spied in production ready guise, and it seems to be undergoing final stages of testing. This latest spy shot of the Citroen C3 SUV gives us a clearer look at the side profile.
Citroen C3 SUV will be longer than the hatchback
MPV / SUV / Sedan based on a hatchback platform is not a new concept for India. Honda Brio’s platform was used to carve Amaze, a Mobilio MPV and BR-V crossover SUV based on the latter. Citroen seems to be taking a similar route.
We have compared the C3 SUV spy shot with a similar angled photo of the C3 hatch. Until the C-pillar C3 hatch and C3 SUV look almost similar. When looking at proportions, doors and tyre size look similar as well. C3 hatch is 3981mm in length. The C3 SUV is likely to be longer at about 4.2 meter in length.
Everything after its C-pillar is being extended to accommodate a 3rd row of seats. It seems that there wouldn’t be much boot space left when all 3-rows are up. Previous test mules donned steel wheels, while this one wears a swanky set of 4-spoke alloy wheels, designed to show either ‘x’ or ‘+’.
Expected Powertrain Options & Features
Citroen C3 comes equipped with a 1.2L 3-cylinder engine offered in either naturally aspirated form or turbocharged form. Citroen C3 SUV may only get the turbocharged setup, owing to added weight and positioning with respect to expected rivals. This engine is capable of developing 109 bhp of power and 190 Nm, mated to a sole 6-speed MT. An automatic transmission option could be on offer.
In terms of features, Citroen C3 7-seater will come equipped with the same 10.25” landscape-oriented touchscreen display featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. We hope Citroen offers a tachometer in its gauge cluster.
Other creature comforts expected are AC vents for all three rows, recline function for second row, manually-dimmable IRVM, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVM, keyless entry and push button start, among many others. Citroen C3 SUV prices are likely to start from under Rs 10 lakh. Being a 7 seater, it will be a more value for money option for buyers in the Rs 10-15 lakh SUV segment.
