In 2019, 2 new car makers, namely MG Motors and Kia Motors made their Indian debuts. Next year, a confirmed new debutant is Citroen, which is part of France’s Peugeot group.
Recently, automotive enthusiast who would like to remain anonymous, spotted a small convoy of C5 Aircross SUVs while they were on test near Pondicherry. The convoy consisted of at least 4 Aircross’, 2 black and 2 white.
All the SUVs were registered with HR55 number plates and had a ‘On Test’ sticker from ICAT (International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT),). In the past too, test mules from PSA group have been spotted in India with HR55 number plates. The fact that these cars were on test for ICAT validation clearly shows that Citroen is trying to get the regulatory approvals before the launch of the vehicle.
Talking about the Aircross, the SUV had made its global debut at Shanghai back in 2017. Currently, it is sold in multiple international markets and competes with the likes of Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai and the Tuscon from Hyundai. It is based upon PSA’s EMP2 platform, which it shares with other cars from the group, like Vauxhall Grandland X, Peugeot 3008 and DS7 Crossback.
Aesthetically, the Aircross has a very distinctive look and it will clearly help it to stand apart from the crowd. The SUV looks youthful and aggressive, especially due to its dynamic front design. On the inside, it offers oodles of space, thanks to its not-so-compact size. Final equipment list and the size of alloy wheels (one out of 17/18/19 inch) are things about which we can’t comment upon right now; however considering that it will be Citroen’s debut product, we are sure that it will be feature loaded.
Internationally, C5 Aircross is sold in various powertrain combinations. These include a 128hp 1.5 litre diesel motor, a 178hp 2 litre diesel guzzler and a 128hp 1.2 litre petrol engine. On the transmission front, customers are free to choose between 6-speed MT and 8-speed AT units. We will have to wait and watch which configuration is brought to India.
Launch of the car is scheduled to take place sometime in Sep 2020. Considering the price point of approx Rs 30 lakhs, the Citroen C5 Aircross will be competing with the likes of VW Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, etc.