Citroen C3 Aircross India Debut On April 27th 2023

French automaker Citroen has announced that it will be revealing an all-new SUV in India on the 27th of April 2023. While the automaker did not mention any specifics, it did state that the SUV has been engineered and designed for our country.

Based on numerous media reports, a mid-size SUV based on the C3 hatchback is going to be the brand’s next new offering for the Indian consumer. Likely to be called the C3 Aircross, it is this very SUV that Citroen would be unveiling in a production ready form. We take a closer look.

Citroen C3 Aircross: Exterior Design

Citroen C3

Previously leaked images of the Citroen C3 Aircross gave the impression that the upcoming SUV would look similar in design to the C3 hatchback by way of its split-headlights, front grille, and the wraparound tail lights. However, the vehicle in profile will be much bigger in comparison, measuring at around 4.2 metres in length. It will have a more upright stance, all-new rear three quarters, and boxy proportions. Certain media reports suggest that the C3 Aircross will be offered in both 5 and 7 seat configurations.

Citroen C3 Aircross: Interior Features

Citroen C3 aircross

Moving inside, the upcoming SUV will have a different dashboard design as compared to the C3. It will offer a bigger touchscreen infotainment system and much more creature comforts compared to the hatchback. Equipment like auto-climate control, AC vents for all three rows, a fully digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated front seats, a sunroof, and more will be part of the package. Other bits like the steering wheel and some of the switchgear are expected to be borrowed from the C3 hatchback in order to keep the costs down.

Citroen C3 Aircross: Platform and Powertrain Details

Citroen C3 Dimension

Citroen C3 Aircross will be underpinned by the same CMP modular platform as its hatchback counterpart.The SUV is expected to come powered by the C3’s 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 110 bhp with 190 Nm of peak torque. Both manual and automatic transmission options are likely to be offered. The company could also introduce a pure electric powertrain in the vehicle sometime after the ICE-powered model is launched in India.

Citroen C3 Aircross: Pricing and Rivals

In terms of pricing, expect the Citroen C3 Aircross to undercut its rivals by a considerable margin. The brand is expected to offer its turbo-petrol engined SUV at a similar price point to the likes of the mild-hybrid version of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara variants alongside the naturally aspirated petrol models of the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta.

Upon launch, it will compete in the mid-size SUV segment. It will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, MG Astor, Volkswagen Taigun, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder and Škoda Kushaq.