- Citroen is working on a new mid-size SUV to rival the likes of Creta, Seltos, Grand Vitara, etc.
- To be named C3 Aircross, the SUV will be based on the C3 hatchback.
- Expected to come in 2-row and 3-row seating options
Citroen recently unveiled its electric hatchback eC3 in the Indian market. Citroen already sells the premium SUV C5 Aircross and the entry-level C3 hatchback in India. It seems now the french auto major is eying the mid-size SUV segment with its new SUV likely to be named C3 Aircross. That's because this new SUV from Citroen will be based on the C3 hatchback and will be underpinned by the same CMP modular platform which underpins the C3 hatchback. With C3 Aircross, Citroen wants to challenge the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Recently, a test mule of the Citroen C3 Aircross was spotted on the outskirts of Chennai. Though it was camouflaged, the interior and several design features of the SUV could easily be spotted. Here we have discussed every available detail and possible aspect of this upcoming mid-size SUV from Citroen.
Citroen C3 Aircross: Dimension
Though based on the C3, the C3 Aircross seems to be much bigger in size compared to its hatchback sibling. The new mid-size SUV from Citroen is expected to be around 4.2 meters in length. The mid-size SUV segment in India is already crowded. Thus, to differentiate its new offering, Citroen seems to be planning to launch the C3 Aircross in two seating options i.e. a 2-row 5-seater and a 3-row 7-seater. Using this strategy, Citreon will also be able to challenge several 7-seater MPVs like Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki XL6, Renault Triber, etc. Citroen might also offer C3 Aircross with 10 to 20 mm higher ground clearance than C3's 180 mm.
Citroen C3 Aircross: Design
The test mule of the C3 Aircross clearly shows a C3-inspired design. The same split headlamps with split DRL seem to grace the front end of the SUV. Citroen might change some exterior elements or add some new ones like projector headlamps etc in the production version or the higher trims of the SUV. The C3 Aircross is also expected to get bigger 16 or 17-inch wheels rather than the 15-inch ones in C3.
Citroen C3 Aircross: Powertrain
Citroen is expected to offer the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine in the C3 Aircross. That's the same engine that powers the C3 hatchback. While the engine generates 110hp of power in the C3, making it a fun to drive city car, it would be interesting to see the power output figures of the engine in the C3 Aircross. If the new SUV is launched with the same power output figure of 110hp, it would be a direct rival to the 1.5 litre naturally aspirated variants of the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. Also, it would be more powerful than the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Citroen is also expected to offer an electric powertrain option with the C3 Aircross, which could launch sometime after the launch of the petrol version.
Citroen C3 Aircross: Interiors & Features
The leaked images of the test mule of the C3 Aircross show a different dashboard layout compared to the C3 hatchback. The steering, the gear lever, and the AC controls in the C3 Aircross remain identical to the C3. Citroen is expected to offer the same 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system from the C3 in the upcoming C3 Aircross. Also, the higher variants of the SUV are expected to get features like auto climate control, keyless entry, push start/stop, auto ORVMs, wireless android auto/apple car play, etc.
Also Read: 2023 Citroen C3 7-Seater High Altitude Testing Begins - Launch Soon
Verdict: Citreon is expected to launch the C3 Aircross later this year as the SUV has already been in the trial phase for a long. The new mid-size SUV from Citroen is set to create tough competition due to its multiple seating options. And if priced competitively undercutting the rivals, the C3 Aircross could prove to be a success for Citroen in India.
