Citroen C3 Aircross is expected to be priced competitively and is underpinned by the same CMP architecture as the C3; launch in September
Citroen India has announced that it will commence the deliveries of the much-awaited C3 Aircross in a couple of months’ time. The midsize SUV made its world debut towards the end of April in India and it will compete with Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, MG Astor, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and soon-launching Honda Elevate.
The French auto major sells the C5 Aircross, C3 compact hatchback and eC3 in India and the C3 Aircross will be positioned above its hatchback sibling. The prices of the SUV will be announced in September while the official bookings will also begin in the same month. The C3 Aircross will be available in five- and seven-seater configurations upon arrival.
It is expected to be priced competitively and is underpinned by the same architecture as the C3. The heavily localised CMP (with more than 90 per cent local content) as well as the 1.2L petrol engine will be shared with the compact hatch. The powertrain produces a maximum power output of 110 PS and 190 Nm of peak torque, and it will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission only.
An automatic transmission will more likely join the range at a later date. The company has also revealed that the C3 Aircross will have a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.5 kmpl as it will directly take on the 1.5L NA petrol engine equipped Creta and Seltos, 1.0L turbo petrol featuring Kushaq and Taigun, 1.5L mild-hybrid petrol engine in Hyryder and Vitara, and 1.5L VTEC NA petrol equipped Honda Elevate.
The cost cutting measures taken in the Citroen C3 Aircross are more than evident. Thus, we expect it to be pitched aggressively against its rivals. It will be offered in four different customisation options, two interior theme and as many as ten exterior shades. The equipment list will boast a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, TPMS, a seven-inch digital instrument console, steering wheel with mounted controls, etc.
The five-seater version has a bootspace capacity of 444 litres and the seven-seater has it at 511 litres and its final row can be folded flat and removed.