[ramki.grandhi]

Other way to look at this situation is, while the progress on products and features is slow, Citroen appears to be committed to Indian market. Hope Citroen stays long and gives us best possible cars with 5 star safety and essential features.

[aravind.anand]

Citroen in India clearly lack vision. After Indians have clearly shown how bad their C3 and C3 Aircross attempts are, they still are continuing on the same line with the upcoming Basalt.

Even if they can get MSD, SRK and Rajnikanth to dance around on ads, no logical person would rush to book their dated products.

Its like applying a fresh coat of paint to a house that is in ruins. Doesn't help at all.

[samarthnarayan]

Originally Posted by ramki.grandhi

Other way to look at this situation is, while the progress on products and features is slow, Citroen appears to be committed to Indian market. Hope Citroen stays long and gives us best possible cars with 5 star safety and essential features.

On a general note, I don't think car sales in India, are brand ambassadors driven. Or atleast I have never come across anyone who has even mentioned any interest in any car brand due to it having a particular brand ambassador.

Maybe someone else will share a better anecdotal evidence to the contrary!

But i just don't think car buyers think and purchase with a brand ambassador view or consideration.

As for your positive message of hope for Citroen in India, I share the same sentiment. Fingers crossed.

[arnav17]

As much as a Dhoni and CSK fan I am, I would never buy anything, even a box (for reference) just because someone I follow endorses it, forget a car. Citroen's sales are at a steady decline and I guess this is their last effort to do something drastic and change the numbers.

[evilminstrel]

While most Bhpians are bashing the product of Citroen, I wish they would have at least driven it once. In my opinion, Citroen cars are best in terms of driving dynamics, and no Indian car (in the segment and one segment above these cars) comes close to what Citroen offers in driving dynamics.

As far as MSD is concerned, with a less than optimal response to Indian "I don't care about cars, I need steering full of buttons and screen" customers, it is best to make hay while the sun shines. I think, with some new models in queue, this might work for Citroen if they start now.

In any case, we overestimate Indian customers.They are average at best. When we see Average Cars+Good Features hit all the time, why not the combination of Amazing Cars+Less Features+MSD may create interest? At least Citroen cars are great cars!

[Benoit]

I think this could actually help the brand. None of my non-car enthusiast friends know about Citroen brand. Roping in Dhoni is primarily for brand identity.

[newenergy]

Originally Posted by evilminstrel

While most Bhpians are bashing the product of Citroen, I wish they would have at least driven it once. In my opinion, Citroen cars are best in terms of driving dynamics, and no Indian car (in the segment and one segment above these cars) comes close to what Citroen offers in driving dynamics.

I have tried Citroën C3/eC3 and VW Taigun back to back and the difference is quite evident. The body panels and fit and finish are way better in Taigun. Coming to driving dynamics, you know the answer already.

This is the problem with Citroën, they bring nothing to the table that makes someone seriously consider it.

[adityaNview]

The purpose for association for any brand with a celebrity as a brand ambassador is to use the face of the celebrity for publicity.
M S Dhoni is a known face in the Indian Sub Continent. Even if he couldn’t help make sales, he will definitely help Citroen become a recognised brand.
As a gesture by Citroen, it shows that they are trying to touch Indian lives. Even though there is a long way to go, it could be a start.
Citroen is definitely not a chocolate or vanilla of ice cream industry, but it does bring in a fresh face and a certain new French flamboyance..

[samarthnarayan]

Originally Posted by newenergy

This is the problem with Citroën, they bring nothing to the table that makes someone seriously consider it.

i had the near same experience.

Initially, as there was no automatic option, so I didnt even consider it, however by chance I got an opportunity to try the car, and the build quality for me was not upto the mark, and the internal features that everyone would agree, are simply giving a downgrade feeling.

Now, Even after the automatic has got launched, they havent given some basic stuff like climate control, which is pretty standard for this segment.

Disclaimer. I havent driven the automatic yet, but from all online reviews and accounts, I gather the engine and gearbox are noteworthy. Something that Citroen can build upon.

in my personal view, Citroen has to make a leap into the Skoda, VW, Honda battle category where strong driving dynamics are backed up by build quality, and all basic segment features.

otherwise, people will choose those brands as they are offering a better package overall.

and i guess no point in repeating the lack of Dealership-Service network, not to mention Test Drive vehicles, thats really a must for the Indian consumer to get confidence in a brand.

Hoping Citroen is listening.

[ashutoshb]

A wise step indeed. For many, Citroen is an unknown brand. Many don't even know such a company exists, let alone have a Citroen car on their shortlist. Hoping to see Dhoni in a Citroen on a screen soon.

[Mitadru]

Seems like Citroen does read Team BHP, and has read my post where I'd mentioned them to rope in some celebrities. Regarding their lineup, they've said that they will include features like keyless entry and 6 airbags by July 2024. Let's see what happens. And regarding people believing that Basalt will go the same way, I would like to bring up a point. This coupe was supposed to be on sale by now. They have delayed it's launch , so as to add all the features the Indian Customers want . As they say , third time's the charm and all that. Regarding their crash test rating, I am now gradually being converted to believe that NCAP has it's own loopholes and favouritism. Otherwise that Bolero Neo wouldn't have been able to score a 1 star rating when its A pillars crumbled. Also one should remember that the C3 has a stable bodyshell, whereas the Verna has unstable bodyshell. Enough of the rant.
Let's hope that Citroen does something more than just roping in celebrities and truly engineer their products for gizmo loving Indian Customers.

[2000rpm]

Originally Posted by Asoon

Come-on Dhoni You can do better !!!
You have a good taste in Motorcycles, at least I have heard that,
this will go no where, a brand ambassador cannot pull up a brand with suboptimal product offerings

He has a great collection of cars also!

[Samegoodkid]

By appointing Dhoni as brand ambassador, I think Citroen is suggesting they are here to stay. What follows this exercise in terms of product launch would be important. We have the Basalt coming up and if the same changes can be accommodated into the C3 Aircross, that would be a move in the right direction.

I don’t think they are in any hurry to leave. Not without a final push, No sir!

[evilminstrel]

Originally Posted by newenergy

I have tried Citroën C3/eC3 and VW Taigun back to back and the difference is quite evident. The body panels and fit and finish are way better in Taigun. Coming to driving dynamics, you know the answer already.

The fact that you are comparing a 9 lakh on-road car with 20 lakh on-road car and, in fact, concluding C3 has better drivability speaks volume about the quality that has gone into the C3. I agree features are average, but for users like me, I am quite ok and prefer a no frills (thus cheaper) but good car.

[newenergy]

Originally Posted by evilminstrel

The fact that you are comparing a 9 lakh on-road car with 20 lakh on-road car and, in fact, concluding C3 has better drivability speaks volume about the quality that has gone into the C3. I agree features are average, but for users like me, I am quite ok and prefer a no frills (thus cheaper) but good car.

I hope you do know that Taigun comes with 1.0 L engine as well which is the one that I am comparing with. Also, I never praised the performance and handling. It was just "ok" nothing "exciting". However, add a bit extra and you are getting a 5-star safety-rated car with much better driving dynamics.