[srikanthrajan]

This was one of the cars I intended to go for specially because of the 1.2 Turbo engine. Family was specific that the car had to be an automatic and back in August this had not been launched and was not available for TD. The dealer couldn't commit to a certain date of delivery either. Since I had a time restriction within which I had to take the car, I went with a Tata Punch AMT.

I just wish they'd brought this car back then. It is well equipped but they could have also included Cruise Control for the Top-end variant which would have made this probably one of the best automatics at this price point along with Honda Amaze's CVT.

[Bombastic]

Are the rear headrests supportive enough? They look a tad too small to be safe. On a related note, is it possible to increase the headrest size and volume in cars that have near non-usable rear headrests? Anybody who has done this having any recommendations in Bangalore for this kind of work?

[dipen]

Considering incremental updates trend with the c3, Citroen should bring adjustable headrests, leatherette seats from the aircross, soft padding on door pads, cruise control in next iteration and maybe 16 inch basalt alloys.

[careind]

Originally Posted by ByKaizen

It's a competent product with a good engine, transmission and suspension. Poor sales is due to limited dealership/service network, Citroen survival in India and resale value. If this car has a badge of Suzuki/Hyundai/Kia it will easily sit among top 10.

Ford sold cars in India, did some gambles and failed, and finally stopped India sales and used the India facility for their exports.

What I am hearing is that Citroen is the other way round.
They already export from Indian mfg. and that is earning them profits.
So their survival would not be a question, as would be the sourcing of spare parts for the locally manufactured models.

They brought in an overpriced C5 Aircross and then a C3 hatch which was absolutely bereft of anything fancy, and so overpriced.
But then came the c3 Aircross MT which was decently priced and gave a good value proposition.
Then they added the AT and it actually became one of the viable options for buyers.
The incremental additions to C3 would slowly make it a value proposition.

Now, Finding a dealership, that seems to be a bit hard and something does not add up.

Bringing in Dhoni as brand ambassador should have set off a marketing blitz and increase in dealerships. But we dont see a blitz and the dealerships are dwindling.

Are they trying to make a case of modelling profit out of organic growth so that they dont go overboard and kill the export cash cow, time will only tell.
I am guessing this incremental addition of features could mean they can afford it with their existing economies of scale and are not trying to force-fit anything and burn their hands in the process.
If the Gen.pop. takes up their offer, the dealerships could grow else they would be happy exporting and would not have done a costly mistake which could hurt them.

Be it Fiat, Peugeot or Jeep, the Stellantis group has had only rough sailings in the Indian market and going through the scalded cat syndrome multiple times case study would not have been a good read.

[Gautham_v6]

Hi, could someone let me know what it is to ride a C3 automatic? Is it really VFM by any stretch? Also how has the ownership and post sales experience been?

I have been shortlisting some cars from which I plan to purchase this year or by next year. Being in Chennai, I have seen some C3 manual and eC3 on road ( Used as shuttle cabs in IT companies). I would like to know if the maintenance is fuss free? Something similar to what Maruti or Hyundai offers by any chance?

[echo77]

Originally Posted by Gautham_v6

Hi, could someone let me know what it is to ride a C3 automatic? Is it really VFM by any stretch? Also how has the ownership and post sales experience been?

I have been shortlisting some cars from which I plan to purchase this year or by next year. Being in Chennai, I have seen some C3 manual and eC3 on road ( Used as shuttle cabs in IT companies). I would like to know if the maintenance is fuss free? Something similar to what Maruti or Hyundai offers by any chance?

The ride in C3 turbo automatic and the driveability is probably the best you will get at this price, in my opinion. In terms of being VFM mileage wise, I'm nearing the 2k 1st service mark and am getting approx 13-15kmpl, for mostly city driving.

I'm in Goa, and the sales team is excellent and supportive. We even got the delivery on a holiday - they opened up only for us.

For servicing, they offer free pick and drop. I expect to give it for 1st service in the coming days, and will update once it is done.

[4x4addict]

I was looking for a small hatchback for my runabouts to replace my trusty Nissan Micra after 10 years of usage. My priority was a peppy engine and Torque Converter AT. When I started my research, the only two cars that met my requirements (Turbo Petrol + Torque Converter AT) were the Fronx and the Citroen C3. Subsequently, the Skoda Kylaq was launched.

Despite being unsure about Citroen's survival in India, considering they sell around 75 cars a month throughout India, I chose the C3 Turbo for its more powerful engine/higher torque, very good suspension, and overall value. I booked the Shine AT in December 2024. I couldn't get the color I wanted in December, so I was fine waiting for the 2025 model year, which now comes with a 3-year 1 lakh km warranty standard.

However, now I am beginning to doubt my decision, not because of the car but because of the local dealer, SGA Cars Coimbatore. Around early February, they told me that the car was ready, and I paid most of the Invoice value. Then they kept telling me that Citroen didn't have enough orders to send a lorry from the Chennai plant to my area. Strange, isn't it?

For the last two weeks, neither my sales rep nor the AGM has been able to give me an update. The toll-free number on the Citroen website is incorrect. The dealer is a two-hour drive for me, so I haven't had the time to go there personally, which I will do this week. I am trying to see if emailing the company will be of any help.

But frankly, I'm surprised that, for a company trying to get a toe hold in the Indian market, competing against well-established players, the customer care attitude is so callous.

In hindsight, I should have just gotten the Skoda Kylaq instead. I am just sharing this for anyone looking to buy a Citroen. I am happy to share screenshots of my conversations with anyone having a doubt about my post.

[Bombastic]

This is unacceptable, especially considering Citroen is a global auto manufacturer of repute. Having visited their showrooms a few times (in different cities), I was quite happy with the level of professionalism they showed and I wondered how they could manage that level of interaction while barely selling any cars. I hope this is a one-off in your case and that your issue gets resolved quickly and satisfactorily. Please do keep us posted.

[Nanolover]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

However, now I am beginning to doubt my decision, not because of the car but because of the local dealer, SGA Cars Coimbatore. Around early February, they told me that the car was ready, and I paid most of the Invoice value. Then they kept telling me that Citroen didn't have enough orders to send a lorry from the Chennai plant to my area. Strange, isn't it?

This was the case for my delivery also albeit a year back. My car arrived in Cochin (EVM has pan Kerala dealership for Citroen). Since they didn't have enough cars to trailer down to Trivandrum, it was driven down to Trivandrum by their service center folks with the assurance that they are well trained drivers.

I was not very comfortable with it, but due to work commitments, gave the go ahead. If you enjoy the car, please go ahead and forget these tiny inconveniences from a brand that sells way less than others. Skoda Kylaq also is a good option but availability might be an issue in the initial days.

[VWAllstar]

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

I was looking for a small hatchback for my runabouts to replace my trusty Nissan Micra after 10 years of usage. My priority was a peppy engine and Torque Converter AT. When I started my research, the only two cars that met my requirements (Turbo Petrol + Torque Converter AT) were the Frox and the Citroen C3. Subsequently, the Skoda Kylak was launched.

Considering you keep your car for 10 years, such initial hassle will turn into a blessing if you really enjoy the C3 or any particular car. However, let me tell you that even in Mumbai, dealers are shutting down Citreon. Currently there are no dealers in Mumbai and Landmark has taken over the dealership with no showroom as of now. Citreon is already heading towards Fiat story. Excellent cars but disinterested company.

[DicKy]

Originally Posted by Nanolover

This was the case for my delivery also albeit a year back. My car arrived in Cochin ( EVM has pan kerala dealership for Citroen). Since they didn't have enough cars to trailer down to Trivandrum, it was driven down to Trivandrum by their service center folks with the assurance that they are well trained drivers.

A big red flag IMO. Especially for a non luxury brand.

Hope, the next thing isn't, "Sir, we have service facility only in Cochin. Our trained drivers will take it to and back."

That said, seeing a good number of Citreons, especially eC3 in Tvpm.

[carhead]

There was a media article in March'24 that fleet operator BluSmart has signed an agreement with Citroen for 4000 eC3s.

On the other hand TBHP Sales summary for Aug'24-Jan'25 shows barely 70 sales per month.

Why the contradiction? Citroen definitely has idle capacity.

So is the article hot-air?

[mayjay]

Originally Posted by carhead

There was a media article in March'24 that fleet operator BluSmart has signed an agreement with Citroen for 4000 eC3s.

On the other hand TBHP Sales summary for Aug'24-Jan'25 shows barely 70 sales per month.

Why the contradiction? Citroen definitely has idle capacity.

So is the article hot-air?

Institutional sales probably don’t appear in the sales. The eC3s have started to show up on NCR roads in the past few months.

[carhead]

Originally Posted by mayjay

Institutional sales probably don’t appear in the sales. The eC3s have started to show up on NCR roads in the past few months.

Thanks

@ Mods- is that true? If institutional sales are excluded from monthly sales report then where are fleet sales considered?

[KnK]

Overall declining sales figures, closing down dealerships - will Citroen exit our market?
I for one will be in deep trouble - had recently acquired one C3 automatic for my father.
Except for the mileage part the C3 is a brilliant package and it seriously deserves to be sold more.
On paper the feature list may not be that great but it has all the basics covered well and the usp is engine gearbox and ride and handling package - which one can experience only by driving the car.
Without dealers people wont be able to drive the car - which in turn will further reduce the sales - all of these may create a vicious cycle the result of which may be Citroen closing down.
I strongly pray and hope to be proved to be wrong.