Citroen has also announced the launch of the Blue Edition.

Citroen has reduced the prices of the C3 and C3 Aircross by up to Rs 17,000 and Rs 1 lakh, respectively.

Following the latest price cut, the Citroen C3 now starts at Rs 5.99 lakh, while prices for the C3 Aircross start at Rs 8.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The special prices are applicable on select variants and are valid till April 30, 2024.

Citroen has also announced the launch of the Blue Edition, which is available across both the C3 and C3 Aircross models and their respective 'Feel' and 'Shine' variants.

The Blue Edition features a Cosmo Blue exterior colour and is equipped with an air purifier, sill plates, illuminated cup holders, custom seat covers, neck rests and seat belt cushions.

The C3 Automatic will take on the likes of the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter.

Earlier this year, Citroen launched the C3 Aircross Automatic. The SUV comes with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The same could now be offered in the C3 hatchback.

According to media reports, Citroen might launch the C3 automatic by June this year. The 6-speed automatic gearbox will be paired with the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine. This unit makes 109 BHP and 190 Nm.

The C3 Automatic will take on the likes of the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter. Both cars get automated manual transmissions (AMT) instead of a proper automatic.

Reports suggest that Citroen also plans to introduce new features in the C3. The car will get an automatic climate control system and a foldable key.

The Citroen C3 is also available with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine which produces 81 BHP and 115 Nm. This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Source: Autocar India

Citroen currently offers four models in India, including the C3, E-CE electric, C3 Aircross and C5 Aircross.

Citroen India will offer improved safety features across its entire range from the second half of this year.

Citroen cars will get 6 airbags as standard. These will include front, side and curtain airbags. ISOFIX child seat anchors and rear seat belt reminders will also be available across all models and variants.

Citroen currently offers four models in India, including the C3, E-CE electric, C5 Aircross and the most recent addition to the line-up, the C3 Aircross.

Citroen also introduced the C3 Aircross automatic last month. The SUV is powered by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, which makes 109 BHP and 205 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Source: Carwale

The Citroen C3 Aircross will be offered with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The Citroen C3 Aircross is all set to go on sale next month. There have been contradicting reports regarding the variants that will be offered at launch. Some say the C3 Aircross could come in a single, fully-loaded 'Max' trim. But the latest spy image suggests that an entry-level variant could also be on offer.

A C3 Aircross was recently spotted in Chennai. It appeared to be a base variant, especially because it was riding on steelies, possibly smaller-sized 16-inch wheels shod with 205/65 R16 tyres. The car also had black roof rails and was missing the side body cladding. Also, note that this car was a 7-seater.

We have already driven the C3 Aircross. Our test car was equipped with all the bells and whistles. The base variant could miss out on features like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and the digital instrument cluster.

The Citroen C3 Aircross will be offered with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that puts out 108 BHP and 190 Nm. Initially, the car will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission, while an automatic option will be added later.

Thanks to BHPian 84.monsoon for sharing this image with other enthusiasts!

The C3 Aircross is likely to be offered in the fully-loaded 'Max' trim in both 5 and 7-seater configurations.

Citroen is venturing into the hotly contested midsize SUV segment with the C3 Aircross. The carmaker recently announced that bookings will open in September and the latest reports suggest that the SUV will come in a single variant.

It is said that the Citroen C3 Aircross is likely to be offered in the fully-loaded 'Max' trim in both 5 and 7-seater configurations. The SUV will get modular seating with a removable third row.

The C3 Aircross will get halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights, fog lamps and 17-inch alloy wheels. The cabin will be equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a manual AC. The 7-seater version is expected to get roof-mounted rear AC vents.

When it comes to safety features, the C3 Aircross will offer dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, Hill Hold Assist, TPMS, a rearview camera and parking sensors. That being said, the SUV will miss out on several features such as a sunroof, ventilated seats, wireless charging and automatic climate control - offered by its competitors.

The Citroen C3 Aircross will be offered with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that puts out 108 BHP and 190 Nm. Initially, the car will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission, while an automatic option will be added later.

Source: Autocar India

The C3 Aircross will be available in 5-seat and 7-seat configurations but will not get a sunroof option.

Earlier this year, Citroen unveiled the C3 Aircross for the Indian market. The SUV, which is part of the brand's C-cubed program, will go on sale in the coming months. Bookings will open in September and deliveries will commence a month later.

The Citroen C3 Aircross will be offered with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that puts out 108 BHP and 190 Nm. Initially, the car will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission, while an automatic option will be added later. According to the company, the 1.2L MT delivers an ARAI-certified fuel economy of 18.5 km/l.

The C3 Aircross will be available in 5-seat and 7-seat configurations but will not get a sunroof option. The SUV will be equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, alongwith safety features such as hill-hold and a tyre pressure monitoring system. 

The C3 Aircross will compete in the midsize SUV segment alongside the models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, VW Taigun, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. It will also rival the upcoming Honda Elevate, which will go on sale around the same time as the C3 Aircross.

The C3X could rival mid-size sedans like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, VW Virtus and Skoda Slavia.

Citroen currently offers three models in India: C3, the pure-electric e-C3 and the C5 Aircross. The carmaker has also unveiled the C3 Aircross, which is expected to go on sale a little later this year. Now, the French brand is working on what could be a fifth model for the Indian market.

Citroen India has lined up a high-riding sedan, called the C3X. A prototype was recently spotted on the streets giving us our first look at the upcoming model. It could rival mid-size sedans like the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, VW Virtus and Skoda Slavia.

The C3X crossover sedan will be based on the brand's CMP platform, which also underpins the C3 and C3 Aircross. The spy images suggest that the car could get a familiar front facia with low-set headlamps and LED daytime running lights up top. The rather basic flap-type door handles are also likely to be carried over.

The spy images also reveal a few elements of the interior. Based on these images, we suspect that the car's dashboard layout will be like the C3 Aircross.

Under the bonnet, the C3X is expected to get the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine as the other models in Citroen's range. This engine develops 108 BHP and 189 Nm and could be offered with manual and automatic transmissions.

Source: Bunny Punia

The Citroen C3 scored 12.21 points for adult occupant safety and 5.93 points for child occupant protection

The Citroen C3 manufactured in Brazil has failed the Latin NCAP crash test. The car scored 12.21 points for adult occupant safety and 5.93 points for child occupant protection, resulting in a 0-star rating.

As per the crash test report, in the frontal impact test, the C3 offered good protection to the driver and passenger's head and neck. Chest protection for the driver and passenger was rated as weak and marginal respectively. The driver's and passenger's knees showed marginal protection. The footwell area and bodyshell were rated as unstable.

In the side impact test, the head and chest showed adequate protection, while the abdomen and pelvis protection were good. The side pole impact test was not performed as the car does not have side head protection

The child seat for the 3-year-old was capable of preventing head exposure and offered good protection. The child seat for the 1.5-year-old could also prevent head contact with the interior of the car. Both child restraint systems offered almost full protection to the child dummies, even in the side impact test. The car has ISOFIX as standard but the marking failed to meet LATIN NCAP requirements.

The South Africa-spec Citroen C3 uses a 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Citroen has launched the made-in-India C3 in South Africa. The car is offered in the 'Feel' trim, priced at ZAR 2,29,900, which is approximately Rs 9.61 lakh.

The South Africa-spec Citroen C3 is equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The car also gets basic convenience features such as air-conditioning, power windows, a height-adjustable driver seat and remote locking. 

The Citroen C3 also comes with a few basic safety features. These include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and seat belt reminders. The South African version misses features like TPMS, ESC and hill hold assist, which are available on the India-spec C3 Turbo.

Powering the C3 is a 1.2-litre petrol engine that makes 82 BHP and 115 Nm. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The carmaker does not offer the turbo-petrol engine option in South Africa.

Nexon remains the car of choice among the compact SUV, closely followed by Brezza and Sonet.

BHPian Aditya recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Maruti Fronx

What you'll like:

• Smart-looking crossover with sharp & attractive styling
• Feels better built than some other Maruti cars
• 1.0L Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine is quick and has minimal turbo lag. Driveability is satisfactory
• Smart Hybrid system ensures excellent fuel efficiency. ARAI = 20.01 to 22.89 kmpl
• Nicely tuned suspension glides over small bumps, potholes and road imperfections
• User-friendly cabin with loads of space! Can easily seat 5 adults (unlike many competitors)
• Long feature list includes LED auto headlamps, LED DRLs, cruise control, 9-inch touchscreen HU paired with an Arkamys sound system, 360-degree camera, head-up display, rear A/C vents, wireless charging, footwell lighting, tilt & telescopic steering adjustment, connected car features etc
• Safety kit includes 6 airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all, ESP, traction control, hill-hold assist and ISOFIX
• Maruti’s excellent after-sales service, wide dealer network & fuss-free ownership experiences

What you won't:

• On the inside, it’s almost identical to the regular Baleno. Differentiation should’ve been more
• Quality of some plastic parts and fabric upholstery is mediocre
• 1.0L turbo-petrol although quick, is not exciting enough for enthusiasts
• 308-litre boot is among the smallest in the segment
• No diesel option like some rivals
• Rear seat’s under-thigh support is lacking for taller passengers
• A few missing features like sunroof, TPMS, rear armrest, drive modes, auto wipers and front parking sensors
• Lesser height means, despite the smart styling, it doesn’t have the road presence of typical crossovers

Review Link

Tata Punch

What you'll like:

• Snazzy styling! We love the mini-Harrier face and tight rear end
• Well-designed & practical cabin with enough space for 4 adults
• 366-litre boot is accommodating
• 1.2L NA petrol offers good driveability in the city. Performance is acceptable <90 kmph
• Sorted road manners & reassuring high speed stability
• Enjoyable Harman 6-speaker ICE. One of the better systems in this segment
• Features such as auto headlamps & wipers, cruise control, Traction Pro (AMT), and cooled glovebox…with factory customization packs too
• A full 5 stars in the GNCAP! The safety package includes dual airbags, CSC, brake sway control, ISOFIX etc.

What you won't:

• 1.2L NA petrol’s highway performance is weak. At 100 km/h & up, more noise than action
• Suspension has a firm tune (R16 variants). It is compliant & liveable, but you do feel bad roads
• Jerky and slow AMT gearbox when competitors offer you smoother CVTs and torque converters
• 3-cylinder petrol cannot match the competition’s 4-cylinders in refinement & NVH
• No turbo petrol or diesel option. Period. Rivals & other Tata cars offer both
• Cabin width makes 4 adults welcome, not 5
• Some missing goodies such as an auto-dimming IRVM, splitting rear seat, rear AC vents, full-size spare…
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble

Review Link

Renault Kiger

Driving Report

Nissan Magnite

What you'll like:

• The Magnite looks really good…that handsome face is a head-turner
• Sheer value-for-money pricing. Turbo-petrol with a proper AT under 10 lakhs!
• Peppy performance from the Magnite’s 1.0L turbo-petrol engine
• Smooth well-tuned CVT in a sea of jerky AMTs. Has Sport and L modes too
• Healthy legroom for rear passengers. Space packaging is brilliant
• Impressive kit (cruise control, LED headlamps, rear air-con vents, 360-degree camera, wireless charger, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay)
• 205 mm of ground clearance is more than enough for any kind of bad roads
• Safety kit includes ESP, TPMS, ABS, EBD & hill start assist
• Base variant also gets a reasonable kit, including a rear wiper. It’s not poverty-spec

What you won't:

• Stiff & basic ride quality. You feel each and everything on the road
• The Magnite is built to a cost and it does show, especially in the budget-grade cabin
• Lower variants’ 1.0L naturally-aspirated petrol is a boring, unimpressive engine
• Clunky, firm MT gearshift & a clutch pedal that has more weight than it should
• No diesel option available on the Nissan Magnite
• Cabin is narrower than some competitors. The narrow width makes it best for 4 adults
• Missing features such as an auto-dimming IRVM, full-size spare tyre…
• Doesn't have the finesse or quality of premium crossovers like the XUV300, Sonet etc.
• Nissan's tiny dealership network & lousy after-sales quality

Review Link

Citroen C3

What you'll like:

• Striking design! Very funky, yet likeable at the same time
• Good-looking cabin that is practical too
• Fast 1.2L turbo-petrol is genuinely fun-to-drive, while the 1.2L naturally-aspirated engine offers excellent driveability
• 6-speed MT is slick and light to operate. Definitely one of the better gearboxes in the segment
• Sorted suspension offers a very good ride & handling package
• Compact size and light controls are perfect for the urban environment
• 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay is excellent to use
• Lots of customization options and accessories to make your car truly unique

What you won't:

• Missing features like climate control, tachometer, etc.
• No automatic transmission on offer - a big miss when ATs are rapidly gaining popularity in India
• Quality of cabin materials doesn't feel great; cost-cutting is pretty evident in certain areas
• Some ergonomic issues like the placement of rear power window switches, unusable rear headrests…
• 1.2L NA petrol’s highway performance is mediocre; 5-speed MT is notchy too
• Cabin width makes the interiors suitable for 4 adults, not 5
• Long-term reliability & after-sales service quality are big unknowns; dealer network is tiny

Review Link

Maruti Brezza

What you'll like:

• Good-looking Compact SUV with improved road presence & mass appeal
• Well-rounded product. Takes a successful formula and improves upon it
• A competent BS6 petrol with Smart Hybrid tech and excellent fuel efficiency
• Smooth 6-speed torque-converter AT comes with paddle shifters
• Well-mannered suspension setup riding on 16-inch wheels and 215/60 section tyres
• Decent cabin space for a sub-4 meter car. Lots of storage & a powerful air-con too
• Now gets a sunroof, 360-degree camera, head-up display, rear A/C vents, wireless charging, ambient lighting, tilt & telescopic steering adjustment, connected car features etc
• Long feature list includes dual projector LED auto headlamps, LED DRLs & foglamps, auto-dimming IRVM, cruise control and a 9-inch touchscreen HU paired with an Arkamys sound system
• Safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, hill-hold assist and ISOFIX. Built on the same platform as the outgoing car, which had received a 4-star GNCAP safety rating
• Maruti’s excellent after-sales service, wide dealer network & fuss-free ownership experiences

What you won't:

• Feels more like a significant facelift rather than an all-new product
• No diesel option like its rivals! Petrol-only as of now. CNG may be offered in the future
• 1.5L petrol engine lacks outright grunt. Tuned for fuel efficiency and suitable for relaxed cruising only
• Expensive! AT variants are priced higher than competitor turbo-petrol with more advanced transmissions
• AT option commands a stiff Rs. 1.5 lakh ex-showroom premium!
• Interior quality and fit & finish are underwhelming for the price. The game has moved on
• Short gearing of the 5-speed MT and lack of 6th cog results in an unusually busy engine at 100-120 km/h
• 328-litre boot is among the smallest in the segment
• Some missing features like ventilated seats, leather upholstery, TPMS, drive modes, auto wipers and front parking sensors

Review Link

Tata Nexon

What you’ll like:

• Very well-priced for what it offers. Undercuts all rivals
• Funky styling ensures that the Nexon stands out from the crowd
• 5-star NCAP safety rating & a solid build, unlike many of its flimsy competitors
• Nice, spacious cabin with comfortable seats. You get a practical 350-litre boot too
• 1.5L diesel & 1.2L petrol offer good performance. Diesel is especially impressive
• Balanced road manners for such a tall car. Fine EPS & 209 mm of ground clearance!
• Loaded with features: Driving modes, LED DRLs, reversing camera, 8-speaker ICE etc.
• Dual airbags, ABS & Isofix child seat mounts are standard on all variants

What you won’t:

• Overdone design will be a turnoff for many of you. The rear end is way too busy
• Jiggly low-speed ride; bumps are felt in the city (unlike other Tata cars)
• 3-cylinder petrol can't match 4-cylinder competition in NVH. Has lag too
• The observant eye will notice some rough edges in fit, finish & quality
• Concerns over long-term reliability, more so of the freshly developed engines
• Missing essentials (telescopic steering adjustment, auto-dimming IRVM, proper dead pedal)
• Tata's inconsistent after-sales experience is far from that of Maruti & Hyundai
• Shorter service/checkup interval of 6 months & 7,500 km (rivals have 12-month gaps)

Review Link

Hyundai Venue

What you'll like:

• A mini-Creta in almost every way! Same formula, in a smaller package
• Precise build & quality (including interiors) are easily among the segment's best
• Competent engines mated to slick gearboxes
• Fast-shifting dual-clutch Automatic gearbox available
• Balanced road manners. Very easy to drive as well
• Loaded to the gills with equipment (paddle shifters, drive modes, sunroof, BlueLink telematics, cabin air purifier etc.)
• Top safety equipment includes 6 airbags, BAS, ESP, HSA, ISOFIX and more
• Hyundai's competent after-sales & fuss-free ownership experiences

What you won't:

• Diminutive street presence. Looks more hatchback than an SUV from some angles, especially the rear
• Strictly a 4-seater; the rear bench has very awkward seating for the middle occupant
• Missing kit (auto wipers, auto-dimming IRVM, steering reach adjustment...)
• Long-term reliability of the DCT is a concern
• Engine noise is very prominent, more so in Sport mode
• AT only on petrol, not diesel. Kia Sonet gets a Diesel AT

Review Link

The 2020 1.0L iMT

The 2022 Facelift

Kia Sonet

What you'll like:

• A mini-Seltos in almost every way! Same formula, in a smaller package
• Sharp & handsome styling. In our opinion, this is the best-looking Compact SUV
• Excellent spread of powertrains including a fast & enjoyable turbo-petrol
• Diesel AT is fantastic; the only smooth torque-converter gearbox in a sea of AMTs
• Well-tuned suspension offers a good balance between ride & handling. 205 mm GC too
• Top safety package includes 6 airbags, ESP, HSA, TPMS etc.
• Very enjoyable 7-speaker Bose sound system
• Impressive kit (ventilated seats, sunroof, auto LED headlamps, cruise control, wireless charger)

What you won't:

• Rear seat legroom is just adequate, while its limited width makes the Sonet a 4-seater
• Top variants are pricey! More expensive than its sibling, the Hyundai Venue too
• Some misses ( 60:40 rear seat split, auto wipers, steering reach adjustment, illuminated window buttons, full-size spare tyre on top trims…)
• Dual-clutch ATs (like the Petrol DCT) have a history of poor reliability in India
• As always with Kia, the variant spread is tough to figure out. Good luck finding your perfect Sonet!
• Waiting periods are a couple of months long for some trims

Review Link

Mahindra XUV300

What you'll like:

• A truly premium crossover. Nice build, quality & refinement levels
• Great looking! Smart design has none of the usual Mahindra quirkiness
• Cabin has enough space for 5. Quality-wise, the interior is more like a Hyundai
• Fantastic engines. The petrol, turbo-petrol & diesel, offer fast performance & good driveability
• A compliant ride with neutral road manners
• Top safety kit. 7 airbags, ESP, ABS, all-wheel disc brakes, TPMS, seatbelt reminders for all & more
• Loaded to the gills with equipment (front parking sensors, sunroof, cruise control, auto headlamps & wipers etc.

What you won't:

• The most expensive Compact SUV in India! Not overpriced, but definitely higher than expected
• 257-litre boot is the smallest in the segment. There are cheaper hatchbacks which have a larger boot
• Lack of a proper middle variant. W6 trim is simply too bare-bones, while W8 is expensive!
• AMT doesn’t suit a truly premium crossover like the XUV300
• Sad audio system by current standards. The bass, especially, is poor
• Mahindra's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• Some important features missing (dead pedal, parcel tray, rear air-con, steering reach adjustment etc)

Review Link

The 2021 XUV300 Petrol AMT

Here's what BHPian Abhisheknott had to say on the matter:

Voted for the Brezza though the best car here would be the Nexon. Can't live with the Nexon design. Only the Brezza and Nexon are proper 5-seaters.

Interesting poll as it combines two sets of vehicles. The Magnite/Kiger/C3/Fronx/Punch are similar and the other 5 are one size above. Any particular reason why they are clubbed together?

The C3 is the new first gen Swift. Hope they ramp up their presence as the vehicle is really good.

Here's what BHPian AYP had to say on the matter:

My choice would be the Kia Sonet for the diesel+AT combo. To reiterate, diesel plus a 'proper' automatic combination. The truckload of features is an added advantage.

Even if we take away the diesel option, I'd still go for the Sonet for the 1.0 Turbo plus the DCT combo, followed by the Venue.

Amongst the lower strata of the 'SUVs', I'd pick the Fronx due to the 1.0 Turbo plus a proper torque converter combo.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:

Nexon remains the car of choice among the compact crossovers, closely followed by Brezza and Sonet. The upcoming new model of Nexon promises to bring in a host of updates, including the all-important DCA automatic. This will take care of its single biggest weak point, and make it attractive to a larger section of the audience that were put off by that stupid AMT. Otherwise, its combination of space, pace, solid build, sorted suspension, potent engines, proven safety and overall robustness is very hard to beat. It is the complete package.

One thing is for sure - car prices may be shooting upward, but the buyer was never spoilt for a choice quite like this. This is the single largest segment of cars in India now, and no other segment is so hotly contested.

Here's what BHPian 07CR had to say on the matter:

Voted for Kia Sonet. I own an HTX iMT 1.0 turbo.

This car checks all of my requirements:

• Spacious for 4+1.
• Best in class boot.
• Awesome road presence (IMO second only to the Ecosport)
• Very well loaded for the 2nd/3rd top variant as well.
• Best-in-class ride and handling combo (Now that Ecosport is not there).
• NVH is excellent.
• 1.0 turbo is marvellous. Reaches triple-digit speeds faster than you think.
• Gearshift is literally pinky-finger light. The absence of a clutch lever is a godsend for my left leg.
• The ASS experience has been pretty affordable and flawless.

What could improve:

• FE in bumper-to-bumper traffic could improve.
• The low-speed ride could be a little better.
• Space for 5 healthy adults. Average size 5 adults still fit though.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.