Citroen plans to expand its network, introduce new products and build brand awareness.

Citroen expects India to become its second-largest market after France in the next 5 years. To achieve this, the carmaker plans to expand its network and introduce new products.

Thierry Koskas, Global CEO of Citroen, said, "India is an important market for Citroen, and in a few years, it will become the second biggest market for us after our home market France." Currently, India is "probably in the top 10 markets for Citroen, more towards the 10th rather than upwards," he added.

Koskas stated that if the company introduces new cars with the right level of quality, along with features that young customers want, the brand can grow significantly. He reiterated the need to build brand awareness, for which the company plans to sign up an ambassador to represent Citroen in India.

As part of its network expansion drive, Citroen plans to increase the number of dealerships from 65 to 200 by the end of this year.

Source: ET Auto

The C3 and C3 Aircross are expected to receive a mid-life update in 2025.

The sheer lack of features has been the biggest dealbreaker for most Citroen customers when it comes to C3 and C3 Aircross. It is likely to change soon though, as Citroen plans to update the features list in the coming months.

Reports suggest that Citroen will introduce automatic climate control and a foldable key on the C3 and C3 Aircross by July. It is said that the cars could also get LED headlights in the near future.

Ashwani Muppasani, COO of Stellantis India and Asia Pacific, said, “We know we have missed some hygiene issues, but we are working on remedying these very quickly. Our team is moving really fast and you’ll see that soon.”

Meanwhile, Citroen is gearing up to launch the C3X in the Indian market, while the facelift versions of the C3 and C3 Aircross are scheduled to arrive in 2025.

Source: Autocar India

Citroen is also offering discounts of up to Rs 2 lakh on its flagship SUV, the C5 Aircross.

Citroen had earlier announced festive discounts worth Rs 1 lakh on its cars. Now, the carmaker is offering additional benefits worth Rs 50,000 on the C3 and C3 Aircross.

Both the C3 and C3 Aircross are now available with discounts of up to Rs 1.5 lakh. Citroen is also offering a 5-year extended warranty and fuel for a year free.

The Citroen C3 is the brand’s entry-level offering. It comes with two engine options. These include a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that makes 81 BHP and 115 Nm and a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol unit that puts out 108 BHP and 190 Nm.

On the other hand, the C3 Aircross is a mid-size SUV. It is powered by the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and comes in 5-seater and 7-seater configurations.

Citroen is also offering discounts of up to Rs 2 lakh on its flagship SUV, the C5 Aircross.

The offers on the C3 and C3 Aircross are valid on deliveries till December 31, while C5 Aircross customers can avail of the benefits till November 30, 2023.

Source: Autocar India

Only issue I faced with car are door rattles, before 2nd service. It got fixed, re-appeared when nearing 3rd service. Got it fixed again.

BHPian antonylejos recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I also own a Citroën C3 NA and have completed 20,500 kilometers in 10 months. I've availed all three of the free services, and I have no complaints; I'm simply happy with it.

I am happy with both car and service.

Only issue I faced with car are door rattle , before 2nd service. It got fixed, re-appeared when nearing 3rd service. Got it fixed again.

I would recommend the C3 for the following categories of people:

• Those who drive frequently.
• Those who derive enjoyment from driving.
• Your budget is in C3 range (below 10 lacs)
• You plan to purchase a car for the sheer pleasure of driving rather than to show off
• You primarily reside in tier-1 and tier-2 cities where Citroën has a presence. If you happen to embark on long drives to other locations and encounter car issues, you can afford financially to bring their car back to the service center, even if it's some distance away.
• You typically make decisions independently and do their own research, rather than following the crowd.

I would not recommend the C3 for the following types of people:

• If the nearest service center is a considerable distance away.
• You are buying a car just for your everyday chores and you do not want to enjoy driving
• If you don't drive frequently and plan to keep car longer than 15 years with less kilometers on odo. (This point is added because, of less sales if company quits in another 10 years you may be impacted)
• You are concerned about your friends making fun of your car for not having auto-on headlamps, when they conveniently turn on their home headlights manually.
• If you tend to follow popular trends and decisions made by the majority.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The Citroen C3 has already carved a special place in our hearts, promising a future filled with exciting adventures on the roads less traveled.

BHPian theturbogirl recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

This is my first long post on Team Bhp and I begin with my sincere thanks to members of this forum for having chosen me to be part of this beautiful forum. Recently, I acquired a mini bullet - Citroen C3, Shine 1.2 (NA) and I am here today to share with all of you my experience till day.

It all began with the need to bid farewell to our trusted Tata Nano, a faithful companion that had served us well. With 80,000 kilometers on the odometer, our Nano had been the go-to choice for my husband's frequent trips to Delhi from Faridabad. Its reliability and practicality made it an essential part of our lives.

As our Nano started to display signs of aging and safety concerns began to emerge, we knew it was time for an upgrade. We sought a replacement that could match the dependability of the Nano while offering enhanced safety features and a more modern driving experience. My Nano when we bid goodbye to her:

In our pursuit of finding a suitable replacement, we assessed cars to ensure the chosen vehicle would meet our specific requirements, particularly concerning ground clearance and practicality. Our initial selections were the one most prominent on roads so Tata Tiago, Tata Altroz, Honda Amaze, Nissan Magnite, and Couple of Hyundais. However, as we delved deeper, it became evident that the comfort factor and driving dynamics were paramount for us, narrowing down our options. The Honda Amaze, Tata Tiago, and Tata Altroz showcased their strengths in drivability.

Although we considered the Nissan Magnite due to its rising popularity, the indifferent attitude displayed by the Nissan Faridabad dealership was a deterrent. Trust in a brand's service and customer support is crucial, and unfortunately, Nissan's lack of attentiveness led us to exclude it from consideration, even without a test drive.

We narrowed down our options to either Honda Amaze or Tata Tiago, aiming for a blend of reliability, performance, driving dynamics, and comfort. While both cars held promise, we were hesitant due to compromises with our specific needs in the case of Honda Amaze (the hatchback with good ground clearance) and concerns about potential service issues with Tata Tiago. Nonetheless, an intriguing turn of events awaited us.

Citroen – How and Why

My journey with Citroen began when my husband stumbled upon their website, intrigued by their unique approach of allowing customization and direct delivery to customers. It was refreshing to encounter a company striving to connect with customers directly, ensuring a personalized experience. This innovative approach compelled us to explore further, giving Citroen a fair chance in my considerations. Upon reaching out to Citroen, I discovered they didn't have a showroom in Faridabad. However, to my pleasant surprise, they went the extra mile by offering to bring their vehicles directly to my residence from Gurgaon, a distance of approximately 45 kilometers. This level of dedication and customer-centric service resonated with me, further bolstering my confidence in Citroen and solidifying my decision to opt for the Citroen C3. It's not just about the car; it's about the brand's commitment to providing a remarkable and personalized buying experience.

When I first got behind the wheel of the Citroen C3, my feelings were a bit of a mixed bag. The car wowed me with its comfort and suspension, but I couldn't ignore the absence of some basic features like ORVM, defogger, fog lights, and rear mirror adjustments. It left me uncertain about going ahead with the purchase. However, around two weeks later, the dealer reached out, sharing details about the Shine model that addressed these concerns. Intrigued by the improvements, I decided to give the car a second chance. Having recently driven the excellent Tiago, I wanted to ensure a fair and thorough comparison before making my final decision.I arranged test drives for both the Citroen C3 Turbo and NA (Naturally Aspirated) variants, alongside another test drive for the Tiago. After careful consideration, I eliminated the Tiago from my shortlist due to ownership experience of earlier owned Indigo. Honda Amaze was a half hearted decision anyway as we did not want a compact sedan.

Now that the list was shorter, and limited to Citroen, we arranged test drives for both the Citroen C3 Turbo and NA (Naturally Aspirated) variants. Turbo swayed me, but it was not fitting our requirements for a Turbo engine. We decided to go for NA engine.

Booking and delivery

With certainty in our hearts, we made the choice to book the Citroen C3, placing a down payment of INR 21,000 and promptly requesting a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). Citroen impressed us with their responsiveness, swiftly arranging the PDI for our chosen Citroen C3 Shine, 1.2 NA. After a thorough inspection and finding the car to be apt and meeting our expectations, we proceeded to complete the payment, securing our ownership of the Citroen C3 Shine. The deal was sealed, marking the beginning of a promising journey with our new car.

The delivery of our Citroen C3 was a remarkably smooth and pleasant process. The staff at Citroen exhibited exceptional cordiality and professionalism, leaving no room for dissatisfaction. From the delivery procedure itself to the post-delivery visits to the showroom for the number plate, the Citroen team demonstrated utmost consideration and attentiveness. Here are some pics of delivery day:

Notably, the Citroen staff made the effort to ensure our convenience at every step. They went above and beyond to deliver my RC at our home, saving us the hassle of additional trips. Moreover, any remaining paperwork and formalities were efficiently handled at our residence in Faridabad, thanks to the accommodating Citroen staff who travelled from Gurgaon. Their dedication to customer satisfaction and the willingness to accommodate our needs made the overall experience truly pleasing. I am thoroughly satisfied with the responsive and attentive approach of Citroen, reaffirming my confidence in the brand and our decision to choose the Citroen C3.

On Roads – Office to Home ad Vice Versa –

The Citroen C3 has sparked considerable interest, especially in terms of its city rides. Having spent a considerable amount of time behind the wheel, here's my detailed perception of its performance within the urban landscape.

At first glance, the initial impression might suggest that the long gear ratios could make the car feel underpowered, particularly in city traffic. However, with time and experience, mastering the first two gears becomes second nature. The mid-range performance is a real highlight; it's impressively quick, providing that needed punch for overtakes and quick maneuvers in bustling city streets.

One aspect that stands out is the distinctive diesel temperament of the C3. Despite some noticeable vibrations, the cabin remains surprisingly silent, providing a pleasant and peaceful driving experience. Personally, I appreciate the diesel-like feel, including the characteristic vibrations and engine sound—it adds character to the driving experience.

The C3 exhibits excellent maneuverability with a low turning radius, making it well-suited for navigating through tight spaces and crowded urban roads. Another noteworthy feature is the super-efficient air conditioning system, ensuring a comfortable and cool interior even in scorching city temperatures.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the C3 performs reasonably well. In a mixed city and highway driving scenario, it delivers an average mileage of 14 km/l. However, on the highway, maintaining speeds within 80 km/hr allows for an impressive average of 23 km/l. Even at higher speeds ranging from 95 to 110 km/hr, the C3 still manages a respectable average of 16 km/l.

Citroen C3: A Road-Trip Marvel to Ranchi

Embarking on our regular family trip from Faridabad to Ranchi, we chose to test the mettle of our newly acquired Citroen C3 on the highways, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Citroen knows a thing or two about suspensions and it does remind me of old Fiat Linea days.

While we missed the convenience of cruise control, the car made up for it with its remarkable comfort. The way it handled potholes and rough roads was truly impressive, keeping us at ease even through challenging terrains. We litrally were asking for some rough patches to feel the difference of world in suspension we have been living with. The car's responsiveness on wet roads in Jharkhand instilled confidence, allowing us to overtake vehicles comfortably, even with a fully loaded trunk and occupied rear seats.

The long gear ratios proved to be a boon on the highway, providing a robust start and a smooth ride. Covering approximately 3000 kilometers in just two days, the Citroen C3 demonstrated its resilience and reliability. It stood the test of endurance and showcased its unwavering performance, making the journey not just about reaching our destination but thoroughly enjoying the drive. There is body roll, not much, but its there. So do not be fooled by Citroen calling it hatchback- it is not!!

Here are some pictures of our route to Ranchi from Faridabad and vice versa:

Somewhere in Poorvanchal EW

Beautiful Jharkhand:

Somewhere on Lucknow Expressway:

Load we carried: It should not be less than 70- 80 Kgs

Exiting Varanasi to Sultanpur, on Varanasi-Lucknow Road. Note the visibility of bonnet of the car:

Our usual lunch spot: Vandana Dhaba - A nice little place with good food - vegetarian only:

Headlight Throw of the car:

Closing Remarks: A Journey Well Begun

My adventure with the Citroen C3 has just commenced, and it's been an exhilarating ride so far. Acquiring this mini powerhouse marked a poignant farewell to our trusted Tata Nano, an iconic vehicle that served us faithfully. As I navigate the roads with my Citroen C3, the echoes of our Nano's reliability reverberate, urging me to embrace this new chapter with optimism.

The Citroen C3 may have had its initial hiccups, but the brand's responsive approach and commitment to addressing concerns swiftly won me over. From the enticing long drives to the smooth city rides, this car has shown its mettle. The journey to Ranchi was a testament to the C3's endurance and comfort, affirming our decision.

As I continue this journey, I eagerly anticipate the miles ahead, each one promising new experiences and memories. The Citroen C3 has already carved a special place in our hearts, promising a future filled with exciting adventures on the roads less traveled. Here's to a future filled with joyous rides and unforgettable moments with the Citroen C3. Stay tuned for more updates on this incredible journey!

This addendum has to be mentioned to complete this post. [Dear Mods, Please let me know if you want me to edit the first post and put this addendum there instead of a new reply, thanks]

The things I do not like about Citroen C3:

• Low Fuel Tank Capacity : The tank capacity is 30 liters, and with our obsession for COCO pumps, we fueled the tank where we knew/saw one. All the expressway and Highways, (Agra EW, Lucknow EW, Poorvanchal EW, and GT Road (NH19) has plenty of COCO and therefore, it was not much of hassle.
• Placement of Window Switch: It is not uncomfortable, but it is weird. I guess this is to ensure accessibility of the switched to both driver and passenger without adding to the cost of vehicle.
• Quality of Wipers: The stock wipers are just terrible. I mean it is annoying too. Citroen, please put a decent wiper- it is also question of safety.
• Higher Gear Ratios: I don't necessarily dislike this aspect, but it could potentially pose a challenge for certain prospective customers, especially in the early stages. It usually aids in faster acceleration on open roads and provides a smoother ride at higher speeds. However, if not handled correctly , some might perceive it as lacking power.
• Brakes: There's room for improvement. Despite not being unfavorable, especially after witnessing the response of a fully loaded car decelerating to a halt at the speed of 100 KMPL when encountering potholes, the initial impression lingers that it could have been enhanced.
• No ASS in Faridabad/Ranchi: Although Citroen service has been remarkable, deep down it hampers the confidence of taking vehicle in long rides when there are no ASS in important cities. By the way they offer service on wheels at home, which is revolutionary, but I am conservative types.

PS: On my route, there are ASS in Lucknow, Kanpur and may be Benaras. Rest is dry. By the way who cares when hubby is around during an engine breakdown.

If you have a budget of Rs 8 to 10 lakh, will you as a customer consider the C3 over the Hyundai i10 Nios, Tata Punch, Maruti Swift, Renault Kiger or Honda Amaze?

BHPian cludflare recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

It has been exactly a year since the deliveries of Citroen’s much-awaited car for India, the micro-suv C3 began. I don’t know about experts, but I was heavily bullish on this product given the Indian obsession with SUVish design and the extraordinary success of Tata Punch from day 1.

This is easily a segment that will grow to 20 – 25K units a month with Hyundai’s Exter entering the space.

I know we can’t expect a new brand to generate trust right from the beginning, but C5 had been around for some time followed by C3. I admire the brand’s honesty (or foolishness?) to call out that C3 is not an SUV, it’s a raised hatchback. The country has been obsessed with anything followed by a UV all this while.

Through this thread, I intend to initiate some conversations like –

• Can we write this product off now? The last few months' sales figures of the C3 petrol certainly suggest so (April 2023 – 741, May 2023 – 600, June 2023 – 867)
• Was it the marketing / branding / advertising that lead to this, or was it the multi-pronged focus around EV, aircross etc?
• If KIA can enter and create havoc with a new brand and just a couple of products, where did the French brand go wrong – given the dismal performance of both C3 and C5?
• Is this too early for new brands to play the EV game without safely establishing their IC products in India?
• I believe the urban customers were more open to taking chances with new OEMs with limited service centers in the country. The sales of C3 don’t suggest so.
• If you are on an 8 to 10 lakhs budget, will you as a customer consider C3 over the likes of i10 Nios, Tata Punch, Swift, Kiger or Amaze?

Pardon the corporate-ish writing style using bullets and pointers. I think this comprehensive product and its failure to shine deserves some attention.

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

Citroen has terrific cars, but a complete dud of a strategy behind each of them. The French really don't get India. They thought India is a "low cost" market, tried an approach comparable to Datsun and launched the Citroen C3 without alloy wheels, a tachometer, reversing camera etc. No automatic transmission offered in a market that is greatly moving to ATs & merely 2 variants at launch (C3 Aircross apparently coming up in a single variant!!).

The C3 1.2 Turbo has a superb engine & lovely suspension. It's so much fun to drive. But with all the cost-cutting & features mess-up, it didn't have a chance. Same approach with the C3 Electric which doesn't even get a cooled battery & low power ratings - it makes the Tiago EV look like it's a full segment above in terms of tech & features.

Another grave error is Stellantis not forcing Jeep & Citroen to combine their dealership strength. Jeep has a limited dealer network in India, and so does Citroen. They are part of the same group. Split up existing showroom spaces between the two (70:30 ratio), or sell the two on the same floor. But both brands never agreed to it.

The C5 Aircross is such a brilliant product. Citroen should have sold it at a loss and written off the expenses as "brand building".

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

The only reason I will even consider the C3 is the 1.0 turbo. While I am an engine guy, it does not mean that I will go for a box on wheels with a nice engine. There is a line, and the C3 with no tachometer while costing more than 10L rupees is on the other side of this line.

The thing is that for the price of the C3 turbo, I'd rather get the Magnite Turbo or the Altroz diesel XM+ which shall not make me feel shortchanged while sitting inside the car. In fact, it is not just the lack of features but the design itself which makes the car look and feel 'cheap'. I think that Citroen's approach to making cheap cars is hurting them. Indians want cars which offer them 'value'. We all know what happened to Nano due to its image.

A real dilemma will be choosing between let's say an Exter or Punch NA vs the C3 turbo. But considering the price of the C3 turbo, such a dilemma wouldn't exist for me since I don't mind going for the Magnite or the Altroz.

I see the same thing happening with the C3 AirCross (unless they price it exceptionally well) which though is better equipped than the C3, shall also compete in a higher segment. It does look swell though, that I acknowledge and the Turbo engine should be better to drive than the NA competitors.

While I don't want to explicitly state that C3 is gonna be out (since more competition is better for us consumers), I am unable to find any reason to not say the same.

Here's what BHPian fhdowntheline had to say about the matter:

You can't exclude basic stuff like RPM gauge, rear wiper, even as an option, now corrected), climate control (higher trims), and electric ORVMs. Citroen is not Maruti to get away with it. When you are establishing yourself, you don't have much leeway. If pure engineering were to sell, then every 10th car in India would be a Jeep Compass.

Here's what BHPian ssoni.1411 had to say about the matter:

I believe Citroen in general failed because they did a lot of cost cutting, i.e. they didn't have a proper top model on launch. KIA had an instant success because they chose the right segment and gave every single feature, transmission and engine to the Indian customers and they also took advantage of the entire R&D done by Hyundai all these years.

Even if you look at Seltos facelift, it was first spotted in April and launched in July weeks before Elevate started its media drives. Honda too is feeling the heat because of the features and competitive pricing of Seltos. Sonet facelift was spotted too testing and it will mostly be launched by Diwali at the time of Nexon Facelift. KIA has been working step ahead of other manufacturers to stay relevant and fresh in the market.

Anyone having a budget of 8-10 Lakhs will go towards an established brand that has been around for a long.

If you look at the Exter, the fit, finish and features make it look more premium than the Punch.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

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 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.