Citroen has entered the Indian market with its premium luxury SUV offering in the form of C5 Aircross. Now while it is catered to the higher end of the price point, it knows that the main business will only come from the mass-market products. In a bid to achieve this, it is planning to launch a compact SUV in our market. The aim of the C5 Aircross was to establish the brand in India highlighting its heritage and DNA. As the French maker announced, the C5 Aircross is focused on the unique design and comfort and convenience features. That is how Citroen wants the Indian customers to perceive the carmaker. It has now made sure to achieve high levels of localization with its future offerings. This is of utmost importance because it will ensure competitive pricing which is the prime concern for the price-conscious Indian customers. Let us look in detail at what the upcoming compact SUV might come equipped with.
Also read: Model designs of the upcoming Brezza, Sonet, Venue rival leaked – Citroen CC21 (C3)!
Peugeot 208 Spy Images
The camouflaged images of the Peugeot 208 hatchback have surfaced online recently. Since, Peugeot and Citroen are, essentially, sister companies, it is highly unlikely that both brands will exist in our market simultaneously at this point in time. Therefore, the sole logical conclusion says that the 208 is being used as the testing mule for the upcoming Citroen CC21 (C3). The 208 might be used to test the suspension setup required for our road conditions, the suitable powertrains and other bits. Being almost similar in size, the 208 will serve as a perfect test mule to ensure the ideal calibration and driving dynamics to suit or streets. The heavily localized platform will ensure the maximum space on the inside as well, which the Indian customers take very seriously. This also tells us that the eventual launch of the C3 is around the corner too. We might expect to see the C3 on our roads before the year ends.
Also read: Isuzu mu-X vs Citroen C5 Aircross – Engines, Specs, Features, Prices, Safety Comparison!
Citroen CC21 – Expected Interiors and Features
The Citroen CC21 will surely be feature-packed considering comfort and unique design is the prime focus of the French carmaker. We expect that it will come with all the connectivity features including a free-standing Digital Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, Connected Car Tech, Multi-purpose Steering Wheel with square design cues and much more. We also expect the continuation of the square theme all across the outside and the inside. This might be the dual-screen setup like we have been seeing on modern cars which gives the cabin a premium feel. Also, in order to compete with the rivals, Citroen needs to pack the CC21 with a lot of new goodies and still manage to keep the costs in check.
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Citroen CC21 – Expected Powertrains, Prices and Rivals
CC21 will most likely come with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, making a healthy 130 hp. The transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and an automatic. These could be the best-in-segment power output figures but Mahindra XUV300 Sport will feature the new-gen direct injection turbo petrol engine from Mahindra’s mStallion family which will make similar power. Being a compact SUV, the CC21 will take on the likes of Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. The prices are likely to be very competitive to take on the competition and we expect the prices range of Rs 7 lakh to Rs 12 lakh, ex-showroom. The launch is likely to take place before the end of this year.
Also read: Car Sales Report for May 2021 – Maruti, Hyundai, Tata, Kia, Mahindra and more!
Image Source: Team BHP
