Citroën has revealed the All-New C3 to meet the specific needs of Indian customers. The SUV combines a unique, muscular, and bold design, with signature Citroën comfort and well-being.
All-New C3 Aircross is the second in a family of three new models aimed at international growth markets under Citroën's C-Cubed programme, announced in 2019, and being marketed between 2022 and 2024. The Midsize-SUV is developed and produced locally - at the Thiruvallur plant in Tamil Nadu with over 90per cent localisation. This ensures customer satisfaction that allows faster parts availability and overall lower cost of ownership.
The two launched models represent key steps in Citroën's international growth strategy, under which the brand is targeting 30 per cent of its global vehicle sales to be in regions and markets outside of Europe by 2025.
"Citroën plans to grow globally by entering high-potential markets with affordable, locally tailored products. Our goal is to achieve 30 per cent of sales in international markets outside Europe by 2025. Our aim is to compete successfully with local players while providing an easy ownership journey for our customers." says Thierry Koskas, Citroën CEO.
Right time, right product
Citroën has worked hard to the All-New C3 Aircross is the right vehicle at the right time to enter the fast-growing and highly competitive Midsize SUV segment in the Indian market.
"The All-New C3 Aircross is a highly-localized midsize SUV that caters to the needs of the Indian market, where SUVs hold a 40 per cent market share. Citroën is confident in meeting the requirements of this new group of Indian customers," adds Roland Bouchara, CEO and Managing Director of Stellantis India.
This vehicle has been designed with insights from Indian customers and developed at Citroën's R&D and engineering centres in India and Europe. The vehicle assembly and powertrain plants in Thiruvallur and Hosur respectively will be instrumental in efficiently manufacturing the vehicle in India.
Saurabh Vatsa, Citroën Head, India, said, "In India, car purchasing decisions involve the entire family and often consultations with friends. Budget and overall cost of ownership are crucial considerations, but so are distinctive design, a commanding street presence, high levels of all-around comfort, space and flexibility, connectivity, and features. The attributes of a vehicle reflect the owner's lifestyle and status, making styling and features equally important factors in the buying decision. The versatility of the C3 Aircross will help solve the varied mobility needs of Indian families, who enjoy life on the move. We have made every effort to make the All-New C3 Aircross desirable and accessible to these families."
Directly driven by Indian customer wants and needs
Citroën's C-Cubed programme is a collaborative effort between Citroën India and the company's designers and engineers. For All-New C3 Aircross, this involved thorough research into the physical conditions in India, and conversations with customers to ensure this Midsize-SUV meets their wants and needs. Data that emerged from customer clinics directly influenced the final styling, design and features of the All-New C3 Aircross.
Listening to the voices of so many potential customers in these markets drove us to make sure New C3 Aircross offers families a unique package they will appreciate, combining distinctive signature Citroën brand design markers with pure SUV attributes in a muscular and eye-catching vehicle that represents great value.
Tough outside and caring inside
All-New C3 Aircross is a desirable, 4.3m long family Midsize-SUV with a tough, expressive design that inspires confidence. It features an assertive front face with a high bonnet, wide track width, Citroën Y-shaped lighting signature, and a powerful double grille with a lower skid plate to deal with varying road conditions and maximise cooling. In silhouette, it stands out with its 200mm ground clearance, muscular wheel arches with large wheels and tyres, and resilient protective claddings.
The wide C-pillar adds verticality and strength to the body, while neat rear quarter windows add to the feeling of light and space for passengers. Windows and long rear doors enhance the feeling of height, light and visibility, and allow easy access to the rear rows of seats.
Customers can opt to personalise their vehicle by choosing from a wide range of themed packs and accessories tailor-made to market expectations and designed to add character, street presence and value. Additionally, Citroën's signature contrasting roof colours create a dual-tone effect for owners who want to add a touch of personalisation to their vehicle.
Riding in the spacious cabin is a pleasure thanks to the tuned suspension which maximizes comfort and minimizes body roll in demanding traffic conditions and over varying road surfaces. Citroën-tuned steering and turning circle for enhanced agility and easy manoeuvring in dense urban traffic complement this. Even the underbody structure and approach angles have been engineered to ensure that All-New C3 Aircross can tackle rough road surfaces with ease and climb up or down steep slopes.
Muscular and purposeful bumpers along with the high ground clearance make it easy to bump up and over undulating road surfaces when required, while the torsional stiffness of the body has been closely studied to reduce vibration and amplify occupant comfort.
All-New C3 Aircross is particularly roomy. The 5-seater model offers one of the best knee rooms for rear seat passengers and up to 444 litres of luggage volume, while the 5+2-seater model adds intelligent modularity for multiple uses, with a third row of two individual seats. These can be folded down or removed individually when the family needs to balance the room for passengers with up to 511-litres capacity for luggage.
The bright, spacious and smartphone-friendly interior is extremely well-equipped and embodies Citroën's acknowledged 360-degree approach to comfort and occupant well-being. Supremely comfortable seats combine with a powerful climate and air-conditioning system to keep everyone relaxed, particularly in the second and third rows of the 5+2-seater version thanks to a roof-mounted blower. Thoughtful storage solutions throughout include cup holders that double as smartphone holders in the second and third rows so occupants can power their connectivity and stay in touch or entertained on the move.
