Citroen set foot in India with the C5 Aircross which largely catered to the premium segment of buyers. The company’s next three launches were purely mass market products in the form of C3 cross hatchback, its all-electric derivative eC3 and the mid-size C3 Aircross.
All three models are based on the same CMP platform which has been specially designed for developing markets like India. The French carmaker is planning to extend the C3 range with another model, possibly named C3X. Test mules of this upcoming car were recently spotted testing on Indian roads on a few occasions.
Citroen C3X: Underpinning & design
Like the other C3 models, the upcoming C3X will also be underpinned by the same CMP architecture. However, what separates the upcoming model from the rest of the lineup is its design. While styling cues like the fascia featuring triangular headlamps, sleek LED DRLs, and interconnected chrome strip with Citroen logo will carry forward from the other models, the profile is completely different.
Recent spy shots confirm that the upcoming Citroen car gets a coupe design with a sharply receding roofline. Earlier media reports had revealed that the French brand is working on a crossover sedan, which will be a first for the mass-market segment (not accounting for Tata Tigor). However, its high riding stance means it could instead be tagged as a coupe SUV which makes more sense since India buyers are more inclined towards SUVs.
Visual highlights like a muscular front bumper and prominent wheel arches with thick claddings support the SUV theory. Other highlights include wraparound taillights, hexagonal fog lamp housings, and flap-type door handles.
Citroen C3X: Features & specs
Interior layout of C3X will be almost identical to the C3 Aircross with a dashboard featuring a rectangular touchscreen infotainment system in the centre and vertical air-con vents on either side. Other features expected to be offered include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, tyre pressure monitoring system, a 7-inch colour TFT instrument display, and connected car tech.
Under the hood, the C3X will get the same 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine as its SUV sibling which kicks out 109 bhp and 190 Nm of peak torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is almost a certainty at the time of launch, while a 6-speed automatic transmission could also make the cut.
Pricing of the C3X will depend on how Citroen brands the upcoming model. If it’s a sedan, the C3X will be priced aggressively, while if it’s tagged as a coupe SUV, Citroen could charge a premium price for it.
