Tata Motors recently announced that it will be coming up with the electric vehicle version of the Tiago, which will join Tigor EV and Nexon EV in Tata Motors’ arsenal of electric vehicles. Citing the possibilities of growth in the EV with competitors coming in, Citroen is also eyeing the space. CNB report suggests that Citroen is preparing an electric vehicle version of its most compact and affordable offering in India, the C3 hatchback. The Citroen C3 electric is said to arrive in the first quarter of 2023.
Citroen launched the C3 hatchback in India as a petrol-only car with two engine options – a 1.2-litre 82 PS three-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine and a 1.2-litre 110 PS three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Both these powertrains are available with manual gearbox options. This hatchback gets SUV-inspired design cues and stance, a combination which has gained much popularity in recent times. Citroen wants to cash in on this popular choice of customers with its first all-electric offering for India.
Also read: Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo: New details surface
While the details of the Citroen C3 electric are scarce for the moment, the French carmaker is expected to make it available in a fully-loaded variant or with two variant options, just like the current petrol-powered model. This all-electric version of the Citroen C3 will have an all-new powertrain under its hood, with an electric motor driving the front wheels and a lithium-ion battery. Considering the competition, the Citroen C3 electric might claim a real-world range of 200-250 km on a single charge.
Tata to bring in Tiago EV
The Tata Tiago EV is slated to go on sale around the festive season, and it will help Citroen to gauge customer response for an electric hatchback costing between Rs 10-15 lakh. Tata and Mahindra currently offer only electric SUVs in the Indian market with an option of an electric sedan in the form of the Tata Tigor EV. With the arrival of the new Citroen C3 EV hatchback, electric cars are likely to become much more accessible to buyers.
Like the petrol-powered version of the C3, the all-electric version is also expected to be a cost-effective model, with features like all-four power windows, steering-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls and electrically-adjustable rearview mirrors. It will also get front daytime running LEDs, a digital speedometer and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto from the petrol version of the C3.
Apart from the all-electric version of the C3, Citroen is also planning to strengthen its product lineup in India with a midsize SUV. This new SUV will rival the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Nissan Kicks, MG Astor, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Citroen also recently launched the facelifted version of the C5 Aircross, its most expensive SUV on sale in India.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
Source link
