In an exciting development from the Stellantis-owned French automaker Citroen, the much-anticipated C3 sedan, also known as the C3X crossover sedan, was recently spotted testing for the first time on Indian roads. The sighting has sparked a buzz among car aficionados as the spy pictures show the forthcoming crossover sedan being tested on city roads. The test mule, wrapped in camouflage, is drawing a ton of attention on social media, confirming Citroen’s ambitious plans for the Indian market.
No, this isn’t the upcoming Mahindra XUV500 coupe but the @CitroenIndia C3x or C3 based sedan (rear box could be fake for testing)
Proof – the interior pic showcases same C3 air vent & dashboard print design.
Citroen indeed is in overdrive mode for the Indian market pic.twitter.com/rTHnWIAjqi
— Bunny Punia (@BunnyPunia) July 20, 2023
The revelation came through a tweet by Bunny Punia on Twitter, showcasing four images of the test mule and providing intriguing glimpses of the upcoming Citroen C3 sedan. The first shot displayed the front left quarter, building anticipation with its distinctive design elements. However, it was the second picture that raised eyebrows, revealing the interior, which closely resembled the renowned Citroen C3 with its signature air vent and dashboard print design.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the tweet was the third picture, showcasing the rear of the test mule concealed under an elaborate camouflaged box. Experts believe that this box has been strategically designed to hide the unique sedan crossover body design. The secrecy around the rear design only adds to the anticipation and excitement surrounding Citroen’s newest offering. Additionally, the final image shared in the tweet showed the test mule from the side, completely wrapped in printed camouflage. This camouflage wrap is a common sight during prototype testing and is used to prevent details of the vehicle’s design from being revealed before its official launch. While it conceals the car’s finer contours, it doesn’t hide the fact that Citroen is in full swing to make a significant impact in the Indian automotive market.
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Citroen’s entry into the Indian market has been modest, but the French automaker is poised to make its mark with a series of exciting launches. The Citroen C3 sedan, also referred to as the C3X crossover sedan, is part of the company’s ambitious strategy to establish a strong foothold in the country. The Citroen C3X is an eagerly anticipated crossover sedan, and it aims to capture a larger market share in India. Positioned as a competitor to mid-size sedans like the Honda City and Hyundai Verna, the C3X could follow the success of the C3 Aircross SUV as part of Citroen’s product offensive strategy.
The car’s design is expected to feature signature Citroën Y-shaped LED headlamps and a double grille, with rugged styling cues such as thick black claddings on the sides and a sporty tapered roofline at the rear. Built on the CMP modular platform, the C3X is estimated to have a length of 4.3-4.4 meters, ensuring a spacious interior. Inside, the C3X is likely to offer a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 7-inch color TFT cluster screen, sharing components with its Citroen siblings.
Under the hood, the C3X is expected to boast a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine, capable of producing 110 hp and 190 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, with a possible automatic option. Reports also suggest a potential electric powertrain variant.
Additionally, a few months ago, it was speculated that the iconic Ambassador name might be revived for this sedan, adding a touch of nostalgia to the model. For those unfamiliar, in February 2017, the French automotive group PSA signed a joint-venture deal with CK Birla Group to manufacture and sell vehicles and components in India by 2020. The two enterprises also signed another agreement for the iconic Ambassador brand, including its trademarks, which were acquired by the French automotive group in a deal worth Rs 80 crore.
While the launch dates have not been officially confirmed, the C3X is expected to hit Indian roads in mid-2024, with the electric version arriving in early 2025. The C3X’s pricing is projected to be within the range of Rs 12-20 lakh, offering Indian customers a unique and feature-packed option in the competitive mid-size sedan segment. With its distinctive design and shared platform with the successful C3 Aircross SUV, the Citroen C3X crossover sedan aims to make a significant impact on the Indian automotive market.
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