Citroen MPV EV Concept

With advancements in automotive technology, car manufacturers have recognized the significance of integrating robust safety features to mitigate potential risks. One notable enhancement is the adoption of 6 airbags as a standard fitment in vehicles. Citroen India has therefore embraced this safety standard! Recently, the French automaker revealed that all of its vehicles in India, including the all-electric eC3, C3 Aircross, C3, and C5 Aircross, will offer 6 airbags as standard fitment across different variants. In addition to including 6 airbags, the automaker will provide ISOFIX seat anchorage and a rear seatbelt reminder as standard equipment on the C3, eC3, and C3 Aircross models. It will come into effect from the second half of this year. Let’s have an overview of each Citroen car model in terms of safety: Citroen C3 Citroen C3 was introduced as an entry-level hatchback in July 2022. It marked the French automaker's foray into the mass market. Initially, it was equipped with limited safety features. Among them were dual airbags for the driver & co-passenger, ESP, Hill Hold Assist, ABS with EBD, and a Rear Parking Assist System with Camera. These limited safety features somewhat impacted the image of the brand when the car underwent a test by Latin NCAP. It resulted in a disappointing 0-star crash test safety rating. However, in a positive turn, Citroen has announced a significant safety upgrade for the C3. It will now boast 6 airbags and other safety features. This safety update will not only address the previous concerns but also position the Citroen C3 as a safer choice for customers. Citroen eC3 The manufacturer introduced the eC3 to the market in February 2023. It is an electric iteration of the ICE-powered C3 hatchback. Despite the initial safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, seat belt reminder (driver and co-passenger side), high-speed alert system, and speed-sensitive auto door lock, the electric variant seemed to lack comprehensive safety measures. However, the automobile maker has taken a commendable step by enhancing the safety profile of the eC3. With the addition of 6 airbags, ISOFIX seat anchorage, and rear seatbelt reminder as standard equipment, the electric vehicle is set to distinguish itself in the market. C3 Aircross The company made a splash on September 15, 2023, with the launch of the C3 Aircross SUV at an attractive starting price of Rs. 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Initially introduced with a manual gearbox, the compact SUV is now set to broaden its appeal by offering an automatic gearbox option. While the C3 Aircross boasts safety features such as ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-hold assist, TPMS, and reverse parking sensors, the upcoming months promise a significant safety upgrade. The inclusion of 6 airbags as standard, along with ISOFIX seat anchorage and rear seatbelt reminder, underscores Citroen's commitment to enhancing the overall safety profile of the C3 Aircross. With the automatic transmission and updated safety features, this SUV will be one of the most exciting options for Indian customers. C5 Aircross Facelift The C5 Aircross SUV was Citroen’s debut model for the Indian market. It took its entry in April 2021 having an introductory price of Rs 29.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Later in September 2022, the brand launched its facelift version with a host of exterior cosmetic changes, interior updates, and enhanced safety features. Positioned as a comfort-class SUV, it is exclusively available in a single, fully-loaded Shine (dual tone) trim. Moreover, this model stands out for its superior safety features compared to other Citroen offerings in India. Boasting 6 airbags by default, the Facelift also incorporates advanced features like electric parking brake, Blind Spot Information System, electric child lock, and ISOFIX. While exuding a premium look and delivering enhanced convenience & safety, its relatively high price of Rs. 36.91 lakh (ex-showroom) might limit accessibility for some customers. Will the addition of these safety features increase the price of the entire Citroen model range in India? The inclusion of new standard features, such as 6 airbags, rear seatbelt reminder, and ISOFIX points, in Citroen cars is a significant step toward ensuring safety. However, it is important to highlight that this improvement may lead to a slight increase in the prices of all models. Currently, the eC3 is available at a price range of Rs 11.61 lakh to Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom), while the C3 is priced between Rs 6.16 lakh and Rs 9.07 lakh (ex-showroom). The C3 Aircross starts at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 12.76 lakh (ex-showroom). Additionally, Citroen's flagship C5 Aircross Facelift is priced at Rs 36.91 lakh (ex-showroom). As a rough estimate, we anticipate the price increase to be in the range of Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000, depending on the specific model. Read Also: Top 5 Compact SUVs to Buy Under Rs 20 Lakh in India

A new beginning for all the hatchback lovers in the country. The entry of the French automobile manufacturer has made some heads turn in the Indian market. This will be Citroen's first automobile made in India and South America, and it will replace the current generation Citroen C3 crossover in those markets. Since the Citroen C5 Aircross, which was released earlier this year, has received a lot of attention, let's have a look at what the Citroen C3 has to offer. The C3 is not a crossover, despite its crossover cues. Citroen CEO Vincent Cobee described the car as a "hatchback with a twist" in a statement. Shortly after the C3, Citroen plans to launch a more upright compact SUV in India.  The 3.98 m tall C3 has its attraction as a cross-hatchback because of its high suspension, high hood, and raised driving position. Citroen's design is quirky and chic, as is typical of the brand. On the front fascia, two split-LED headlights are connected by Citroen's characteristic double-slat grille.  The C3's SUV look is further enhanced by its black cladding all around. Orange details can also be found on the front bumper, side cladding, roof rails, and dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels. On the back of the C3, there are rectangular tail lamps on each end of the tailgate, as well as a dual-tone bumper. Customers will be able to customise the dual-tone colour selections on the C3. The C3 appears to be a scaled-down version of the C5 Aircross, which is already on the Indian market.  On the one hand, photos show a massive three-spoke steering wheel and a digital instrument cluster, yet the mirrors can be adjusted internally, the air conditioning is controlled manually, and the front seat has integrated headrests.  The automobile provides "market-leading comfort and space," according to Citroen's press release. The vehicle's actual dimensions have yet to be revealed. The rear seat bench has big (although fixed) headrests, indicating that it was built for two people. There is no centre armrest in the back of the car, and the rear window controls are visible on the centre console between the front seats. The Citroen C3 is built on the CMP modular platform, which will also be utilised in a Jeep SUV that is under four metres long. Over 90% of the platform's components were sourced locally, making it highly specialised for India. Citroen is expected to position the C3 rather aggressively in its segment.  Citroen has not published the C3's engine specifications, although it is believed to be powered by a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine in India. There will be no diesel engines on hand. There will be an automatic transmission and a 5-speed manual transmission available. The Citron C3 will be manufactured in Chennai's Thiruvallur facility, with serial production starting in December. The price for the C3 will be announced in the first half of 2022. In preparation for the debut of the C3, Citroen will expand its dealer network in India; currently, the company's dealer network in the nation is restricted to a few La Maison flagship locations and an online sales platform.

Citroen has finally revealed the Basalt Coupe SUV in a production-ready avatar. Ahead of its global debut on 2nd August 24, the specification details have come out. Read more to know about its design highlights, features, and powertrain. Citroen Basalt: Specifications The Basalt Coupe SUV will be powered by a 1.2-litre PureTech turbo petrol engine. This is the same engine offered in C3 Aircross. This engine can produce 108 bhp of power and 205 Nm of torque. Transmission jobs will be handled by a 6-speed manual and an optional 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Design and Looks The production-spec Basalt looks quite similar to the design sketches revealed earlier. However, a few differences can be noticed. First of all, the latest images reveal the Basalt in Red exterior paint while other paint options are yet to be revealed. Design-wise, the coupe SUV has plastic cladding in a matte finish instead of the glossy black finish showcased previously. Plus, the diamond-cut alloy wheels seem to be 17-inch in size, smaller than the original sketch images. Other noteworthy features include old-school flap-type door handles, halogen tail lamps, and the new LED projector headlamps with DRLs. Tech Features Inside, the Basalt coupe SUV will be offered with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto climate control with toggle switches, a digital instrument cluster, a front armrest with storage, and contoured rear headrests. This is worth noticing that despite being the premium offering, the Coupe SUV will not be offered with the sunroof option. While some automakers offer single-pane sunroofs in lower to mid-spec models. Expected Price Citroen Basalt will be the fourth model under the C-Cube programme. It will be positioned above the C3 Aircross in its car line-up. Therefore, it could be slightly costlier. We can expect it to be priced between Rs 11 lakh to Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). Also Read: Mahindra Thar Roxx Or Tata Curvv? You Decide

The long-awaited Citroen Basalt SUV Coupe will finally make its global debut on 2nd of August 2024. Ahead of its official debut, the new Basalt has been caught without any camouflage. Adding to it, the SUV Coupe was snapped flaunting a new red colour.  Citroen Basalt Design Details This is a completely unique colour in Citroen's line-up, as no other car in its line-up gets the red colour. The SUV Coupe comes with unique styling; however, most of the design elements in the front are sourced from the C3 Aircross. It comes with split LED headlamp setup with daytime running lights, flap-style door handles, squared off wheel arches and a revised grille.  The rear quarter area of the Citroen Basalt is completely different when compared to the regular C3 Aircross. The rear has revised tail-lights, new tailgate and newly styled lower bumper.  Basalt Interior Details While the dashboard layout is similar to the C3 Aircross, it gets some unique features. It will come with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 7-inch digital driver's display. The company has confirmed that the Curvv Rival will have automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, and auto-dimming IRVMs. It will have rear armrest, and headrests with side support.  The SUV Coupe will also come with automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and cruise control. For safety and security, the SUV Coupe is likely to offer six airbags, reverse camera, rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD and hill start assist.  What's Under The Hood? The Citroen Basalt Coupe SUV will be powered by the same 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 108bhp and 205Nm of torque. Transmission duties will be handled by either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.  Interested buyers can book the new Basalt SUV Coupe at select dealerships by paying a token amount of Rs 25,000. It will compete against the upcoming Tata Curvv SUV Coupe. Adding to it, the new model will challenge the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate and others. Also See - Tata Curvv Petrol, Diesel Prices To Reveal In September 2024 Image Credit - Aditya Kambli