Citroën New C3 Is An Affordable SUV-Style Hatchback For India And South America

The third-generation Citroën C3 supermini received a facelift last year which will keep it relevant for a few more years, while the C3 Aircross was updated in 2021 in order to take on the crowded B-SUV segment. So what is this New C3 that was unveiled today? Well, according to Citroen, it is a “modern hatchback” developed for India and South America, with a 3.98 meter (156.7 inches) length and a design that is clearly inspired by SUVs.

The 2.54 m (100 inches) wheelbase is identical to the Euro-spec Citroën C3, however the New C3 is not based on the latter’s PSA PF1 platform, but a simplified version of the newer CMP architecture (Peugeot 208, Opel Corsa, etc). Despite being dubbed as a hatchback, the New C3 looks more like an SUV thanks to the high bonnet, the plastic cladding around the bodywork, the sculpted fenders, the aluminum-style skid plate, and the roof rails. The relatively high ground clearance of 180 mm (7 inches), in combination with good visibility and short overhangs, allows a decent performance in light-off roading despite the car being front-wheel drive only.

Naturally, the New C3 incorporates styling cues from the rest of the Citroen family like the twin headlights designed as an extension of the double-chevron grille and the black A-pillars. It is also offering plenty of customization options, including colorful touches on the intakes, roof, mirrors, and air bumps.

Inside, the dashboard looks fairly modern thanks to the color combinations, the textures and the signature climate vents. The 10-inch infotainment touchscreen is the largest in the segment and has full Apple CarPlay / Android Auto compatibility and is combined with a fully digital instrument cluster behind the familiar steering wheel, while the driver’s smartphone can be stored in three different locations and charged through USB ports.

Citroën is all about comfort and practicality so the New C3 gets wide seats with soft foam, plenty of space for the rear passengers (653 mm / 25.7-inch legroom), and numerous storage compartments inside the cabin. The cargo space has a capacity of 315 liters (11.1 cubic feet).

The French company didn’t provide details on the engine range of the New C3. It did say, though, that “the suspension has been adapted to the driving conditions of each market” and the car’s 10m (32.8 feet) turning circle makes it agile in urban areas.

India will soon be the world’s third-largest market and Citroën who entered the country in 2019 and launched the C5 Aircross in 2021, has ambitious plans. According to Citroën CEO Vincent Cobée, the company will launch three internationally-oriented models by 2024 as part of the “C Cubed” program.

The New C3 will be launched in the first half of 2022 starting from India and followed by the South American markets including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, Peru, and Ecuador. The right-hand-drive cars for the Indian market will be produced in the Chennai plant which has an annual capacity of 100,000 vehicles, while the left-hand-drive cars for South America will be produced in Porto Real, Brazil.