Despite having two mass segment models under its C-Cubed programme in India – the C3 and C3 Aircross – Citroen is yet to make a mark with either of them. Hamstringing these models' sales potential is a small dealer network and an even smaller features list. Even its midsize SUV, the C3 Aircross, misses features like an auto AC and a foldable key.
- C3 range to get auto AC by July
- More feature updates to come in before facelifts arrive
- Refreshed C3 line-up likely to launch in 2025
Speaking to the automotive media in Delhi, Ashwani Muppasani, chief operating officer, Stellantis India and Asia Pacific, said, “We know we have missed some hygiene issues, but we are working on remedying these very quickly. Our team is moving really fast and you'll see that soon."
And while a comprehensive facelift is due next year, Muppasani says he will not wait until then to fix the basics. Towards that end, he said an auto AC system would come by July this year and the foldable key even sooner. The brand has taken this on a war-footing, and while Muppasani did not share the entire features set, things like LED headlights are also being worked on. The upcoming C3X will launch with these basics in place, which is why its arrival was delayed, as we had reported earlier.
Facelifts likely next year
The facelift or MCA (Mid Cycle Action in Citroen speak) is likely to arrive next year and will be a significant update over the existing model, inside and out. They will be built over the existing CMP platform, but Muppasani says they will be quite different to look at and the team is currently in the process of deliberating the design. “If you look at French brands, their styling is quite extreme and so we are currently debating how much of that do we want to bring in. Our customers will want that French flair, but at the same time, they will get irritated with too much [of it]." On the inside too there would be updates, though Muppasani did not elaborate on what these would entail.
Also see:
Citroen C3 Aircross automatic review: Gets the basics right
Citroen India appoints Shishir Mishra as its new brand director
Citroen C5 Aircross being unofficially assembled at Stellantis' Russia plant