New Citroen C3 And C3 Aircross Reflects Learnings From The Indian Marketplace
- By MT Bureau
- August 25, 2024
New Citroen C3 Reflects Learnings From The Indian Marketplace
A far cry from the first Citroen C3 which fell short of features like auto air-con, adjustable headrests, rear wiper, wireless charging, sunroof, LED head lamps and tail lamps and rear camera, the new (2024) C3 reflects the learning from the Indian marketplace.
The car features high performance six-speed automatic transmission and a host of others in terms of safety and convenience. With prices starting from INR616,000 ex showroom, the new C3 – powered by a 110 PS 1.2-litre Gen 3 PureTech turbo petrol engine that produces 205 Nm of peak torque – comes with six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, three-point seat belts, power window with switches on the doors, grab handle on the front passenger side, auto-folding ORVMs and LED projector headlamps.
While the buyer can still opt for a five-speed manual transmission that was offered on the earlier model, the new C3 also comes with 40 connectivity features for a tech-savvy driving experience as part of the MyCitroen connectivity suite. These consist of Remote Start Stop with pre-conditioning, Geo fencing, Remote Lock/Unlock and Marketplace Fueling. The 26 cm infotainment system in the car is replete with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Shishir Mishra, Brand Director, Citroën India, mentioned as the launch, “We are thrilled to launch the New C3, now equipped with enhanced features and the highly anticipated addition of Automatic transmission option. These upgrades mark a bold step forward in our commitment to delivering the best-in-class driving experience. We've meticulously refined every aspect of the vehicle—from safety and technology to comfort and convenience. We are confident that this new version will appeal to an even wider audience, reinforcing our dedication to innovation and exceptional driving experiences that evolve with our customers' needs.”
He drew attention to the model’s class-leading wheelbase of 2,540 mm and the renowned Advanced Comfort suspension system, which is claimed to deliver a ‘Flying Carpet’ ride. Providing extensive customisation options that includes ‘six packs’ and over 70 accessories along with intelligent storage solutions, the new C3 is available at La Maison Citroën showrooms nationwide.
The introduction of 2024 C3 follows close on the heels of the launch of 2024 C3 Aircross with a starting price of INR 1,284,800 ex showroom. Sharing the platform architecture with the C3, which also includes the 110 PS 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and the six-speed automatic transmission, the C3 Aircoss new model also comes with ‘Citroen Connect’ that has 40 smart features including remote engine start, remote air-con pre-conditioning, progressive in-app marketplace for seamless fuel transactions via Citroën Connect.
Offering a five or five plus two searing, the C3 Aircross is claimed to offer best-in-class second row knee room.
With the rear seats up, the luggage volume on offer is 511-litres.
Perhaps a bit quirky in design/styling like many French automobiles are known to look, the C3 Aircross is available with a five-speed manual transmission.
"Citroën is committed to meeting the evolving demands of Indian consumers by integrating innovation, performance, value, and unparalleled convenience into our vehicles. The launch of the new C3 Aircross Automatic is a pivotal moment in our India venture, being the first Automatic Transmission on our C-Cubed platform. It brings advanced features, impressive performance, and competitive pricing. We are confident that the C3 Aircross Automatic will appeal to the consumers who are looking for exceptional driving experience along with versatility and comfort," said Aditya Jairaj, MD and CEO, Stellantis India.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara Gets 5-Star Bharat NCAP Safety Rating
- By MT Bureau
- December 02, 2025
Maruti Suzuki India has been awarded a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for its e Vitara, marking a moment for the company's electric vehicle strategy.
The e Vitara is built on Suzuki’s Heartect-e platform designed for electric vehicles to deliver strength, structural rigidity and advanced high voltage protection. The ‘Made-in-India, Made-for-the-World’ e Vitara is designed and tested for temperature conditions across the world, ensuring performance from as high as 60deg Celsius to as low as -30deg Celsius. The model is offered with 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery options.
Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, said, “Congratulations to Maruti Suzuki for achieving 5-star Bharat NCAP in both adult and child occupant protection for their e Vitara. I am especially glad that Maruti Suzuki has shown real leadership in providing 7 airbags as a standard across all variants of the e Vitara.”
Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for e Vitara, our first Battery Electric Vehicle, is a moment of immense pride for all of us at Maruti Suzuki. Using the Bharat NCAP 5-star rating, we will export the e Vitara to more than 100 countries of the world. Bharat NCAP’s globally benchmarked stringent vehicle test protocols have been a catalyst in empowering customers to make informed decisions. I thank the Minister Gadkari, the officials in his Ministry and test agencies for their rigorous efforts and commitment in shaping India’s journey towards safe mobility.”
The e VITARA’s body structure uses more than 60 percent ultra-high tensile and high-tensile strength steel. Its battery protection system incorporates a structural design with an energy-absorbing battery pack mounting structure.
Key safety features include 7 standard airbags (including the Driver's knee airbag), Level 2 ADAS (Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control), Hill Hold Control, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and a 360-degree Surround View Camera.
Mahindra Launches First Dealership-Based Ultrafast EV Charger In Anantapur
- By MT Bureau
- December 02, 2025
Mahindra has marked a major milestone in its nationwide electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure expansion with the inauguration of its first dealership-based ultrafast charger – a 180 kW Charge_IN station.
This is the first of many such installations planned across Mahindra dealerships, forming a key pillar of the company’s commitment to building India’s ultrafast charging network.
This initiative scales up Mahindra’s Charge_IN ecosystem, complementing the 250 highway fast-charging stations already announced. The new 180 kW ultrafast chargers will enable EV users to charge quickly and conveniently at strategically located dealerships across the country, with 24x7 on-ground support.
Hyundai Motor India Wholesales Grow 9.1% In November
- By MT Bureau
- December 01, 2025
Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has reported wholesales of 66,840 units in November 2025, up 9.1 percent YoY as against 61,252 units last year.
This includes domestic sales of 50,340 units, up 4 percent YoY and exports of 16,500 units, up 27 percent YoY.
Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director & Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “Supported by GST 2.0 reforms, we continue to carry forward sales momentum with a year-on-year growth in our monthly domestic sales in November 2025. Further, our commitment to bolstering India’s role as a global manufacturing hub is further solidified with 26.9% year-on-year growth in monthly exports.”
He further added that the all-new Hyundai Venue SUV, the company's first software-defined vehicle in India, has received more than 32,000 bookings within a month of its launch. The new Venue features ccNC infotainment powered by Nvidia.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Reports 28% Sales Growth In November
- By MT Bureau
- December 01, 2025
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has announced its wholesales for November 2025, reporting total sales of 33,752 units, up 28 percent YoY.
This includes 30,085 units sold in the domestic market and 3,667 units exported.
Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President, Sales–Service–Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Following a positive festive season supported by the government’s progressive GST reforms, we continue to witness a strong momentum, with a growth of 19 percent. The recent introduction of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder Aero Edition and Fortuner Leader Edition has also continued to help us reinforce this growth trajectory, receiving recognition across the country. The innovative initiatives such as the Drum Tao and the launch of the toyota experiential museum (tem) in Bangalore, have been highly appreciated, further strengthening customer engagement and brand connect.”
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