Citroen’s upcoming Creta rival to have two seating layouts

After introducing two products at opposite ends of the market, namely the C5 Aircross and the C3, Citroen India is gearing up to take on the midsize SUVs with its next offering. The French brand has set its cross hairs on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder, with its all-new midsize SUV, likely to be called the Citroen C3 Aircross, that is undergoing final phases of testing.

1. Citroen C3 Aircross expected to go on sale later this year
2. Will have more equipment, two seating layouts
3. Expected to be powered by 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol 

Citroen C3 Aircross: familiar design, larger dimensions

Our spies have caught this new Citroen SUV (Citroen C3 Aircross) on the outskirts of Chennai and a close look confirms that this is a much bigger vehicle and not just an extended C3, which was speculated earlier. These spy shots give us a clear view of the upcoming SUV’s exterior design that largely resemble the C3 hatchback with the split headlamps, grille and wraparound tail-lamps. This new SUV will be more than four metres in length and sources tell us it will have two- and three-row seating layouts.

The new Citroen C3 Aircross SUV will have design resemblance with the C3 hatch.

Citroen C3 Aircross: new interior, more features 

The interior spy shots also give us some fresh details about this new SUV. It will come with a new dashboard layout, but it does carry over some components from the C3, like the steering wheel and switchgear. While the instrument cluster housing looks similar to the C3’s, we expect a better digital layout than the basic set-up found in the former. The high-mounted touchscreen housing is also different and more proportionate as compared to the widescreen unit seen on the C3. The design of the HVAC controls and AC vents still look basic, but higher variants could get automatic climate control.

The interior layout is new, and it will likely be better equipped too.

The big red button seen on the dashboard is an emergency kill switch that most prototypes have and will, of course, not be present in the production car.

Citroen C3 Aircross: expected powertrain options

As far as engine details go, sources tell us that the SUV will come with the same 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine that powers higher variants of the C3 hatchback. While this engine makes the C3 a peppy city commuter, it remains to be seen how it performs in a vehicle that will be comparatively heavier. At 110hp, this SUV will be a direct rival to the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated variants of the Creta and Seltos, and will be more powerful than the Grand Vitara and Hyryder. Additionally, there are plans to have an all-electric version as well, market launch for the Citroen eC3 Aircross could take place after the introduction of the petrol-powered version.