New Citroen seven seater being readied for India

Citroen has begun work on an all-new three-row model based on the recently launched C3. This new vehicle has been spotted testing in Chandigarh. The C3 is Citroen’s first India-focused product, and along with targeting heavy localisation, the brand seems to be working on models in high-demand segments that includes three-row models. While the C3, a high-riding hatchback, is aimed at potential compact SUV as well as hatchback buyers, this new three-row vehicle seems to have MPV and SUV customers in its sights.

• New Citroen three row model will be based on C3
• Sports bigger wheels, more ground clearance
• Expected to share powertrains with C3

Citroen C3 three-row: exterior and interior

As seen in the spy photos, the test mule seems to be riding on bigger wheels, likely to be 16-inch or more, while the standard C3 comes with 15-inch wheels. The new three-row Citroen also seems to have more ground clearance and is expected to have rugged body cladding all around to give it an SUV look.

Seen alongside the C3, the difference in length is pretty aparent.

As far as the body shell goes, the vehicle looks identical to the standard C3 till the B-pillar but that’s where the similarities end. The rear quarter panel and the glass area seem to be new. The rear overhang is also much longer than the C3, which could mean this vehicle will be more than four metres long.  

The dashbaord design is identical to that of the C3.

On the inside, the three-row Citroen will share a lot of parts with the regular C3. In fact, the dashboard layout, steering wheel and instrument cluster are identical to that of the C3. However, given its higher positioning, there could be more standard features across the line-up. The biggest addition could, however, be a third row of seats. 

Citroen C3 three-row: powertrain  

The three-row Citroen will most likely come with the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or, at a later stage, an automatic gearbox. Citroen could also include the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine on the model to target an aggressive starting price.

The new model could likely be called the Citroen C3 Plus, C3 Sport Tourer or even the C3 Aircross, but it remains to be seen what direction the company takes on branding this all-new crossover in India. We expect this new vehicle from Citroen to be a direct rival to the Renault Triber and a more affordable alternative to the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, XL6 and Kia Carens in the Indian market.

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