Citroën reveals made-for-India C3 Aircross

The All-New C3 Aircross offers car buyers compelling value in a tailor-made package. The SUV combines a unique, muscular, and bold design, with signature Citroën comfort and well-being, plus versatility in the segment for up to 7 people.  The All-New C3 Aircross is a tough and distinctive SUV available in both 5-seater and 5+2-seater versions.

L-R: Saurabh Vatsa - Citroen India Head, Laurence Hansen - Citroen Product Strategy Division, Roland Bouchara - CEO & MD - Stellantis India, Thierry Koskas - CEO Citroen

Citroën revealed the All-New C3 Aircross, a family Midsize-SUV that is tough outside and caring inside, and intelligently created to meet the specific needs of Indian customers. The All-New C3 Aircross offers car buyers compelling value in a tailormade package. The SUV combines a unique, muscular, and bold design, with signature Citroën comfort and well-being, plus versatility in the segment for up to 7 people.  The All-New C3 Aircross is a tough and distinctive SUV available in both 5-seater and 5+2-seater versions and targeted for launch in India in second half of 2023.

All-New C3 Aircross is the second in a family of three new models specifically aimed at international growing markets under Citroën’s C-Cubed programme, announced in 2019, and being marketed between 2022 and 2024. The Midsize-SUV is developed and produced locally – at the Thiruvallur plant in Tamil Nadu with over 90% localisation. This ensures customers satisfaction that allows faster parts availability and overall lower cost of ownership.

This new 4.3m SUV model and the already launched brand’s flagship C5 Aircross SUV, sub 4m New C3 & ë-C3   represents key steps in Citroën’s international growth strategy, under which the brand is targeting 30 percent of its global vehicle sales to be in regions and markets outside of Europe by 2025. Citroën plans to grow globally by entering high-potential markets with affordable, locally-tailored products. Our goal is to achieve 30% of sales in international markets outside Europe by 2025. Our aim is to compete successfully with local players while providing an easy ownership journey for our customers. The All-New C3 Aircross a 4.3m midsize SUV, marks a significant step for Citroën to reach a new group of customers looking for an appealing, value-for-money, and spacious family Midsize-SUV that offers versatility of seating up to 7 people.” says Thierry Koskas, Citroën CEO.

Citroën has worked hard to ensure the 4.3m long, 5 and 5+2-seater All-New C3 Aircross is the right vehicle at the right time to enter the fast-growing and highly competitive Midsize SUV segment in the Indian market. “The All-New C3 Aircross is a highly-localized midsize SUV that caters to the needs of the Indian market, where SUVs hold a 40% market share. This vehicle has been designed with insights from Indian customers and developed at Citroën’s R&D and engineering centers in India and Europe. The vehicle assembly and powertrain plants in Thiruvallur and Hosur respectively will be instrumental in efficiently manufacturing the vehicle in India. Citroën is confident in meeting the requirements of this new group of Indian customers.” adds Roland Bouchara, CEO and Managing Director of Stellantis India.

“In India, car purchasing decisions involve the entire family and often consultations with friends. Budget and overall cost of ownership are crucial considerations, but so are distinctive design, a commanding street presence, high levels of all-round comfort, space and flexibility, connectivity, and features. The attributes of a vehicle reflect the owner’s lifestyle and status, making styling and features equally important factors in the buying decision. The versatility of the C3 Aircross will help solve the varied mobility needs of Indian families, who enjoy life on the move.  We have made every effort to make the All-New C3 Aircross desirable and accessible to these families. Our fast expanding La Maison Citroen phygital showroom & L’Atelier service network will ensure our Citroen India family has an impeccable ownership journey.” says Saurabh Vatsa, Citroën Head, India.

Key to the success of Citroën’s C-Cubed programme is the collaborative effort between Citroën India teams and the company’s designers and engineers. Specifically for All-New C3 Aircross, this involved thorough research into the physical conditions in India, and extensive conversations with customers to ensure this Midsize-SUV fully meets their wants and needs. Data that emerged from customer clinics directly influenced the final styling, design and features of the All-New C3 Aircross.

“Listening to the voices of so many potential customers in these markets drove us to make sure New C3 Aircross offers families a unique package they will appreciate, combining distinctive signature Citroën brand design markers with pure SUV attributes in a muscular and eye-catching vehicle that represents great value. It fully embraces our 360-degree approach to comfort and well-being for everyone through outstanding roominess, modular versatility, and space to carry up to 5 or 5+2 people in serenity. It comes with high levels of equipment and technology, including for seamless connectivity on the move, and the family can make their vehicle even more personal with an extensive offer of themed customization packs and accessories made-to-measure for each market,” says Laurence Hansen, Citroën Product, and Strategy Director.