Citroen has launched its first mass-market product, the C3, in India at a starting price of INR 5.71 Lakh. The C3 is the French automaker’s second offering in India and it is being positioned as an SUV-inspired B-Segment hatchback.

The Citroen C3 is based on the company’s C-Cubed platform, which will spawn several new India-made models. The new C3’s style is immediately apparent from Citroen’s distinctive shape, characterised by the high position of the bonnet and a front end structured to reinforce the impression of width.

The large wheels, high ground clearance and short overhangs to cope with angles in the road surface and avoid damaging the front bumper, black wheel arches and bars roofs that increase the height of the vehicle, are all elements inspired by SUVs.The sides of the vehicle are muscular, set off by protective bubble panels sculpted into the bodywork to give the vehicle a more imposing presence. The Citroen C3 is offered in four mono-tone and six dual-tone colors. It also offers two interior trims.

In terms of features, the Citroen C3 gets a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, manual A/C, a four-speaker sound system, steering-mounted controls, digital instrument cluster, and front/rear USB charging ports.

With a wheelbase of 2,540mm, the C3 promises to give one of the best legroom in this segment. Citroen claims that the C3 has the best in the class head, shoulder, and elbow room for passengers. Safety features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, seatbelt reminders etc.

The Citroen C3 gets two petrol engine options: an 82 hp, 115 Nm, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated unit that is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, and a 110 hp, 190 Nm, three-cylinder turbo-petrol unit that comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The turbo-petrol engine is the most powerful unit in its class. The option of a DCT is likely to be offered in the future.

The new Citroen C3 competes with the manual versions of the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Tata Punch and Maruti Suzuki Ignis.