PROMISING. BUT WITH COMPROMISES

The C3 Aircross marks the next chapter for Citroën in India. But, given the intense competition in the SUV segment, can the C3 Aircross make a dent in the market?

- ISHAN RAGHAVA

It seems that Citroën India has been making all the right noises about their entry into the Indian market. They have invested a considerable amount of money to set up dedicated manufacturing facilities, are exporting both vehicles and components from India, and are also now on the verge of launching their fourth product in India – the C3 Aircross. But, with the Aircross, they are looking to compete in a segment that’s already chock-a-block with products from multiple manufacturers, like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Brezza, Hyundai Creta and many more. The question is – does the C3 Aircross offer enough to unsettle the competition and carve its own space in the market?

FRENCH DESIGN 

The C3 Aircross is based on the same platform that underpins the smaller C3, and it even features a similar design aesthetic. However, I think that Citroën’s designers have done a better job in designing the Aircross. Right from the big double chevron grille up front to the interestingly arranged front lights – they are spread over three layers – the Aircross has a unique and yet very Citroën-esque face. It’s exactly the kind of quirk that we expect from the French company.