Citroen C3 Launched In Brazil With An Automatic Option That Will Come To India Too

• It gets the choice of a 6-speed auto which will be offered in India later on.

• Equipped with safety features such as hill assist and six airbags missing in the India-spec C3. 

• Some of the other missing features are a rear camera, rear wiper and power-adjustable ORVMs.

• Missing features likely to be introduced in future updates. 

• In India, the C3 is priced from Rs 5.7 lakh onwards. 

The Citroen C3 has gone on sale in the Brazilian market with a more comprehensive set of equipment and features than the India-spec model. That said, these features should be added to the India-spec hatchback’s equipment list in future. 

Brazil-spec Citroen C3 features 

In Brazil, the C3 gets distinctive colour schemes and single and dual-tone paint options. While the India-spec C3 gets orange-themed exterior accents, the C3’s trim bits are white. Higher-spec variants also gets alloy wheels from the factory. In India, the C3 offers steel wheels as standard with alloys as an optional extra. 

The Brazilian C3 also gets a few additional features that are sorely lacking in the India-spec model, such as a rear washer and wiper, rearview camera, and electrically operated outer rearview mirrors. 

Inside, the highlight’s the same 10.2-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Brazil-spec model, too, misses out on cruise control and only gets a manual AC. The rear seat is quite similar, except that the Brazil-spec C3 has three-point seatbelts and adjustable headrests for all three rear passengers. It also gets six airbags in the First Edition trim and hill start assist, features that could be offered in India when stricter safety regulations come into force. 

Apart from these bits, the Brazilian C3 is identical to the Indian hatch in its dimensions and aesthetics. The only other change is under the bonnet, where the Brazilian C3 gets completely different 1-litre and 1.6-litre petrol engine options. It gets a 6-speed automatic option, too, that could be offered in India later. In our country, the C3 is offered with 1.2-litre naturally aspirated (NA) and turbo petrol engines paired with 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions. 

Why doesn’t India-spec C3 get these features? 

The Citroen C3 rivals compact hatchbacks in both India and overseas. It’s aimed at the budget end of the market where pricing is a key part of the product positioning.  The Brazil-spec model’s additional features, specifically its safety equipment, are mandated by the stricter safety norms in the country. This pushes up the price, and of course, the buyer’s expectations, necessitating more creature comforts. 

Also read: 

• Upcoming Citroen Compact SUV Spied For The First Time, To Rival Hyundai Creta

• Exclusive: Facelifted Citroen C5 Aircross Will Be Priced Between Rs 37 Lakh And Rs 40 Lakh

That said, market demand plays a strong role, too, and Citroen is likely to offer more features in future updates to the C3 hatchback. Moreover, the upcoming C3-based electric vehicle (EV) will likely be even better equipped (and pricier) than the ICE hatchback.