Citroen’s Third Product For India Is A Hatchback

• Citroen set to foray into the hatchback segment.
• A rugged-looking variant could be sold along with it.
• Will likely be powered by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with manual and automatic transmissions.
• The hatch will go on sale in 2022.

Citroen India’s debut model, the C5 Aircross, isn’t exactly a product for the masses. With prices starting at Rs 29.90 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s probably not going to fly off the shelves. However, it is the two offerings that follow the flagship which are expected to rake in the moolah for Citroen India.

The first will be its made-for-India sub-4 metre SUV slated for a May 2021 reveal. We’ve seen plenty of test mules, and it sure is promising. But what’s next after that one?

Sources suggest it will be a hatchback that’s yet to be named. The French carmaker was mulling a hatch and an SUV but has decided to go with the former. We reckon it is a good move not just for diversification but also because it should position Citroen as an accessible brand. 

The upcoming hatch will be based on the C-Cubed platform (short for Comfort, Cool, and Clever). We believe this would be a premium hatchback, which will take on the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20. 

It’s still premature to talk about the technical details, but the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine (expected to be provided in the sub-4-metre SUV) could power the hatchback as well. Citroen will likely team the engine with manual and automatic transmissions. A diesel engine is not likely. 

This hatchback will likely be followed by a rugged-looking variant (think the Active i20), sharing the same underpinnings. Citroen’s third India model will go on sale in 2022. We should get to know more details as we inch towards its debut. Until then, stay safe.