New Citroen C3 Reflects Learnings From The Indian Marketplace

A far cry from the first Citroen C3 which fell short of features like auto air-con, adjustable headrests, rear wiper, wireless charging, sunroof, LED head lamps and tail lamps and rear camera, the new (2024) C3 reflects the learning from the Indian marketplace. 

The car features high performance six-speed automatic transmission and a host of others in terms of safety and convenience. With prices starting from INR616,000 ex showroom, the new C3 – powered by a 110 PS 1.2-litre Gen 3 PureTech turbo petrol engine that produces 205 Nm of peak torque – comes with six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, three-point seat belts, power window with switches on the doors, grab handle on the front passenger side, auto-folding ORVMs and LED projector headlamps. 

While the buyer can still opt for a five-speed manual transmission that was offered on the earlier model, the new C3 also comes with 40 connectivity features for a tech-savvy driving experience as part of the MyCitroen connectivity suite. These consist of Remote Start Stop with pre-conditioning, Geo fencing, Remote Lock/Unlock and Marketplace Fueling. The 26 cm infotainment system in the car is replete with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

Shishir Mishra, Brand Director, Citroën India, mentioned as the launch, “We are thrilled to launch the New C3, now equipped with enhanced features and the highly anticipated addition of Automatic transmission option. These upgrades mark a bold step forward in our commitment to delivering the best-in-class driving experience. We've meticulously refined every aspect of the vehicle—from safety and technology to comfort and convenience. We are confident that this new version will appeal to an even wider audience, reinforcing our dedication to innovation and exceptional driving experiences that evolve with our customers' needs.”

He drew attention to the model’s class-leading wheelbase of 2,540 mm and the renowned Advanced Comfort suspension system, which is claimed to deliver a ‘Flying Carpet’ ride. Providing extensive customisation options that includes ‘six packs’ and over 70 accessories along with intelligent storage solutions, the new C3 is available at La Maison Citroën showrooms nationwide. 

The introduction of 2024 C3 follows close on the heels of the launch of 2024 C3 Aircross with a starting price of INR 1,284,800 ex showroom. Sharing the platform architecture with the C3, which also includes the 110 PS 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and the six-speed automatic transmission, the C3 Aircoss new model also comes with ‘Citroen Connect’ that has 40 smart features including remote engine start, remote air-con pre-conditioning, progressive in-app marketplace for seamless fuel transactions via Citroën Connect. 

Offering a five or five plus two searing, the C3 Aircross is claimed to offer best-in-class second row knee room. 

With the rear seats up, the luggage volume on offer is 511-litres. 

Perhaps a bit quirky in design/styling like many French automobiles are known to look, the C3 Aircross is available with a five-speed manual transmission. 

"Citroën is committed to meeting the evolving demands of Indian consumers by integrating innovation, performance, value, and unparalleled convenience into our vehicles. The launch of the new C3 Aircross Automatic is a pivotal moment in our India venture, being the first Automatic Transmission on our C-Cubed platform. It brings advanced features, impressive performance, and competitive pricing. We are confident that the C3 Aircross Automatic will appeal to the consumers who are looking for exceptional driving experience along with versatility and comfort," said Aditya Jairaj, MD and CEO, Stellantis India.  

Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has announced its wholesales for April 2025 at 84,170 vehicles, a growth of 19 percent, including exports.

The auto major sold a total of 52,330 SUVs in the domestic market, which was 28 percent higher than 41,008 SUVs sold for the same period last year. Commercial vehicle sales in the domestic market came at 22,989 units, which was 4 percent YoY. 

Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Building on the strong momentum of last year's performance, we began the year on a strong note in April by achieving SUV sales of 52,330 units, a growth of 28 percent and total vehicle sales of 84,170 units, a 19 percent growth over the same month last year. These numbers indicate the strength of our portfolio and customer offerings.”

JSW MG Motor India, a leading passenger vehicles manufacturer, has announced its wholesales for April 2025.

The company reported sales of 5,829 units, which was 23 percent higher over April 2024, when it sold 4,725 vehicles.

Interestingly, the automaker's popular offering, the Windsor EV, has continued to be the top-selling electric passenger vehicle for the seventh month in a row.

JSW MG Motor India's Windsor EV has now gone home to over 20,000 customers.

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest carmaker, has reported its wholesales of 179,791 units in April 2025, marking a 7 percent increase compared to 168,089 units sold in April 2024. The growth was primarily propelled by strong performance in utility vehicles and a sharp rise in export volumes.

Domestic sales, including passenger and light commercial vehicles, remained flat with 142,053 units, as compared to 140,448 units in April 2024. Within this, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) like the Super Carry saw a significant jump of 34.2 percent, with sales rising to 3,349 units from 2,496 units last year.

In the passenger vehicle segment, SUVs such as the Brezza, Ertiga, Grand Vitara and others recorded a 4.4 percent increase, selling 59,022 units compared to 56,553 in the previous year. However, sales for Eeco declined by 5.2 percent, while the mini segment (Alto, S-Presso) saw a sharp 45 percent drop, falling to 6,332 units from 11,519 units. The compact segment, which includes high-volume models like the Baleno and Swift, grew by 8.1 percent, reaching 61,591 units.

Sales to Toyota Kirloskar Motor rose sharply by 79.2 percent, from 5,481 units to 9,827 units, indicating a growing demand for cross-badged products.

The standout performer was the export segment, which surged 26 percent to 27,911 units from 22,160 units in April 2024. This strong export growth helped bolster the company’s overall numbers despite weaknesses in domestic sub-segments.

While some product lines such as the mid-size sedan Ciaz (-63 percent) continue to struggle.

Tata Motors reported total wholesales of 72,753 units for April 2025, reflecting a 6 percent year-on-year decline from 77,521 units in April 2024.

The passenger vehicle (PV) segment, including electric vehicles, accounted for 45,532 units, down 5 percent from 47,983 units in the same month last year. Within this, domestic PV sales dropped 6 percent to 45,199 units, while international business (IB) sales rose significantly to 333 units, up from 100 units. Electric vehicle sales (domestic + IB) declined 16 percent year-on-year to 5,318 units.

Commercial vehicle (CV) sales stood at 27,221 units, marking an 8 percent YoY drop from 29,538 units in April 2024. Domestic CV sales contracted 10 percent to 25,764 units, while CV exports (IB) grew 43 percent to 1,457 units. Key sub-segments like Small Commercial Vehicles (SCV) and pickups saw a steep 23 percent decline.

Despite growth in certain categories like ILMCV trucks and passenger carriers, overall sales momentum was tempered across both PV and CV segments.