The launch of the Citroen C3 CNG has injected fresh excitement into India's hatchback market. With a starting price of ₹7.16 lakh (ex-showroom), this eco-friendly hatch is Citroen's first foray into the CNG space in India. With rising fuel prices and the automotive landscape shifting to cater to value-seeking customers, Citroen launched the C3 CNG at a time when there is great demand for an affordable way to commute in our cities.
Although the C3 CNG visually resembles the petrol variant, it features undeniable benefits in performance and efficacy via the CNG option. Let's see what Citroen has to offer in this latest CNG hatchback.
Overview of Citroen C3 CNG
Rather than many competitors that offer factory-fitted CNG options, Citroen has selected to hire the CNG kit to be retrofitted at the dealerships. While this may not sound typical, Citroen offers full warranty coverage and assured me that the installation is done professionally.
Highlights of the Citroen C3 CNG:
- Retrofitted CNG kit offered through dealerships
- 55-litre CNG tank capacity
- Claimed mileage of 28.1 km/kg
- Estimated range of up to 200 km
- CNG nozzle conveniently located beside petrol filler
- Suspension retuned to support additional tank weight
- Comes with 3-year / 1 lakh km standard warranty
Citroen C3 CNG Pricing Breakdown
The CNG kit is priced at ₹93,000 over the regular petrol variants. Below is a table comparing variant-wise pricing:
|
Variant |
Petrol Price |
CNG Kit Price |
CNG Variant Price |
|
Live |
₹6.23 lakh |
₹93,000 |
₹7.16 lakh |
|
Feel |
₹6.48 lakh |
₹93,000 |
₹7.41 lakh |
|
Feel (O) |
₹7.52 lakh |
₹93,000 |
₹8.45 lakh |
|
Shine |
₹8.16 lakh |
₹93,000 |
₹9.09 lakh |
All prices are ex-showroom India. It is important to note that the CNG option is only available with the naturally aspirated petrol engine.
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Powertrain and Performance
The Citroen C3 is offered with two engine choices, but the CNG option is available only with the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Engine and Transmission Details:
|
Engine Type |
Power Output |
Torque |
Transmission |
|
1.2-litre NA Petrol (CNG) |
82 PS |
115 Nm |
5-speed Manual |
|
1.2-litre Turbo Petrol |
110 PS |
190-205 Nm |
6-speed Manual/AMT |
Though official performance figures for the CNG variant are not released, power and torque are expected to be slightly lower due to the nature of CNG fuels. This is common in all CNG vehicles.
Features and Safety Equipment
In terms of features, no changes have been made to the Citroen C3 with the addition of the CNG kit. The car continues to offer the same equipment list as its petrol counterpart.
Key Features:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 7-inch digital driver display
- Manual air conditioning
- Remote central locking
- Height-adjustable driver seat
Safety Features:
- Dual front airbags as standard, up to six in top variants
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill hold assist
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Rear parking camera
Warranty and Maintenance
The Citroen C3 CNG comes with a 3-year or 1 lakh km standard warranty, covering both the petrol components and the retrofitted CNG system. The brand also mentions that the CNG setup is designed and integrated to maintain overall vehicle balance and safety, thanks to suspension tuning and practical refueling placement.
Conclusion
With the launch of the Citroen C3 CNG, the brand has made a strong entry into the fuel-efficient car segment. The hatchback offers a good mix of affordability, performance, and economy, especially for city drivers and daily commuters. While the retrofitted kit may raise a few eyebrows, Citroen’s professional approach and warranty coverage make it a safe bet.
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