Citroen C3 dimensions, engine details revealed: NA and turbo-petrol options to be offered

The Citroen C3 is based on Groupe PSA's Common Modular Platform, and is the first 'C-Cubed' model. (Image credit: Citroen)

The Citroen C3 is based on Groupe PSA's Common Modular Platform, and is the first 'C-Cubed' model.

Marking an important milestone for the Groupe PSA in India, the Citroen C3 is set to make its India debut in June, and key details of this all-new, made-for-India model have now emerged online. The C3 is the first product developed under the French carmaker's 'C-Cubed' programme - which will also spawn two more models - and while it does bring the in-demand SUV flavour to the table, Citroen has been clear about the C3 being a hatchback. Now, we can confirm the C3 - which will be manufactured at Groupe PSA's plant in Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu - will be amongst the largest sub-four metre vehicles on sale in the country.

As per a certification document seen by News9 Live, the Citroen C3 measures 3,981 mm in length, 1,733 mm in width, 1,586 mm in height and has a 2,540 mm wheelbase. Those numbers make it clear that while the C3 is being positioned as a hatchback with a hint of SUV about it, it will be longer than the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Swift and the Tata Punch mini-SUV. Interestingly, the C3's wheelbase is significantly longer than that of premium hatchbacks such as the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Tata Altroz, and longer than even those of certain compact SUVs such as the Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite and Tata Nexon, which should help liberate extra room on the inside.

The Citroen C3's 2,540 mm wheelbase is longer than that of even compact SUVs such as the Tata Nexon and Nissan Magnite. (Image credit: Citroen)

There will be two engine options for the Citroen C3 buyers to choose from - a naturally-aspirated, 1.2-litre petrol engine making 81.5 hp at 5,750 rpm, and a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 110 hp. The former will effectively help the C3 take on established hatchbacks from the likes of Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Tata, while the turbo-petrol option - which offers more zip than the Kiger and Magnite's 1.0-litre turbo-petrol unit - will enable the C3 to battle it out with premium hatches and compact SUVs available with a turbocharged engine. Transmission choices are expected to include a manual as well as an automatic option.

Two variants in the C3 line-up will be Live and Feel. Citroen may choose to offer the turbo-petrol engine only on the fully-loaded version, as this engine is expected to be imported into the country and will make the C3 a relatively pricey proposition.

The Citroen C3 is based on the PSA Group's Common Modular Platform (CMP), which already forms the basis for several Peugeot models on sale abroad. This platform is also ready for electrification, and is likely to be the base for Citroen's made-for-India electric vehicle, which is also