Citroen C3 spotted on tests heavily camouflaged using emission test equipment, could be the CNG variant
After launching the fast accelerating C3 for an aggressive price tag, French maker Citroen has been reportedly testing the CNG variant of the compact SUV. A test mule of the same has been spotted by a Facebook user named Vijay Manigandan.
The test mule has been heavily camouflaged to the point that we had a hard time making out that it’s actually the C3. The torn areas of the camouflage show an orange paint job further cementing our claim.
Interestingly, the car is devoid of side cladding and so might be 1 of the lower variants with the 1.2-litre Puretech petrol engine in the natural aspirated guise. It pumps out a modest 81 HP and comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The rear part of the test mule has an emission testing equipment which, probably, means the car is running on CNG. With petrol prices soaring, it makes perfect sense for Citroen to launch the C3 CNG to further up the compact SUV’s appeal.
But, it must seen how the naturally aspirated engine performs in CNG mode. It’s already low on power and CNG might further bog it down. Nevertheless, it will perfectly suit an average joe who just want low running costs.
The company might roll out this version during the forthcoming festive season. The compact SUV retails from Rs. 5.7 lakhs to Rs. 8.05 lakhs (all prices, ex-showroom). The prices, however, are introductory.
With over 90 percent localisation, this Made-In-India model is the first product from the C-Cubed family of vehicles and is built at Citroen’s manufacturing facility in Thiruvallur, Tamil Nadu.
As a part of the New C3’s warranty programme, Citroen has services like a standard vehicle warranty for 2 years or 40,000 km (whichever is earlier), a warranty on spare parts and accessories for 12 months or 10,000 km (whichever is earlier), and 24/7 roadside assistance.