Citroen is one step closer to the launch of their first SUV in India
The French manufacturer has been in the works for launching a vehicle in India for some time now. Spyshots of the fully imported Citroen test mules are already available on the internet. All those images boosted vague talks about the launch of the car in the Indian market. However, the manufacturer is trying to put an end to all the speculations by confirming that they have started assembling handful of models of C5 aircorss SUVs for testing in the local terrains. CK Birla’s facility in Tiruvalluvar, Tamilnadu is live with assembling works.
The management had planned to start selling them later this year, but due to the uncertainties from the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, they are being forced to shift the launch to early 2021. Credible sources state that the car would be locally assembled and not locally made, hence the price is expected to go around 30 lakhs INR.
C5 Aircross will be sold in a single trim level with features like an electronic parking brake, dual-zone climate control, a hands-free tailgate, split-LED headlamps with DRLs, a panoramic sunroof, a powered driver’s seat, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen wrapped in french engineering.
Talks about engineering excellence are incomplete without emphasizing on the engine that powers this SUV. The company will be bringing in a 2.0-liter diesel engine with a peak power output of 180hp coupled with an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Such a power and feature-loaded offer will be welcomed for the price tag it carries in the market. Citroen is not planning to sell this car in large numbers, it is obvious because they are ditching the 1.5-liter diesel engine for our market.
The French marque has plans to locally manufacture models from C-cubed programs, which should be the high volume sellers in India. Cars made through the program are supposed to host a lot of local touches and the C21 compact SUV is anticipated to achieve between 90-95% localization which translates that it will be available for a price around 7 Lakh INR.
The initial stage of sales and service support in India is almost ready on offer by the launch of the brand’s exclusive showroom in Ahmedabad. The first phase also consists of establishing 10-15 outlets nationwide, based on ‘La Maison Citroen’ concept.
Image Source: Autocar
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