Citroen has officially launched the C3 Aircross 7-seater in India, marking a significant entry into the growing Family SUV India segment. Positioned as a spacious and affordable three-row SUV, this new model is engineered for Indian families looking for a practical yet stylish vehicle. Let’s break down the pricing, key features, and how it stacks up against other options in the segment as we move into 2025.
Pricing: Aggressive and Competitive
The Citroen C3 Aircross 7-seater comes with a starting price of ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the most competitively priced 7-seater SUVs in India. Higher variants with added features and tech upgrades can go up to ₹12.75 lakh (ex-showroom).
This pricing strategy undercuts several rivals in the 7-seater category such as the Hyundai Alcazar, Kia Carens, and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, all of which tend to push past the ₹12 lakh mark even in base trims. Citroen’s pricing reflects its intent to capture a larger slice of the family SUV market by offering strong value at a lower price point.
Design and Dimensions: Built for Space and Style
The new C3 Aircross 7-seater retains the bold styling cues of the standard C3 but stretches its dimensions to accommodate a third row. Key measurements include:
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Length: 4,323 mm
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Width: 1,796 mm
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Height: 1,669 mm
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Wheelbase: 2,671 mm
It also offers up to 511 litres of boot space with the third row removed—one of the best in its class. With all three rows in place, boot space is naturally limited, but the modular seat layout allows quick folding and removal for added practicality.
Engine and Performance
The C3 Aircross 7-seater is powered by a 1.2L turbo-petrol engine, delivering 110 PS and 190 Nm of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. While there’s no automatic transmission option at launch, Citroen has hinted that a 6-speed torque converter automatic could be added in 2025, depending on demand.
In terms of real-world driving, the C3 Aircross is tuned for city comfort and highway cruising. The engine delivers linear power and enough torque at low revs to handle both urban traffic and light off-road trips—an important consideration for Indian families with mixed driving needs.
Interior: Practical and User-Focused
Inside, the cabin is built with functionality in mind. Key features include:
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7-inch digital instrument cluster
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10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
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Manual air conditioning with rear AC vents
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Adjustable headrests for all three rows
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Second-row tumble-fold function for easier third-row access
Unlike more premium SUVs, you won’t find leather seats, sunroofs, or ambient lighting here—but Citroen makes up for it with clever space utilization and a no-frills approach that feels honest and grounded.
Safety Features
Standard safety features include:
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Dual airbags
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ABS with EBD
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Rear parking sensors
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Hill-hold assist
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Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
Though it lacks advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the basics are covered well for everyday family safety.
Citroen’s 2025 Strategy: Going Big on India
The launch of the C3 Aircross 7-seater aligns with Citroen’s 2025 roadmap for India, which focuses on affordability, localization, and innovation. The model is heavily localized with over 90% components sourced in India, helping to keep prices competitive while improving serviceability and parts availability.
This strategy reflects Citroen’s broader ambition to challenge long-established players in the family SUV India market by building cars that are tailored to local preferences—practical, spacious, fuel-efficient, and budget-friendly.
How It Compares to Rivals
| Feature | Citroen C3 Aircross | Kia Carens | Maruti Ertiga | Hyundai Alcazar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (base variant) | ₹9.99 lakh | ₹10.45 lakh | ₹8.69 lakh | ₹16.77 lakh |
| Engine | 1.2L Turbo Petrol | 1.5L Petrol | 1.5L Petrol | 2.0L Petrol/Diesel |
| Boot Space | 511L (w/o 3rd row) | 216L | 209L | 180L |
| Transmission | Manual | Manual/Auto | Manual/Auto | Manual/Auto |
| 3rd Row Comfort | Moderate | Better | Basic | Premium |
The C3 Aircross isn’t trying to out-luxury its competitors. Instead, it offers a practical, budget-friendly alternative that fits comfortably in the urban-to-semi-urban use case, which is exactly where the volume lies in India.
Final Thoughts
The C3 Aircross 7-seater is a smart move by Citroen. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, it delivers exactly what Indian families need: space, affordability, and ease of use. While it skips out on some premium extras, it nails the fundamentals, which could make it a hit in 2025 and beyond.
FAQs
Q1: Is the C3 Aircross 7-seater available with an automatic transmission?
No, currently it comes only with a 6-speed manual gearbox. However, Citroen may introduce an automatic variant in 2025.
Q2: How many airbags does the C3 Aircross offer?
The 7-seater variant comes with dual front airbags as standard.
Q3: Can the third row of the C3 Aircross be removed?
Yes, the third row seats are removable, enhancing boot space and flexibility.
Q4: What is the mileage of the C3 Aircross 7-seater?
The ARAI-certified mileage is approximately 18.5 km/l under standard conditions.
Q5: Is the C3 Aircross 7-seater a good choice for large families?
Absolutely. Its modular seating, competitive pricing, and spacious design make it a strong contender for families needing a practical daily SUV.
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