Renowned French automaker, PSA group was all set to enter the Indian market with the launch of Citroen C5 Aircross, which has now been postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak. However, the company has confirmed that it's first made-in-India offering, the compact SUV, C-21 is still expected to be launched on the stipulated time.
Codenamed Citroen C21, it will be the first model under Citroen's C-cubed programme and is expected to be launched in India in 2021.
What did the Citreon official say?
Groupe PSA has decided to maintain the project timeline and investment for the C-Cubed program, under which the first vehicle designed, developed and made in India would be launched in 2021 as announced in 2019 by Carlos Tavares, chairman of the managing board, Groupe PSA.
What can be the probable engine options?
The Citroen C21 compact SUV will face tough competition in India with the likes of Venue, Brezza, Nexon and EcoSport tussling out in the middle already.
Multiple engine options are expected to be offered on the C21 including a 1.2L, naturally aspirated Petrol engine, 1.2L turbo petrol unit, and a 1.5L diesel motor. As far as the transmission is concerned, the car will be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox at the start, and possibilities of automatic being added to the mix should not be written off.
The car can irrefutably be assumed to be feature-filled right up to the brim, and though no official declarations have been done, the inclusion of a smart infotainment system, cruise control, sunroof, rear parking camera is pretty much on the cards.
Being a new entrant into the Indian automotive market, the pricing for sure needs to be aggressive if the company wants to put a formidable fight against existing players.
Author's take
The PSA group happens to be one of the largest car makers in Europe, it's entry into the Indian market is all set to spice up the dynamic compact SUV segment,
With renowned global players entering the Indian market, it has ultimately been the buyer's gain. In order to put up a good fight for deeper market penetration, the company should focus on performance and features in the most affordable price range.