Second part of the programme that Citroën has in store for us for the year 2024, a programme that promises to be busy between the restyling of important models, as we saw in the first part, or the renewal of very important models, starting with the future C3.
A future C3 unique on the market
The star of the Citroën range, which alone represents 30% of the brand's sales, the Citroën C3 is THE model of 2024 for the brand, with a marketing campaign to be launched in the first weeks of the year.
This future C3 will be based on the Stellantis CMP platform taken from the C3 in India, but largely optimised and revised to adapt it to the codes in force in Europe, so that the performances promised are at a similar level to the Peugeot 208 or the Opel Corsa.
If the third generation borrowed SUV codes, the next C3 will really be an SUV with a height of more than 1m50 and a real attitude of an urban adventurer who will take advantage of this body to offer a first class habitability.
Although the future European C3 will share some undersides with the Indian C3, it will be very different in terms of design, as no body parts will be shared, only the glazing will be similar. The future C3 will therefore be a real small SUV with a clean design where the chevrons will be present as the brand plans to place them on the strip between the rear lights as well as on the wheel arches. Citroën loves its logo and this is no exception!
Inside, the C3 should offer a completely horizontal dashboard with an innovation in the instrument cluster, while the 10-inch touch screen will take pride of place in the centre of the dashboard. On either side will be the brand's classic air vents, connected by strips of fabric that will bring warmth and colour to the interior.
Finally, the C3 will offer thermal and hybrid engines, but also a 100% electric motorization which will be sold at a gun price since Citroën announces a sale price under 20,000 €, bonus deducted, while the thermal versions should start at 16,000 €.
The future Citroën C3 Aircross, which will be unveiled in India and Brazil in April 2023, will be the brand's second offensive in the B-segment in 2024, enabling it to renew its range in this very important segment.
Like the future European C3, the future C3 Aircross will be very different from the versions sold in Asia and Latin America, with a completely different body but a very similar look, although the presence of a 7-seater version of the future C3 Aircross in Europe is unconfirmed.
The styling of this future C3 Aircross should borrow some elements from the C3, such as the headlights, the bonnet or the dashboard, in a process of sharing parts already used by Peugeot between the 208 and 2008.
Significantly longer than its predecessor, the future Citroën C3 Aircross should approach the dimensions of a C4 with a length of more than 4m30 and a wheelbase at the maximum limits of the CMP platform, i.e. 2m67, dimensions that will create internal competition with the C4, which will also be restyled in 2024.
Like the C3, the C3 Aircross will have a 100% electric motor, which Citroën intends to offer at a great price: if the C3 is sold under the €20,000 bonus, the C3 Aircross could be offered under €30,000. The C3 Aircross should be more autonomous than the C3 due to its higher weight and the needs of families.
The C3 Aircross is expected to be unveiled in the second half of the year, before or after the summer period, for launch in early 2025.
New C3 and C3 Aircross, redesigned Berlingo and C4, 2024 will undoubtedly be an important year for Citroën, especially as it will continue to develop its international presence with a hatchback derived from the C3 and which could be called the C3 X. A very important year for Citroën which will put an end to two particularly dull years in terms of new products.