Citroën C3X India Review | Stunning Compact SUV with Turbo & CNG

Citroën’s India journey has been nothing short of bold. After testing the waters with the premium C5 Aircross and then striking a chord with value-seekers through the C3 hatchback, the French carmaker is now looking at a sweet spot between a hatch and SUV. Enter the Citroën C3X, a compact SUV that blends city-smart reflexes with SUV-inspired toughness.

In India’s ever-growing compact SUV market—dominated by Maruti Fronx, Tata Nexon, and Hyundai Venue—the C3X aims to stand out with its chic European design, premium comfort DNA, and a price-conscious lineup. Built at Citroën’s Tamil Nadu plant with R&D in Chennai, the C3X is clearly not a half-hearted attempt—it’s tailor-made for Indian roads and buyers.

But does it have what it takes to grab attention in this crowded segment? Let’s break it down.

Engine, Mileage & Performance

The C3X is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine in three tunes:

• PureTech 82 (NA Petrol) – 82 PS & 115 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual. Best for city commutes.
• PureTech 110 Turbo (Manual) – 110 PS & 190 Nm with a 6-speed manual. Punchy performance with mid-range torque.
• PureTech 110 Turbo (AT) – 110 PS & 205 Nm with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic. Easily the best pick for those wanting relaxed city and highway driving.

Mileage is competitive, with ~19.3 km/l on manuals and ~18.3 km/l on the AT. For budget-conscious buyers, Citroën now offers an ICAT-approved CNG kit with 28.1 km/kg mileage—making it one of the most frugal options in the segment (₹2.66/km running cost).

Compared to the Tata Nexon Petrol DCT or Maruti Fronx Boosterjet AT, the Citroën AT feels smoother though slightly less quick. Ride comfort—thanks to Citroën’s suspension tuning—remains the strongest USP, soaking up bumps far better than Korean rivals.

Design & Features

Citroën cars have always stood out, and the C3X continues that streak.

Exterior

• Dual chrome chevrons and LED Vision projector headlamps with DRLs.
• SUV-like stance with bold cladding, 38 cm diamond-cut alloys, skid plates.
• Electric & auto-folding ORVMs.
• Roof rails, projector fog lamps, and dual-tone roof on higher trims.

The C3X looks youthful yet tough, giving a European SUV vibe in a sub-4m body.

Interior

• Premium soft-touch dashboard with refined textures.
• 10.25-inch Citroën Connect touchscreen (wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay).
• 7-inch digital driver display.
• Tropicalised automatic AC (best-in-class cooling).
• Wireless charger, cruise control, speed limiter.
• Tall, supportive seats with contrast stitching.

Cabin quality is a huge step up compared to the older C3 hatch. Rear seat space is good (thanks to a 2540 mm wheelbase), and the 315-litre boot is practical for weekend trips.

Safety & Technology

Safety has been a big focus on the C3X, and Citroën has packed it well:

• 6 Airbags
• ABS with EBD, ESP, Hill Hold Assist
• ISOFIX mounts
• Halo 360° Camera
• Auto-dimming IRVM
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Perimetric Anti-theft Alarm

While rivals like Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet offer Level-2 ADAS, the C3X sticks to tried-and-tested features. Still, for its price band, it feels reassuringly safe.

Citroën C3X Colours & Variants

The C3X is available in Live, Feel, Feel (O), and Shine trims.

• Base “Live” – basic essentials, halogen lamps, fabric seats.
• Mid “Feel” – touchscreen, better upholstery, and more convenience.
• Top “Shine” – LED projector lamps, 360° camera, auto-folding ORVMs, alloy wheels, push-button start, cruise control.

Colours include monotones and dual-tone options with contrasting roof shades—black, grey, and white combos.

ALSO READ: Citroën Aircross 2025 Review – Stylish, Versatile & Family-Friendly Mid-Size SUV for India

Citroën C3X Pros & Cons

Pros

• Class-leading ride comfort on Indian roads.
• Punchy turbo petrol + smooth AT option.
• Premium European design & cabin feel.
• Segment-first tropicalised auto AC.
• Competitive running cost with factory CNG kit.

Cons

• No diesel engine option (unlike Tata Nexon).
• Lacks ADAS features seen in Hyundai Venue.
• Limited dealer network (though expanding fast).
• Boot space smaller than some rivals.

Citroën C3X Price & Rivals

Expected ex-showroom price range: ₹6.5 lakh – ₹10.8 lakh.

Main rivals:

• Maruti Suzuki Fronx
• Tata Nexon
• Hyundai Venue
• Kia Sonet
• Renault Kiger / Nissan Magnite

Compared to rivals, Citroën plays the value + comfort card. While it may not win on features alone, its suspension tuning, French design, and CNG efficiency are strong differentiators.

Final Verdict

The Citroën C3X is not just another hatchback-on-stilts—it feels like a genuine compact SUV with European flair. For buyers tired of the cookie-cutter Maruti/Hyundai designs, the C3X brings freshness. Its ride comfort and CNG efficiency are game-changers in daily urban use, while the AT variant adds convenience.

Yes, it misses out on diesel and ADAS, but if Citroën gets the pricing right, the C3X could very well be the most comfortable and stylish alternative in the sub-4m SUV space.

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