Citroen C3 Gets Dealer-Fitted CNG Option: Compatible Even With Older C3s

Citroën India has announced a new retro-fitment programme that allows existing petrol variants of the C3 hatchback to be upgraded with a CNG kit directly at authorised dealerships. This move positions the brand more strongly in the budget-conscious small car segment, where fuel efficiency and running costs are major considerations. With this step, Citroën has joined other OEMs such as Honda, Nissan and Renault. who officially offer company-backed CNG kits for vehicles that weren't originally sold with one.

Retrofitted CNG, Backed by Warranty

Under the new initiative, Citroën will fit a 60-litre water equivalent CNG tank to the 1.2-litre petrol variants of the C3. The retrofitting will be carried out exclusively at authorised dealerships using OEM-approved components, and the cost for the entire conversion is pegged at ₹95,000 including taxes and installation. Most importantly, Citroën is offering a 1-year/20,000 km warranty on the CNG kit, giving customers peace of mind regarding safety and performance.

The company has also stated that the retrofit has been tested and validated to comply with safety standards. The tank will be located in the boot, which will slightly reduce available luggage space, but the manufacturer has worked to retain the core practicality of the C3. Service support for the retrofitted vehicle will also be available at the dealership level.

Why CNG Makes Sense for C3 Owners

CNG continues to gain popularity in the small car segment due to its low cost of running and increasing availability in urban areas. While the Citroën C3 was earlier only available with petrol powertrains, the absence of a factory-fitted CNG version meant it missed out on a growing customer base. This retrofitment programme addresses that gap without requiring Citroën to retool its factory lines or launch a separate variant.

The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine in the C3 is already known for its efficiency and ease of maintenance. Mated with a 5-speed manual transmission, the C3 in petrol guise delivers around 19 kmpl.

With the CNG kit, the real-world fuel economy is expected to improve significantly in terms of cost per km, making it attractive for both private and commercial users who clock high daily mileage.

Dealer-Level Initiative, Not Factory-Fit

This move is different from what other carmakers typically do. While brands like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai offer factory-fitted CNG options, Citroën’s decision to go the dealer retrofitting route offers flexibility to existing owners as well as new customers who prefer the petrol variant but wish to convert later. It also helps Citroën gauge demand for alternative fuels without committing to full-scale production changes.

However, since this is a retrofit and not an official variant, buyers will still register the car as a petrol vehicle, and insurance premiums may need to be adjusted post-fitment. The car's performance will also see minor changes, especially in CNG mode, where acceleration tends to be more gradual. For city driving though, the trade-off in power is usually acceptable in exchange for lower running costs.

What This Means for the Brand

The C3 has had a modest run in the hatchback segment, and while it has been appreciated for its design and ride quality, the limited powertrain options and lack of features compared to rivals have held it back. This CNG retro-fitment option could broaden its appeal, especially in markets like Delhi-NCR and Mumbai where CNG infrastructure is strong and petrol prices are high.

Citroën’s decision also reflects its intention to cater to a wider user base, especially in semi-urban markets where CNG is becoming a preferred fuel option. For many cost-sensitive customers, having an officially backed retrofit could be a tipping point.

A Good Step

By offering the CNG retrofit at the dealership level, Citroën has taken a practical and customer-friendly approach that adds value without major overhaul to its production system.

It will be interesting to see whether this opens the door for similar retrofit programmes in other Citroën models or even inspires other brands to offer post-sale fuel flexibility.

For now, it should give the C3 a fresh lease of life and a cost-effective edge in a segment where every rupee saved matters.