Citroen Basalt, C3 And AirCross Dark Editions Launched
Putting an end to anticipation, Citroen India has announced the prices of the Dark edition variants of the Basalt, C3 and Aircross. These aim to capitalise on India's growing affinity towards Black and dark-themed cars. The limited series will be available on the top trims of the Aircross and the Basalt. These have price premiums starting from Rs 19,500. Citroen's brand ambassador MS Dhoni unveiled the lineup and took delivery of the first Dark Edition Basalt.
Citroen Aircross And Basalt Dark Edition: Key Highlights
The Dark editions of the Aircross and the Basalt are finished in a new Perla Nera black colourway. There are multiple 'DARK' badges on the exterior- on the front doors and boot. As the manufacturer says, the 'front moustache' has been darkened out. Even the Citroen logo is dark.
The interior of these vehicles is finished in Black as well. The dashboard now comes wrapped in leatherette and has red contrast stitching. The Aircross Dark edition comes in 5-seater configuration only. The seatbelt, cushions and gear lever are also finished in Black. Other notable additions are ambient and footwell lights and illuminated sill plates.
The Dark Edition Basalt and Aircross feature the same engine options as the standard car. The Max variants of both SUVs come with a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 110 hp and up to 205 Nm. Transmission options include a six-speed manual (190 Nm) and a six-speed torque converter automatic (205 Nm). This engine is claimed to offer a maximum mileage of 19.5kpl in the Basalt and 18.5kpl on the Aircross.
The Basalt Dark edition is priced at 12.80 lakh, ex-showroom for the manual variant, and 14.10 lakh for the automatic. These mark a price premium of 23,000 rupees over the standard model. For the Aircross, the dark edition manual costs Rs 13.13 lakh, ex-showroom (Rs 22,500 premium over the standard SUV's price) while the automatic has an ex-showroom price of 14.27 lakh.
Citroen C3 Dark Edition
The C3 hatchback is the entry point to the French carmaker's India lineup. It has got a Dark edition as well, with an ex-showroom price of Rs 8.38 lakh. The limited series is based on the Shine trim. Three variants are available- Shine Dark edition, Shine Turbo Dark and Turbo Dark AT. These have ex-showroom prices of Rs 8.38 lakh, 9.58 lakh and 10.19 lakh respectively.
The Dark edition C3 gets no mechanical changes. It offers the choice of two petrol engines. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated unit produces 82hp and 115Nm of torque and is offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
For those who want more performance, there is the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that delivers 110hp and up to 205Nm of torque. A 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox are available with this powertrain.
The carmaker has now made the C3 hatchback E20 compliant. It can now run on petrol blend containing up to 20 percent ethanol. The tank capacity has also been increased to 45 litres from the previous 30 litres.
Additionally, the entire C3 range now gets a larger 45-litre fuel tank, replacing the older 30-litre unit. The Dark edition C3 gets an all-Black treatment, just like the Aircross and Basalt Dark editions. The bodywork is finished in Perla Nera Black and the Chrome elements on chevron logos, lettering, grille, and side mouldings have all been darkened. There are 'DARK' badges under the rearview mirrors.
On the inside, the Dark edition C3 comes with a Carbon Black finish for the dashboard, steering wheel, seats and centre console. Striking contrast, there is Lava Red stitching as well.
Additionally, the new special edition C3 also gets leatherette seats, ambient and footwell lighting, illuminated sill plates, a leatherette-wrapped instrument panel, and a seatbelt cushion.