Citroen C3 Gets A Mega Price Drop: Now Cheaper by Rs 1.29 Lakh

Citroen Hits Reset on Its Most Affordable SUV

Citroen has announced a major price correction for its entry-level C3, slashing prices by as much as ₹1.29 lakh across its variant lineup. The move signals a shift in strategy for the French carmaker, which has struggled to find its footing in India’s fiercely competitive micro SUV space. With the C3’s new starting price of ₹5.25 lakh (ex-showroom), Citroen now undercuts all key rivals in the segment, including the Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter and Maruti Fronx.

This aggressive pricing push is part of a broader plan called “Citroen 2.0 – Shift Into the New,” launched in August 2025. The goal is clear: reposition the C3 not as a compromise, but as a value-forward alternative in a segment where first-time buyers dominate.

Variant-Wise Cuts Show a Clear Focus

The most substantial cut comes in the Feel variant, which sees its price drop from ₹7.52 lakh to ₹6.23 lakh, a difference of ₹1.29 lakh. This move alone changes the car’s perceived value, bringing a higher-spec version within reach of buyers who would have earlier settled for a base model.

Here’s how the new pricing stacks up across the C3 lineup:

• Live (1.2 NA): Price cut by ₹98,000, from ₹6.23 lakh to ₹5.25 lakh

• Feel (1.2 NA): Down by ₹1.29 lakh, now ₹6.23 lakh

• X Shine NA: Reduced by ₹25,000, now ₹7.74 lakh

• X Shine Turbo: Also trimmed by ₹25,000, now priced at ₹8.64 lakh

At these revised prices, the C3 Live now stands as one of the most affordable micro SUVs on sale in India undercutting the Tata Punch (₹6 lakh), Hyundai Exter (₹6.13 lakh), and even some hatchbacks like the Maruti Ignis.

New Features Without a Mechanical Refresh

While the engines remain unchanged, Citroen has added new features to the top-end trims under the revised X Shine badge. These include cruise control with a speed limiter, auto-dimming IRVM, keyless entry, LED projector fog lamps, LED cabin ambient lighting, and a rear USB Type-C charging port. An optional 360-degree camera system can also be added for ₹25,000, bringing some segment-first tech into the mix.

Under the hood, the C3 continues to offer two petrol engine options. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine makes 82 PS and 115 Nm of torque, while the more powerful 1.2-litre turbocharged version produces 110 PS and 190 Nm. The turbo engine is reserved for the X Shine Turbo variant. Citroen also offers a dealer-fitted CNG kit on the naturally aspirated variants at an extra cost of ₹93,000, via a partnership with Lovato.

Sales Struggles Push Strategic Rethink

The pricing update comes against the backdrop of poor sales performance. In May 2025, Citroen managed to sell just 333 units across its entire portfolio, with only the C3 crossing the 100-unit mark. Dealers have voiced long-standing concerns over Citroen’s limited network, inconsistent service standards, and poor feature packaging, all of which have contributed to a perception problem for the brand.

At present, Citroen has only around 80 touchpoints in India, far behind rivals like Kia with over 300 outlets. To address this, the company has committed to expanding to 150 touchpoints by the end of 2025, with a particular focus on Tier II and III cities where value-seeking buyers are concentrated.

More Than Just a Discount

This latest move isn’t just a short-term discount campaign. It’s a tacit admission that Citroen’s earlier approach didn’t work. From a digital-first retail model that bypassed traditional dealerships, to a bare-bones product strategy that left buyers unimpressed, the brand is now actively reversing many of its initial decisions.

While the revised prices certainly make the C3 look far more compelling on paper, success will depend on whether Citroen can back this up with improved after-sales service, better availability, and consistent product updates. For now, though, the price drop has given the C3 a fresh shot at relevance in a segment that’s only getting more crowded.

The road ahead remains tough, but if Citroen can pair this pricing with better support and visibility, the C3 could finally turn into the volume driver it was meant to be.