Citroen, the French automaker, is set to elevate the safety standards of its existing portfolio in India. This safety upgrade is scheduled to take effect from the second half of 2024. The current Citroen lineup in India includes the C3 Hatchback, C3 Aircross, eC3 EV, and the C5 Aircross premium SUV under the C-Cubed program.
Key Safety Upgrades
Six Airbags Standard
- Citroen plans to offer six airbags as a standard feature across all its models sold in India.
- This safety enhancement is not limited to the top-tier variants but will be extended to all models across the variant lineup.
ISOFIX Seat Anchorage
- The safety proposition includes the incorporation of ISOFIX seat anchorage, facilitating the secure installation of child seats.
Rear Passenger Seatbelt Reminders
- Rear passenger seatbelt reminders will also be introduced as a standard feature across the entire range.
Implementation Timeline
- The safety upgrades are expected to be implemented from the second half of 2024.
Manufacturer's Perspective
Aditya Jairaj, MD & CEO at Stellantis India, expressed the brand's commitment to providing a higher level of protection to customers, aligning with the evolving understanding of safety as a crucial aspect of driving comfort and features.
Market Competition
Citroen's C3 hatchback competes with models like Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter, while the electric variant, eC3, rivals the Tata Punch EV. The C3 Aircross, known for its 3rd-row seating, competes in the compact SUV segment against contenders like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate, and MG Astor.
Future Portfolio Expansion
Citroen's Indian portfolio is expected to expand with the upcoming launches of the C3X coupe sedan, its electric version, and an electric variant of the C3 Aircross. These new additions to the lineup are anticipated to incorporate enhanced safety features from their launch.
The move to standardize six airbags, ISOFIX mounts, and rear seatbelt reminders across all variants underscores Citroen's commitment to prioritizing safety and meeting the evolving expectations of Indian consumers.