Citroen India seems to be testing out multiple strategies to make a meaningful impact on the Indian market and Indian car buyers. However, the C-Cubed strategy didn’t yield expected results and the company is currently employing Citroen 2.0 strategy and has launched X versions of Basalt and Aircross SUV.
Under this new strategy, we have seen a significant shift in the company’s ethos with heightened affinity for features and technology. Now, a European-spec Citroen eC3 has been spied testing in Bengaluru, hinting at a possible launch. Let’s take a closer look.
Citroen eC3 Euro Spec Version Spied in India
A new set of spy shots have leaked on the internet showing a European-spec version of Citroen eC3 testing in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This test mule had partial camouflage and dons Red registration plates from Bengaluru Central RTO. When we say partial camouflage, we mean that only the Citroen logo is camouflaged and nothing else.
The model spied in India is an eC3 finished in a Red and Black dual tone colourway which made its global debut in October 2023. It dons Citroen’s new design language, which can also be seen on Euro-spec C3 Aircross SUV. The eC3 for Indian market has the company’s older design language and is derived from ICE C3 hatchback.
Considering how extensive Citroen used to camouflage their India-spec vehicles before launch, one could speculate that the new Citroen eC3 Euro spec version spied in India is unlikely to launch here. It may be platform feasibility testing or even testing out a specific technology or feature using Euro spec eC3 as a test bed.
Possible outcomes from this might be ADAS autonomous driving features which is currently the talk of Indian automotive town. Once developed, this technology might be offered with Citroen’s current Indian lineup including C3, eC3, Basalt X and Aircross X.
New Strategy?
Citroen India has consistently been at the lower end of the sales charts in the country. The company never had an impactful vehicle to establish their brand identity in India like Renault had the Duster. Citroen India has developed low-cost and affordable Indian-ised versions of its vehicles and its CMP skateboard for maximum localisation.
The company could have had a change of heart and launched global versions in India, but the possibilities are meek. While the Citroen eC3 Euro spec version spied in India may not launch here, but the technology it is testing, might. More details will emerge in the future.
Source
Source: Electric - rushlane.com
