The Citroen C3 Is Now On Sale In The Rainbow Nation

• Citroen C3 launched in South Africa from R 229,900 (roughly Rs 9.62 lakh). 
• Sold only in its mid-spec Feel trim. 
• Design, features and interior are identical to the model sold in India. 
• Powered by just the 83PS 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 5-speed manual. 

Citroen has launched the C3 hatchback in South Africa at R 229,900 (around Rs 9.62 lakh, at the time of writing this article). The hatchback sold in South Africa is made in India and exported to the Rainbow Nation. It’s offered only in the mid-spec Feel variant, with the naturally aspirated petrol engine. 

Design wise, the C3 is largely identical to the model sold here. Even the interiors are exactly the same as the model sold here. Being the mid-spec trim, the feature set includes a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, manual air conditioning and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. In terms of safety, it gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensor. 

The lack of top-spec Shine trim in South Africa means the hatch doesn’t get rear wash and wipe, front fog lamps and other convenience features, which have been detailed down in this article. 

As mentioned, the C3 gets just the base 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 5-speed manual ’box developing 83PS and 115Nm. In India, the hatch also gets an option of a 110PS 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine as well as an electric derivative, called the eC3. 

The Indian Citroen C3 range kicks off from Rs 6.16 lakh (ex-showroom) and is offered in multiple variants. It rivals the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, and Maruti Suzuki Swift, as well as certain variants of Tata Punch and Nissan Magnite.