Citroën has finally made its presence felt in India’s CNG sphere by introducing its C3 CNG around mid-May 2025. This is the brand’s first CNG offering in India and gives buyers a dual-fuel option that saves operational costs without compromising on practicality.
Pricing and Variants
C3 CNG is priced at ₹93,000 more than the corresponding petrol variants and is available across multiple trims. The pricing starts from ₹7.16 lakh for the base Live variant to ₹9.31 lakh for the top-end Shine Dark Edition. Feel variant is priced at ₹8.45 lakh and standard Shine at ₹9.09 lakh.
All CNG versions feature the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit which is coupled with 5-speed manual transmission. The company has made this option available across Live, Feel, Feel (O) and Shine trims so buyers have a choice of feature set.
Performance and Efficiency
The heart of C3 CNG is the familiar 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine that produces 82 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque on petrol mode. Citroën hasn’t disclosed CNG power figures but the setup sees a slight drop in power when running on gas.
The real benefit is fuel efficiency. C3 CNG has an ARAI certified mileage of 28.1 km/kg, that’s a lot of cost savings. With 55-litre CNG tank, you can expect a range of 170-200 km on a full gas tank, perfect for daily commuting and urban driving.
Citroën C3 CNG Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | ₹7.16 – ₹9.31 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Engine | 1.2L NA Petrol (82 hp, 115 Nm) |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual |
| CNG Efficiency | 28.1 km/kg (ARAI) |
| CNG Range | 170-200 km |
| Tank Capacity | 55L (CNG), 30L (Petrol) |
| Boot Space | 315L (with CNG tank) |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm |
| Warranty | 3 years/1 lakh km |
| Safety | 2 airbags, ABS, EBD |
Dealer-Level Installation
Unlike some competitors who offer factory-fitted CNG systems, Citroën has chosen a dealer-level retrofit approach. The CNG kits from Italian specialist Lovato are installed at authorized dealerships across India. Though it’s a dealer-level installation, the company assures that the systems are factory-tested and calibrated to maintain quality standards.
This approach allows Citroën to offer CNG without disrupting its existing production line and ensure proper integration and support through its dealer network.
Practicalities
The engineering team has made sure to make some thoughtful adjustments to accommodate the CNG system. The rear suspension gets specially tuned shock absorbers, reinforced springs and anti-roll bar to maintain the ride quality despite the added weight.
Boot space reduces to 315 litres due to the CNG tank but Citroën ensures the spare wheel is still accessible. The CNG refueling nozzle fits neatly within the existing petrol filler area, keeping the car’s exterior design intact.
Features and Equipment
C3 CNG retains the standard model’s features across variants:
- Infotainment: 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto
- Digital Display: 7.0-inch instrument cluster
- Comfort: Manual or automatic climate control (variant-dependent)
- Safety: Twin airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensor, engine immobilizer
- Convenience: Power windows, electrically adjustable mirrors on higher variants
Higher trims get rear parking cameras and more comfort features, so the value proposition is same across the range.
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Target Market Focus
Citroën is aiming the C3 CNG at institutional customers, fleet users and ride-sharing services. It gets the dual-fuel option which allows drivers to switch between petrol and CNG as per their convenience and pricing.
The 3-year/1 lakh kilometre warranty on both vehicle and CNG components gives commercial users more confidence who clock higher mileage.
Market Positioning
At ₹7.16 lakh, C3 CNG enters a segment where buyers prioritise running costs over performance. Citroën’s strategy of offering multiple variants means buyers don’t have to compromise on features to get CNG benefits.
The launch is Citroën’s commitment to the Indian market’s diverse fuel preferences and an alternative for those who want lower operating costs without compromising on European styling and build quality.
