Citroen C3 Feel CNG

Hey there, car enthusiasts and smart buyers! Choosing a new car in India is quite an adventure, isn't it? We all want the perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance, but let's be honest, our heads are always buzzing with questions like: How much will it cost to buy? Is it safe enough for my family? What about monthly maintenance and running costs? Does it have all the latest features, and will I get good service from the company?

Well, if fuel efficiency, affordability, and a unique style are high on your list, then grab a cup of chai because today we are diving deep into a car that's making some waves in the Indian market: the new Citroen C3 Feel CNG. Citroen, the French brand, has brought its 'Hatchback with a Twist' concept to the growing CNG segment, promising a fresh alternative. Let's find out if it ticks all the right boxes for you!

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Citroen C3 Feel CNG is a familiar and reliable 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, now optimized for CNG.

• Engine Type: 1.2L PureTech 82 Petrol Engine with CNG kit
• Displacement: 1198 cc
• Max Power (Petrol): 82 PS at 5750 rpm
• Max Power (CNG): 73.5 PS at 5750 rpm
• Max Torque (Petrol): 115 Nm at 3750 rpm
• Max Torque (CNG): 103 Nm at 3750 rpm
• Gearbox: 5-speed Manual Transmission
• Mileage (CNG): Approximately 26.9 km/kg (ARAI certified)

Design Overview

Citroen cars always stand out, and the C3 Feel CNG is no exception.

Exterior Design

The C3 has a distinctive, quirky, and appealing look. It's often called a 'hatchback with an SUV twist' because of its robust stance and high ground clearance.

• Front: Features Citroen's signature split headlight design with LED DRLs, a wide grille, and a rugged bumper.
• Side: Muscular wheel arches, body cladding, and a floating roof design give it a strong road presence.
• Rear: Simple yet stylish taillights and a well-proportioned tailgate complete the look.

Interior Design

Step inside, and you'll find an interior designed for comfort and practicality.

• Dashboard: A horizontally laid-out dashboard with vibrant colour accents (depending on your choice) makes it feel lively.
• Space: Offers good headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it comfortable for city commutes and occasional long drives.
• Quality: While largely hard plastics, the fit and finish are decent for the segment.

Key Features

The Citroen C3 Feel CNG offers a good set of features focused on connectivity and convenience.

• Infotainment System: A large 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Digital Instrument Cluster: A crisp digital display for driver information
• Steering Mounted Controls: For audio and phone calls
• All Four Power Windows
• USB Charging Ports
• Manual Air Conditioning

Please note: Features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, and automatic climate control are generally not available in the C3 Feel CNG variant.

What is the Ground Clearance of Citroen C3 Feel CNG?

The C3 Feel CNG boasts an impressive 180 mm of ground clearance, which is excellent for tackling Indian roads and those unexpected speed breakers.

What is the Boot Space of Citroen C3 Feel CNG?

Due to the placement of the CNG cylinder, the boot space in the Citroen C3 Feel CNG is significantly compromised. While the petrol variant offers 315 litres, the CNG version will have very little usable space, practically limited to small bags or soft luggage. It's important to consider this if boot space is a primary concern for you.

What are the Dimensions of Citroen C3 Feel CNG?

• Length: 3981 mm
• Width: 1733 mm
• Height: 1586 mm
• Wheelbase: 2540 mm

Powertrain Options

Currently, the Citroen C3 is available with two powertrain options:

• 1.2-litre PureTech 82 Petrol with 5-speed Manual Transmission
• 1.2-litre PureTech 110 Turbo Petrol with 6-speed Manual Transmission (not available in CNG)
• The C3 Feel CNG specifically uses the 1.2-litre PureTech 82 Petrol engine with a company-fitted CNG kit and a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Safety Features

Safety is a non-negotiable aspect for Indian buyers, and the C3 Feel CNG comes with essential safety features.

• Dual Front Airbags
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Speed-sensitive Auto Door Lock
• Engine Immobilizer

NCAP Rating Table

The Citroen C3's safety ratings have been a point of discussion. Here's a quick look:

Note: These ratings are for the petrol C3. While the basic structure remains the same, specific CNG variants are usually not separately tested. It's always advisable to look for cars with higher safety ratings if safety is your top priority.

Rivals of Citroen C3 Feel CNG

The Citroen C3 Feel CNG enters a competitive segment. Here are its main rivals:

• Tata Punch CNG
• Hyundai Exter CNG
• Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG
• Tata Tiago CNG
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the good against the not-so-good to help you make an informed choice.

Pros

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: The biggest draw of any CNG car, and the C3 Feel CNG delivers with impressive mileage, leading to very low running costs.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: Citroen cars are known for their 'Flying Carpet' ride, and the C3 soaks up bumps and potholes remarkably well, making it great for Indian roads.
• Unique & Stylish Design: It stands out from the crowd with its distinct French design and SUV-like stance.
• Spacious Cabin: Good interior space, especially for rear passengers, making it comfortable for a family of four.
• High Ground Clearance: 180mm helps it tackle uneven surfaces with ease.
• Smooth CNG Integration: The company-fitted CNG kit ensures seamless switching between fuel modes and good performance.

Cons

• Compromised Boot Space: The CNG tank takes up almost all the boot space, severely limiting luggage carrying capacity.
• Safety Rating: The 2-star Bharat NCAP rating for adult and child occupants might be a concern for some buyers, especially compared to rivals with better ratings.
• Limited Features: Lacks some modern features like automatic climate control, a rearview camera (only sensors), push-button start, and more airbags, which many competitors offer.
• Service Network: Citroen's service network is still expanding in India, which might be a concern for after-sales service accessibility in some regions.
• Performance in CNG Mode: While decent, the power output is lower in CNG mode, which might be noticeable during overtakes on highways.

Conclusion

So, should the Citroen C3 Feel CNG be your next car? If your priorities are razor-sharp fuel efficiency, a distinctive design that stands out, a comfortable ride, and a spacious cabin, then the C3 Feel CNG makes a very strong case for itself. It's a car that prioritizes low running costs and a pleasant driving experience over outright features and a top-tier safety rating.

However, if boot space is crucial for your family trips, or if you prefer a car packed with the latest gadgets and a higher safety score, you might want to explore its rivals.

Ultimately, the Citroen C3 Feel CNG offers a fresh and frugal alternative in the competitive Indian market. It's unique, practical, and highly economical to run. We recommend a thorough test drive to see if this French charmer truly fits your lifestyle and budget. Happy car hunting!