Citroën Teases C3X Coupé SUV; Could It Be A Sportier Version of the Basalt?

Citroën India has officially teased its upcoming C3X coupé SUV, possibly a sportier take on the Basalt, which made its way to showrooms last year. Citroën seems to offer a bit more with the C3X, a move that signals a shift towards a sportier, more premium appeal. Much like Hyundai’s N Line or Kia’s X Line strategy, the C3X could serve as a style-focused alternative to the brand’s more conventional offerings.

Sportier Styling with Premium Touches

The teaser, which showcases brand ambassador MS Dhoni, hints at sharper LED DRLs, a redesigned rear light treatment, and a bigger double chevron. The same red-and-black two-tone paint scheme displayed raises the hint of a sportier, youth-oriented persona over the Basalt's relatively conservative concept appearance. 

Familiar Platform, Potential Updates Under the Hood

The C3X will retain Citroën's CMP platform, common with the C3 hatchback, Aircross SUV, and the Basalt. Engine choices are likely to follow the existing range, an 81 bhp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 108 bhp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol. However, we expect Citroen to provide possible transmission updates for smoother city driving and highway cruising, which may further enhance its competitiveness.

Positioning Within Citroën’s Portfolio

With the C3X joining the ranks, Citroën will enjoy a three-model breadth across the mainstream ICE SUV sector:

• C3 hatchback: Budget city car with SUV looks
• Aircross: Functional family SUV
• Basalt: Coupé-bodied, sportier option for fashion-conscious buyers

Market Position and Rivals

Priced in the range of ₹12–₹14 lakh (ex-showroom), the C3X will take on the higher trims of the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, as well as the Venue N Line and Sonet X Line, among others. Additionally, it can also be viewed as a more affordable alternative to the N-Line and X Line versions of the Creta and Seltos, respectively; however, both are priced on the higher side.  

Likely Festive Season Launch

Although Citroën has not officially announced a launch date, the timing of the teaser indicates that it may be launched this festive season, helping to lift the sales during India's biggest car-buying season. Since Citroën is keen to export out of its Indian facility, the C3X may also find its way into other right-hand-drive markets following its local debut.

Part of Citroën’s “Shift Into the New” Strategy

The C3X is a pillar in Citroën's "2.0 – Shift Into the New" strategy, which tries to shake off the brand's exclusively budget-conscious image. More aspirational products, a greater network of dealers, and greater localisation are part of the plan, supported by a more than ₹5,300 crore investment.