Citroen India has made its foray into the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle market with the introduction of the C3 hatchback. Customers will have the opportunity to equip this model with a retrofitted CNG kit through the company’s certified retrofit program, accessible via the brand’s dealerships. This additional feature will cost consumers Rs 93,000, taking the total price of the vehicle to Rs 7.16 lakh. This initiative is aimed at customers seeking more economical operational costs and a decrease in emissions.
Citroen India asserts that the C3’s 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine is specifically designed to harness the potential of factory-tested CNG. The hatchback promises a mileage of up to 28.1 km/kg and boasts an operational cost of just Rs 2.66 per km. The CNG option is available with the Live, Feel, Feel(O), and Shine variants of the hatchback. To provide additional incentive for customers, Citroen is also offering a comprehensive warranty for the vehicle and CNG components, covering a period of three years or 100,000 km.
According to Citroen, the integration of the CNG system does not compromise on the boot space and maintains easy access to the spare wheel. The design of the CNG nozzle allows it to fit within the petrol filler port, providing hassle-free refuelling. In a bid to ensure ride quality is not compromised with the addition of the CNG kit, the company has made several modifications including revamped rear shock absorbers, reinforced suspension springs, and an added anti-roll bar.
Kumar Priyesh, the Business Head and Director of Automotive Brands at Stellantis India, which oversees Citroen India, expressed his delight at the launch. He emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering accessible, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible mobility solutions with the introduction of the CNG retrofitment option for the Citroën C3.
Priyesh also noted the company’s pride in providing solutions in line with India’s evolving fuel ecosystem and environmental goals, especially as CNG infrastructure is expected to grow significantly across the country, with an anticipated network of over 7,400 stations by FY2025.
What is the cost of the CNG retrofitment for the Citroën C3?
The cost of the retrofitment is Rs 93,000.
What modifications have been made to the Citroën C3 to accommodate the CNG kit?
The vehicle has been modified with rear shock absorbers, strengthened suspension springs, and an anti-roll bar to maintain ride quality with the CNG kit installed.
What is the expected expansion of the CNG infrastructure in India?
By FY2025, it is expected that there will be more than 7,400 CNG stations across India.
