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French car manufacturer Citroen is getting ready to make its footing in India with the launch of their SUV, the C5 Aircross. The C5 Aircross is scheduled to come in next year and the brand is already planning another compact-SUV which is expected to make its debut in India the following year. The compact-SUV is likely to be launched with a base price of INR 7 lakh ex-showroom and will be based on Citroen’s C3 hatchback which is available in the international market. The new compact-SUV will be a made for India car it is expected to be heavily localised to keep the price in check. The sub-4-metre car is expected to use the Citroen C3 platform and the car will likely be using the same design lines, but will be much like a crossover. The international spec Citroen C3 features bumper integrated headlights, Citroen double chevron grille in chrome which extends to the LED daytime running lights and the lower bumpers which integrate the fog lamp unit. When looked from the side profile, the car gets a floating roof design and the new compact-SUV is likely to get roof rails to keep in line with the SUV design language. Like the C3 the new compact-SUV is expected to get the ‘AirBump’, which is an air-filled scratch-proof panel located at the bottom of the doors, to protect the car from bumps and scratches, which in India could prove a worthy feature, especially in the everyday bumper to bumper traffic in metro cities. The interiors of the C3 feature a twin tone trim on the dashboard, horizontal air-con vents, twin pot instrument console with a central multifunction information display, an island style touchscreen infotainment system with connected features and more. The compact-SUV is expected to retain most of these features. In the engine department, the compact-SUV is expected to be powered by two petrol engines both with a displacement of 1.2-litres and three-cylinders but with the option of a naturally aspirated engine with the power output of 83 HP and a turbocharged motor with a power output of 110 HP. Another diesel option with a 1.5-litre capacity co-developed by Ford and PSA is expected to be introduced later. Gearbox options will be 6-speed manual transmission likely to be manufactured locally. The Citroen compact-SUV is expected to launch in 2021 following the C5 Aircross which comes in 2020. Source