Citroen C3 CNG: In a world in which the auto market is fixated on miles per gallon and practicality, Citroën, the French car company that has always preached design by zany rather than dull, has delivered a bit of a canny wrinkle.
Enter the Citroën C3 CNG. It’s pretty much the same fun-loving, youthful hatch – just with a factory-fit CNG kit now – ideal for fuel-conscious Indian roads and pocket-conscious buyers.
The regular petrol version of the C3 had already caused a stir with its funky French styling and SUV-like stance, with the CNG version seeking to expand on that appeal, majorly to fleet customers, daily commuters and urban families, who it’s claimed are interested in reining in the ever increasing cost of fuel.
We take a closer look at what the Citroën C3 CNG has to offer and if it’s something that can stand out surrounded by a sea of Marutis and Tatas.
Looks That Don’t Shout Budget
First things first — at the outset, this car is not your average “kitna deti hai” commute box. Exterior The Citroën C3 CNG gets the same funky design language as the petrol model, with split headlamps, SUV like stance with high ground clearance, and dual tone options, with plenty of personality.
It most certainly looks like a cross between an SUV, a hatchback and an attitude.
The CNG doesn’t have a special badge or any indication, aesthetically or otherwise, that it’s an alternate fuel setup and in this price range, that actually proves to be a positive for those wanting style without compromises.
Cabin: Basic but Functional
In there you’ll see the same youthful layout with an orange dash insert (on some trims), a (up to) 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system and digital instruments.
It’s a no-fuss interior that won’t overwhelm, and the seats are comfortable and supportive even on longer commutes.
But as with the regular C3, the CNG doesn’t offer everything buyers might be looking for — rear wipers, power adjustable ORVMs and even adjustable head-rests are not on the feature list.
With that said, the cabin is practical and airy, especially for its price tier.
The major compromise, however, is in the packaging of the boot space.
The CNG tank occupies a fair bit of space in the trunk, so you lose luggage room — something to bear in mind if you tend to travel heavy.
Engine & Performance: City Balanced
The Citroën C3 CNG is powered by the same 1.2L NA petrol engine, although it is adjusted to fire on CNG, too.
In CNG mode, it churns out about 57bhp and 82Nm, again not exhilarating figures but sufficient for city commuting and occasional highway runs.
There’s certainly a focus on efficiency and reliability here. The 5-speed manual gearbox in the Wagon R is slick, and its gear shifts are smooth — just the thing for heavy traffic.
But don’t expect something that’s a rocket. Performance gets weakened in CNG mode (especially when driving with a full house) but that’s the norm for CNG cars.
Claimed mileage is about 27 km/kg, which is among the more frugal in the segment.
The secret weapon of the French: Ride Quality
Where the C3 CNG truly differentiates itself, is in the riding. For its part, Citroën is famous the world over for its suspension tuning, and the Indian C3 doesn’t disappoint.
Potholes, speed breakers, bad roads — the car just floats over them with a suppleness few others in this price range provide.
The ride and handling balance is very well preserved too, despite the extra CNG weight. It’s this relaxed driving experience that gives the C3 a slight premium edge over its rivals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Stylish, SUV-inspired design
Excellent ride quality
Impressive fuel efficiency
Gearbox is smooth and the seats are comfortable
Affordable running cost
Cons:
Restrictive luggage space behind CNG cylinder
Lacks critical features at lower trims
Low power in CNG mode
No Auto Trim Offered But this created a bigger problem.
Citroen C3 CNG: Conclusion: Is It For You?
It’s not that the Citroën C3 CNG is trying to be the coolest or most tricked-out car in its segment. It does in fact provide that unique pizzazz, a nice build, and a great ride coupled with the cost efficiency of CNG.
Basically, if you’re a person who eats up miles of the tar every month, and needs something cool and city-friendly that doesn’t empty your entire bank account, then this is something you should be considering.
Just prepare to give up some trunk space and luxuries. And in exchange, you’ll drive off in a car that looks cool, runs for pocket change and is anything but boring.