The Citroen C3 just got greener! On May 15, 2025, Citroen India launched a CNG retrofit program, turning the popular hatchback into a petrol-CNG bi-fuel vehicle. Priced from Rs 7.16 lakh (ex-showroom), the Citroen C3 CNG offers 28.1 km/kg fuel efficiency and costs just Rs 2.66 per km to run. With a Lovato CNG kit installed at authorized dealerships, it’s a budget-friendly choice for Indian drivers craving low fuel costs. This article breaks down the C3 CNG’s price, features, and why it’s a game-changer against rivals like the Tata Punch CNG.
What’s New with the Citroen C3 CNG?
Citroen teamed up with Lovato, a trusted CNG kit maker, to offer a dealer-level retrofit. This means you can add a CNG system to your Citroen C3 at Citroen dealerships without losing boot space or ride comfort. The CNG kit costs Rs 93,000 extra and comes with a 3-year/1 lakh km warranty. It’s perfect for city commuters and fleet owners looking to save on fuel.
- Launch Date: May 15, 2025
- Availability: Nationwide at Citroen dealerships and Citroen.in
- Fuel Efficiency: 28.1 km/kg (ARAI-certified)
- Running Cost: Rs 2.66 per km
Read Also: Volkswagen Tayron & MG Majestor: Toyota Fortuner’s Big Rivals Arrive in 2025!
How Much Does It Cost?
The Citroen C3 CNG is priced competitively, starting at Rs 7.16 lakh. Here’s the ex-showroom price for each variant:
- Live: Rs 7.16 lakh
- Feel: Rs 8.09 lakh
- Feel(O): Rs 8.59 lakh
- Shine: Rs 9.24 lakh
These prices beat rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG (Rs 7.79 lakh) and Hyundai Exter CNG (Rs 8.43 lakh), making the C3 CNG a value-for-money option.
Read Also: New TVS Electric Scooter to Launch by Diwali 2025: Budget-Friendly at Rs 90,000!
Engine and Mileage
The C3 CNG uses a 1.2-litre petrol engine (82 hp, 115 Nm) with a 5-speed manual gearbox. In CNG mode, power drops slightly, but you get seamless switching between petrol and CNG. The 55-litre CNG tank offers a 170-200 km range per fill, ideal for daily commutes. With 28.1 km/kg mileage, it’s one of India’s most efficient hatchbacks, as praised by @carandbike on X.
- Engine: 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- CNG Tank: 55 litres
- Mileage: 28.1 km/kg
Read Also: Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Teased: India’s Next Off-Road Star Hits in May 2025!
Design and Comfort
No major changes to the C3’s bold look! The CNG filler sits next to the petrol cap for easy refueling. Citroen kept the boot space intact, with the spare wheel still accessible—a big win over aftermarket CNG kits. The rear suspension got a boost with stronger springs and tuned shocks to handle the CNG cylinder’s weight, ensuring a smooth ride, per Mobility Outlook.
- CNG Integration: Filler beside petrol cap
- Boot Space: Uncompromised
- Suspension: Upgraded for comfort
Features That Shine
The C3 CNG keeps all the petrol model’s goodies, depending on the variant:
- 10.2-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- LED headlights and auto AC (Shine)
- Six airbags (since August 2024)
- Seven-inch digital cluster
The Lovato CNG kit is safety-tested for leaks and emissions, giving you peace of mind, as noted by Times of India.
How It Compares
The Citroen C3 CNG takes on India’s CNG market, where 15% of car sales were CNG in 2024, per Counterpoint Research. Its rivals include:
- Tata Punch CNG: Rs 7.23 lakh, 26.99 km/kg
- Maruti Suzuki Swift CNG: Rs 7.79 lakh, 30.9 km/kg
- Hyundai Exter CNG: Rs 8.43 lakh, 27.1 km/kg
The C3 CNG’s lower price and spacious boot stand out, but it lacks an automatic option, unlike some Maruti models, per Republic World.
Why Choose the Citroen C3 CNG?
Here’s why the C3 CNG is a smart pick:
- Super Affordable: Starts at Rs 7.16 lakh
- Fuel Savings: Rs 2.66/km running cost
- Reliable Kit: Lovato with 3-year warranty
- Practical: Full boot space, comfy ride
The catch? It’s not a factory-fitted CNG like Tata or Maruti, which some buyers prefer. Still, the dealer-level retrofit is safe and certified.
Read Also: 2025 Tata Altroz Facelift Revealed: Top 5 Upgrades Over the Previous Model
Conclusion
The Citroen C3 CNG, launched on May 15, 2025, is a wallet-friendly, eco-friendly ride for Indian drivers. With a Rs 7.16 lakh price, 28.1 km/kg mileage, and a Lovato CNG kit, it’s ready to take on the Tata Punch CNG and Hyundai Exter CNG. Book yours at Citroen dealerships or Citroen.in to start saving on fuel today!
Sources: