Citroen C3-XR ready for China

Peugeot 2008-sized crossover built in Wuhan, styled specifically for Chinese buyers.

Words Matt Robinson Published 1 October 2014

What's the news?
Citroen's product offensive continues, but over in China - as it reveals this Peugeot 2008-esque crossover based on the Citroen C3. It follows models such as the C-Élysée and C4 L, which are spearheading strong Asian growth for the French company.
Called the C3-XR, it is pretty much the same as the C-XR concept that was shown in Beijing earlier this year, with confirmation that this will be a Chinese-built machine with Chinese styling for the Chinese market. So, makes sense to unveil it at the C_42 Citroen dealership on the Champs-Élysées, then...
The C3-XR will use a 1.6-litre four-cylinder start-stop-equipped THP petrol engine making 160hp, mated to the EAT6 automatic transmission. While we can't see inside yet, Citroen claims it is spacious with a good driving position and that is has the sort of ride comfort that wouldn't disgrace a big saloon. The C3-XR will also feature plenty of technology, such as keyless entry and go, a reversing camera and a multi-mode traction control system called 'grip control'.
The C3-XR will go on sale in China from December this year.

Anything else?
Citroen is targeting China because, as for so many carmakers now, it is a crucial market for global sales success. The French firm has 470 dealers in China, and pegs its global sales improvement - it has shifted seven per cent more units worldwide in the first half of 2014, compared to market growth of four per cent - on the fast progression in the Far East, where sales are up 19 per cent to the end of August - compared to 12 per cent for the Chinese market overall.

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