Citroën India has begun the trial assembly of the C5 Aircross, which is their first product for our home market. A handful of units are being put together from CKD kits at the CK Birla facility in Thiruvallur, TN. The units will be used for testing once ready and will be the first local ones to do so as the previous units seen testing were imports. The launch of the C5, as with most vehicles, was delayed due to the on going pandemic. So, the postponed launch is expected sometime in early 2021.
Autocar India has heard from sources that these units are (to be more specific) “locally assembled” not “locally made”. What does that affect? well let’s just say since the assembly kits are imported, the starting prices are expected at upwards of Rs. 30 Lakh.
The C5 Aircross comes with a majorly equipped, single trim. This includes features like an electronic parking brake, dual-zone climate control, hands-free tailgate, split-LED headlamps with DRLs, panoramic sunroof, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen.
The Aircross SUV will run on a 2.0-litre diesel engine with an 8-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox for a total output of a decent 180 hp.
The French automaker plans for much bigger releases as their influence on Indian soil grows, meaning the C5 is only a starter before the full course meal. Later releases include the more localised C21 compact SUV. Their first showroom at Ahmedabad is almost complete and the brand plan’s on atleast 10-15 outlets for their phase 1 campaign.
