The Citroën C3 line-up in South Africa has gained a new turbocharged flagship derivative with an auto gearbox (as well as added safety kit). Here’s what it costs…
Stellantis South Africa launched the CC21-generation Citroën C3 back in May 2023, adding a 2nd variant in March 2024. Now the company has expanded the range to include a 3rd option: a new turbocharged flagship derivative featuring an automatic transmission.
As a reminder, the CC21-series C3 is a more budget-friendly Indian-built model than the European-sourced hatchback that preceded it in the local market. Alongside the likewise Indian-made C3 Aircross, it forms part of Stellantis SA’s drive to reposition Citroën as the group’s most affordable brand.
The portfolio kicks off at R249 900 with the C3 1.2 Plus 5MT (with this grade renamed from “Feel”), followed by the C3 1.2 Max 5MT at R259 900. Having previously shipped standard with dual front airbags, these 2 derivatives have upgraded to 6 airbags. Drive again comes from a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, which now generates 60 kW (down a single unit) and 115 Nm.
So, what about the new variant? Well, the C3 1.2T Max 6AT slots in at the summit of the line-up, priced at R299 900. It employs a turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol motor that delivers 81 kW and 205 Nm (peak torque is on tap from 1 750 to 2 500 rpm) to the front axle through a 6-speed automatic transmission. Claimed combined fuel consumption comes in at 6.3 L/100 km.
While a comprehensive specification sheet has yet to be published on Citroën SA’s website, we do know this top-spec offering boasts stability control, a safety feature the atmospheric derivatives do without, along with hill-start assist.
The C3 1.2T Max 6AT further upgrades from manual air-conditioning to automatic air-con and scores a leather finish for its steering wheel, 2 extra speakers (for a total of 6) for its audio system, auto-folding side mirrors and LED headlamps.
The Citroën C3 is easily Stellantis SA’s most popular model year to date, being the only nameplate to crack 4 figures over the opening 10 months of 2024. According to numbers reported to Naamsa, 1 011 units of the C3 have been registered so far this year (to go along with the 669 units sold in 2023), with a high of 183 units achieved in April.
How much does the Citroën C3 cost in South Africa?
Citroën C3 1.2 Plus 5MT – R249 900
Citroën C3 1.2 Max 5MT – R259 900
Citroën C3 1.2T Max 6AT – R299 900
The prices above include a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan (with intervals of 10 000 km).
Related content
New base C3 Aircross to drop entry price by R75k
