Citroën C3 Dark Edition: India’s Most Affordable Black Hatchback Under ₹8.5L
Citroën's C3 Dark Edition, India's most affordable "black edition" vehicle, combines sleek styling with dealer-customized variants, beginning at ₹8.19 lakh (ex-showroom). As a fashion-forward entrant in the crowded hatchback market, here's a close-up of its design, features, and pricing subtleties.
Citroën C3 Dark Edition: Pricing & Dealer Customizations
The C3 Dark Edition comes in three variants:
- Shine MT: ₹8.38 lakh
- Turbo Shine MT: ₹9.58 lakh
- Turbo Shine AT: ₹10.19 lakh
Note: Prices fluctuate with dealer add-ons. For example:
- Red brake calipers and LED fog lamps are optional.
- Leatherette seats (≈₹10,000 more) substitute normal fabric seats.
Base variants, such as the one tested by Anurag Imley, might do without these add-ons, bringing down the effective price to ₹8.19 lakh.
Design & Exterior Highlights
- Gloss Black Paint: Sharp exterior with dark chrome accents for the grille and Citroën chevrons.
- Contrast Elements: White side cladding and silver faux skid plates (formerly available as part of the Vibe Pack).
- 15-Inch Alloys: Get to keep the silver finish, eschewing the usual blacked-out design.
- LED Lighting: Projector headlights, ORVM-mounted turn indicators, and DRLs.
Citroën C3 Dark Edition: Interior Enhancements
- Soft-Touch Trims: Dashboard red stitching and padded door trim (a C3 first).
- Tech Additions: Adjustable front headrests and wireless charging.
- Optional Ambience: Optional ambient lighting or leatherette seats at extra expense.
Citroën C3 Dark Edition: Features & Safety
- Infotainment: 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.
- Digital Cluster: 7-inch display.
- Convenience: Electrically adjustable ORVMs, rear defogger, and four power windows.
- Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors.
Citroën C3 Dark Edition: Powertrain Options
- 1.2L NA Petrol: 80 BHP / 115 Nm, with 5-speed manual (base model).
- 1.2L Turbo Petrol: 110 BHP / 190 Nm, with 6-speed manual or automatic.
Verdict: Style on a Budget
The C3 Dark Edition addresses customers looking for aggressive designs at affordable prices. Even though dealer-level customizations are prone to increase prices, its entry-level variant presents an attractive deal below ₹8.5 lakh. Pitted against the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter, it is distinctive in terms of design but falls short on brand awareness.
