Citroen C3 CNG: Authorized Lovato CNG kit brings down running costs
Citroen C3 is now available with dealer-level authorized CNG kit supplied by Lovato for an additional cost of ₹93,000. The option is available in 4 variants, with a warranty for 3 years or 1,00,000 kms.
In a bid to reach out to mass market buyers, Citroen India has taken up a unique strategy of CNG option for its Citroen C3 micro SUV. The company dealership will offer manufacturer-authorized CNG kit installation to its new car buyers for an extra premium of ₹93,000. The kits are sourced from Italy-based Lovato, renowned for its reliable gas conversion solutions for decades.
The CNG conversion is enabled only for the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine option. It can be availed in four variants, namely Live, Feel, Feel(O) and Shine. Depending on the variants, the price of the Citroen C3 CNG ranges from ₹7.16 to 9.24 lakhs (ex-showroom price). The Lovato kit holds a warranty for 3 years or 1,00,000 kms.
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The kit includes a CNG tank with a water-equivalent capacity of 55 litres, installed above the spare wheel enclosure in the car’s boot. The gas filling point is enabled near the petrol fuel flap area. The company also claims that the car’s suspension has been upgraded to take on the extra weight and ensure similar ride quality.
Moreover, Citroen claims that the CNG convert C3 achieves an ARAI-tested mileage of 28.1 km per kg. However, the company has not revealed any output figures of the CNG version. The C3 petrol (1.2-litre NA) makes 82 hp and 115 Nm of max power and torque respectively. The car can go about for 170 – 200 kms in a full tank of CNG, bringing down the per km running cost to just ₹2.66 as per the manufacturer’s claim.
Considering that a Lovato CNG conversion kit installation at third-party costs around ₹55,000, excluding the RTO endorsement costs, the extra premium for C3 CNG with company warranty (for the entire car) is decent. In comparison to other CNG micro-SUVs in its segment, the French car is also competitively priced.
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The Citroen C3 CNG competes primarily against Tata Punch CNG and Hyundai Exter CNG. The C3’s mileage is also relatively higher by 1 km/kg that the two cars. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R CNG and Fronx CNG are also in market race with the gas-run C3.
