Saipa Holds an Unprecedented Test Drive of the Newly Imported Citroën C3-XR Exclusively for Female Journalists

According to Khodrokar’s reporter, Saipa Automotive Group has taken an unprecedented step by organizing a test drive event for the newly imported Citroën C3-XR exclusively for female automotive journalists.

The Citroën C3-XR, Saipa’s latest crossover, is set to enter the Iranian market soon with a turbocharged engine and various trim levels. Initially planned for production in a different version, the model will now be manufactured at Saipa Kashan with a modern design, fuel efficiency, advanced safety and comfort features, and dimensions well-suited for urban traffic.

During this unique test drive, automotive journalists evaluated the vehicle’s features and assessed its strengths and weaknesses. Positive points highlighted included ride quality, cabin comfort, driving performance, ease of handling, soft suspension, comfortable seating, and fuel efficiency.

However, the absence of a sunroof, electric seats, and a 360-degree camera were noted as shortcomings. It was emphasized that these issues would be addressed and improved in future trims of the vehicle.

The Citroën C3-XR, which will re-enter the Iranian market through the Saipa-Citroën partnership, is a compact European-designed crossover powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 116 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque, paired with an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission.

Other technical specifications include an average fuel consumption of approximately 6.5 liters per 100 km, Euro 5 emissions standard, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, automatic headlamps, rear-view camera, touchscreen infotainment, and electric power steering.

The cabin of the Citroën C3-XR, while based on a simple and cost-effective design, was described as elegant and acceptable.

This compact and economical crossover is considered ideal for buyers seeking a stylish European-designed vehicle with low fuel consumption and reasonable maintenance costs. The well-known Citroën brand is expected to be a strong advantage for the model in competition with rivals such as the MVM X33, Tigard X35, and even Iran Khodro’s newly introduced Reyra.

Reports indicate that the Citroën C3-XR will be launched in the Iranian market in September, with a price range of up to 1.5 billion tomans.