Ever since PSA Peugeot Citroen announced its plan for India at the 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi, we have been desperately waiting for an Indian debut of the French brand. After the Peugeot 508 sedan was caught testing in Mumbai, we were expecting an official word from the company. However, in recent reports, the French automaker is pacing in India, and the first model to roll out will be the Peugeot 301.
Although the Indian consumers are not big fans of French automakers, the 301 may just bend the rules. The notchback sedan is designed for a wider range of customers and has something for everyone. As India’s first, the model will decide the fate of the French automaker in the market. Breaking cover at the 2012 Paris Auto Show in September, the Peugeot 301 will go on sale worldwide in November 2012. As the right hand drive version for UK market will roll out much later, the Indian debut has a longer way to go.
The company claimed the car will be designed as per its outgoing market. For India, the car will be designed to withstand the poor infrastructure and extreme climatic conditions. Measuring 4.44m in length, the car has a legitimate and precise architecture, making it a tough rival against the Honda City and Hyundai Verna. Sitting at 2.65m the car is pretty roomy too.
Peugeot 301 engine options:
- 1.2 liter VTi 53 kW (72 hp) one with a manual gearbox or driven.
- 1.6 liter HDi 68 kW (92 hp) with manual transmission.
- 1.6 liter VTi 85 kW (115 hp) with manual gearbox or automatic.
