PARIS (Reuters) - Peugeot manufacturer PSA Group PEUP.PA returned to revenue growth in its core autos division in the third quarter, recovering from a slump during coronavirus lockdowns, though the prospect of new restrictions hit French shares on Wednesday. PSA has performed better than some rivals after dealerships swung back into action in France and elsewhere from June, a potential boost ahead of its merger with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) FCHA.MI, due to close early next year. But a resurgence in the COVID-19 pandemic is clouding prospects for the coming months, and France is bracing for a possible renewed month-long lockdown. PSA shares were dragged 3.6% lower by 0900 GMT, even though the group which also encompasses the Citroen marque beat quarterly expectations on revenue by a wide margin, as analysts at Jefferies noted. PSA’s overall sales totalled 15.5 billion euros ($18.3 billion) in July-September, down 0.8% from a year earlier. But automotive revenue rose 1.2% to 12 billion euros, having ending the first half of the year down 35.5%. Financial chief Philippe de Rovira said September had ended on a strong note with a good order book, adding PSA planned to nudge up production in the fourth quarter versus a year earlier.