Addressing a major drawback in its product range, Citroen India has finally launched the C3 Aircross with an automatic transmission option — a 6-speed torque converter unit sourced from Japanese manufacturer Aisin.
Priced from Rs 12.85 lakh (ex-showroom), the C3 Aircross Automatic comes in two variant options – Plus and Max, commanding a premium of Rs 1.30 lakh over their manual counterparts.
| C3 Aircross Automatic Variants | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Plus | Rs 12.85 lakh (5-seater) |
| Max | Rs 13.50 lakh (5-seater), RS 13.85 lakh (7-seater) |
It’s worth noting that Citroen hasn’t provided the convenience of an automatic gearbox with the entry-level You and 7-seater Plus variants. However, at this price point, the C3 Aircross AT offers a more affordable option compared to entry-level automatic variants of its competitors, including the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Maruti Grand Vitara, and others.
Improved Torque Dynamics and New Features
Powering the Citroen C3 Aircross is a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 110PS of max power, along with 190Nm of peak torque with manual gearbox and 205Nm with automatic gearbox. That’s 15Nm up from its manual counterpart.
Not only has the torque output been enhanced, but it also incorporates several new functionalities, like remote engine start and AC pre-conditioning, enhancing comfort and convenience.
Apart from these new features, it retains a minimalist set of equipment, including a 10.2-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, connected car tech, a digital instrument cluster, steering-mounted audio controls, manual AC with heater, dual front airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, rear defogger, rear wiper & washer, hill hold assist, electronic stability control and rear parking sensors with camera.
Compared to its rivals, it misses out on automatic AC, ventilated front seats, sunroof, wireless charger, branded music system, air purifier, power adjustable driver’s seat, paddle shifters, electrochromic IRVM, side & curtain airbags, hill descent control, traction control and more.
Also Read: Citroen eC3 Gets New Shine Variant With More Features – Tata Punch.ev Rival
No Visual Changes
There are no visual distinctions on the exterior to distinguish it from the manual variants.
Author’s Take
The introduction of an automatic transmission is certainly a welcome change, and its competitive pricing is notable. Furthermore, it remains the only model in its category to provide the practicality of both 5 and 7 seats. However, it would have been more advantageous for Citroen if it had taken this opportunity to offer the SUV with more comfort, convenience and safety features to strengthen its competitiveness in the mid-size SUV segment.
Also Read: Tata Punch EV vs Citroen eC3: Which EV Makes More Sense?
