Citroen launched the C3 Aircross in India in September 2023 at a starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the most affordable SUVs in its segment. However, it does miss out on certain features, even in the top-spec trim, which are present even in the low and mid-spec trims of its competition.
The most glaring miss is the choice of an automatic transmission. Earlier in August last year, Citroen showcased a prototype of the C3 Aircross with an automatic gearbox at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). Reportedly, this unit of the C3 Aircross was made in India and expected to launch in India soon.
Test mules of the C3 Aircross automatic were spotted by us earlier last November in Manali. Recent reports have claimed that the French carmaker is gearing up for introducing the automatic variants of C3 Aircross in India. Market launch for the automatic version of the compact SUV is expected later this month and unofficial pre-bookings for the same have already commenced at various dealerships.
Further, the upcoming C3 Aircross automatic will be available in two trims– Plus and Max. Visually, it will be identical to its manual counterpart. It is also expected to get the same equipment as its manual counterpart.
Citroen C3 Aircross automatic specs
The automatic variants of C3 Aircross will be powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol motor mated to a 6-speed torque converter gearbox. This unit produces the same 109 bhp as the manual but develops 205 Nm of peak torque, an increment of 15 Nm.
With the manual gearbox, C3 Aircross claims a fuel efficiency of 18.5 kmpl, while the Indonesia-spec of the SUV with an automatic gearbox claims 17.5 kmpl. For the automatic, the C3 Aircross gets a conventional gear shifter with no provision of paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. In India, the automatic variant of C3 Aircross could get a toggle-like drive selector that is available in the eC3 and the C5 Aircross.
Source: Carwale
