Citroen finally launched an automatic variant of the C3 more than two years after it was first launched a couple of days ago. With a starting price of Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom), the Citroen C3 is the one of the few hatchbacks to get a torque converter as an automatic gearbox. It is only available in the top-spec Shine turbo trim.
Powering the C3 Automatic is a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine which churns out 109 bhp and 205 Nm of peak torque which is easily the best in the subcompact segment. Let us look at some of the rivals around this price point which offer automatic transmission options.
1. Tata Punch
Tata Punch gets a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor with a 5-speed AMT gearbox which returns 85 bhp and 113 Nm of peak. A NA petrol motor and an AMT ensures the Punch is priced very competitively between Rs 7.6 lakh to Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). However, the engine lacks “punch” and AMT gearboxes are not usually known for smooth and quick shifts.
2. Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Essentially a Baleno on stilettos, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a very popular crossover in this space. There are two engine options on offer: a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit and a 1.0-litre turbo petrol mill, both offered with automatic transmission options. The former gets a 5-speed AMT whereas the latter can be had with a 6-speed torque converter.
| Specs | Maruti Fronx AMT | Maruti Fronx AT |
| Engine | 1197cc, naturally aspirated petrol | 998cc, turbocharged petrol |
| Max Power | 89 bhp | 113 Nm |
| Max Torque | 99 bhp | 148 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed AMT | 6-speed torque converter |
Prices for the Fronx with the AMT gearbox range between Rs 8.82 lakh and Rs 9.38 lakh, whereas Fronx with the torque converter unit is priced at Rs 11.96 and Rs 13.04 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).
3. Hyundai i20/i20 N Line
Hyundai i20 is slightly more premium than the C3 in terms of pricing as well as equipment. The standard i20 is powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine which comes with a CVT gearbox option. This powertrain returns 82 bhp and 115 Nm of peak torque. The CVT variants of i20 are priced between Rs 9.43 lakh and Rs 11.21 lakh (both ex-showroom).
| Specs | Hyundai i20 | Hyundai i20 N Line |
| Engine | 1197cc, naturally aspirated petrol | 998cc, turbocharged petrol |
| Max Power | 82 bhp | 115 Nm |
| Max Torque | 118 bhp | 172 Nm |
| Transmission | CVT | 7-speed DCT |
For those seeking additional thrill, can opt for the i20 N Line which is powered by a 1.0-litre GDI turbo petrol engine which dishes out 118 bhp and 172 Nm of peak torque. This motor comes with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox option. For the i20 N Line automatic, buyers have to shell out between Rs 11.15 lakh and Rs 12.52 lakh (both ex-showroom).
