Citroen is poised to introduce an automatic transmission iteration of its well-received C3 Aircross on January 29, 2024. Interested buyers can secure their unit by placing pre-bookings at select dealerships, requiring a nominal token amount of Rs. 25,000. Anticipation is building as the pricing details for these automatic variants are expected to be disclosed by the conclusion of this month.
This strategic move to offer an automatic version of the C3 Aircross aligns with Citroen's commitment to delivering a superior and refined driving experience. During the media drive for the C3 Aircross, Citroen officials expressed their inclination towards torque converter automatics over low-cost Automated Manual Transmissions (AMTs) due to concerns about the latter's perceived lack of refinement.
The forthcoming automatic C3 Aircross will incorporate a 6-speed torque converter and will be available in two variants – Plus and Max. Citroen is likely to command a premium ranging from Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 1.0 lakh for these automatic variants when compared to their manual counterparts.
Under the hood of the Citroen C3 Aircross is a robust 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, boasting 110PS of power at 5500rpm and 190Nm of torque at 1750rpm. The existing manual transmission option asserts an impressive fuel efficiency of 18.5kmpl. Citroen's decision to adopt a 6-speed torque converter brings it in line with its global lineup, emphasizing uniformity and a premium driving experience.
In the competitive landscape, the Citroen C3 Aircross stands out as none of its segment rivals opt for low-cost AMTs. Instead, they provide a variety of automatic transmission options, including torque converters (TC), continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVT), or dual-clutch automatic transmissions (DCT). The Kia Seltos, however, is an exception, offering a 6-speed auto-clutch manual transmission alongside TC, CVT, and DCT choices.
Presently priced between Rs. 11.90 lakh and Rs. 12.97 lakh (ex-showroom), the Citroen C3 Aircross aims to broaden its market appeal with the impending launch of the automatic variants. This move seeks to cater to a broader consumer base by providing the convenience of an automatic transmission in the already popular C3 Aircross model.