The C3 hatchback was Citroen’s first model under the C-cubed programme for India, but despite being priced competitively, sales have been rather dismal. Apart from several missing features, the C3 crucially also lacks the option of an automatic gearbox, thereby limiting its appeal.
Citroen, however, will soon be remedying these misses; we recently reported to you that the company has planned a few feature updates for the C3, and we can now confirm that an automatic gearbox option will also be introduced by June this year.
- Over Rs 1 lakh premium expected over equivalent manual trim
- Automatic AC, six airbags will also be introduced soon
Citroen C3 to get torque converter automatic
The C3 hatchback will receive the same 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox as the C3 Aircross SUV on the higher-spec 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that currently only gets a 6-speed manual gearbox. The other powertrain option on the C3 is a naturally aspirated version of the same engine that produces 82hp that comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
On the C3 Aircross, the auto gearbox-equipped variants are priced Rs 1.30 lakh more than their equivalent manual variants, so expect a similar premium for the C3 hatchback. For reference, the turbo-petrol variants of the C3 are priced between Rs 8.43 lakh-8.96 lakh. This may lead to a price that’s slightly more than its rivals – the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter – but a sophisticated and smooth torque converter auto will certainly have an edge over its rivals' AMTs.
Citroen C3 to get new features
Apart from the automatic gearbox, Citroen will also finally add an automatic air conditioning system, a foldable key and LED headlights soon. The carmaker had also confirmed earlier this year that the C3 will come fitted with six airbags, ISOFIX anchorages and rear seatbelt reminders as standard by mid-2024. These features were crucially missing from the recently crash tested eC3 hatchback, for which it scored a 0-star safety rating from Global NCAP. A more comprehensive facelift is due next year when it's expected to come with a thoroughly redesigned exterior and interior.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
