The Citroen C3 Aircross was launched last year, and we put it to the test; you can read about it here. The SUV impressed back then with its all-around capabilities but was held back by one chink in its armour – the absence of an automatic transmission. The French carmaker has introduced an automatic gearbox as part of the C3 Aircross’s MY2024 update. But does this addition enhance the SUV’s overall appeal, especially in a segment where and convenience of an automatic is highly sought after?
Let’s dive directly into the heart of the matter: the new automatic transmission is a 6-speed torque converter unit. The gearbox is paired with the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine seen on the manual C3 Aircross, and while the power output remains the same at 110PS, the torque output has increased from 190Nm to 205Nm, an additional 15Nm compared to the manual transmission variant.
The automatic powertrain is tuned to deliver a smooth and refined drive experience rather than a sporty one. The additional 15Nm helps and makes the motor quite lively at low speeds. That’s good news considering the fact that this is one of the few SUVs that can be optioned with 7 seats in the segment. The motor impresses with its mid-range grunt and pulls in a linear fashion all the way to the redline. Floor the throttle, and there is a momentary delay before it shifts down a gear accompanied by some engine noise. The upshifts are quicker but can’t be compared to the DCTs in the segment. The gearbox also features a manual mode in the automatic transmission but misses out on paddle shifters.
Besides the transmission update, the Citroën C3 Aircross gets new features like remote start-stop and remote air conditioning for preconditioning the cabin.
Overall, the Citroen C3 Aircross is positioned as a value-for-money proposition, undercutting its competitors in the mid-size SUV segment. With prices starting at Rs 12.85 lakh and going up to Rs 13.85 lakh ex-showroom, the automatic transmission variant is Rs 1.30 lakh more expensive than its manual counterpart, yet it still manages to undercut the competition. Given the refinement and sophistication offered by the new gearbox, the pricing should help turn the tides in favor of the French carmaker.
