Citroen C3 to Feature Automatic Gearbox in 2023

Citroën India to offer 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox with the C3; Launch likely in the second half of 2023

Launched at the end of July 2022, the C3 is currently offered with only a manual transmission option. But as promised by the company at launch, it has already started working on a new automatic gearbox and we now have confirmation on the same. According to some media reports, the French carmaker will bring an Aisin-sourced torque converter automatic gearbox with the C3 by the second half of 2023.

Citroen C3: Segment First 6-Speed Torque Converter Automatic Gearbox

In an attempt to make the C3 more viable and keep costs down, Citroen skipped the introduction of an automatic transmission at its launch. This has proved to be a handicap for the brand which has now decided to bring a segment first 6-speed automatic gearbox sourced from the Japanese transmission manufacturer Aisin. This unit will be similar to the ones we have seen on the Skoda Kushaq and Slavia, Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus (1.0-litre TSI variant).

The torque converter unit will not be as cost-effective as the AMTs or the CVTs, but will offer superior drive comfort when compared to its competitors. The automatic trims of the four-wheeler will demand a good premium over their manual counterparts and hence, we expect the company to offer the automatic only with the PURETECH 110 (Turbo) engine.

Citroen C3: New-Gen Locally Assembled Engines

Going by media reports, Citroen will introduce the upgraded versions of its current engine line-up in the country soon. The new third-gen engines will have the same power output but will carry improved electronics and ignition timing for better fuel efficiency and controlled emissions. The company is planning to locally assemble these engines, and we can expect them to be introduced with the new automatic gearbox. 

Read Also: Citroen C3 Launched in India at Rs 5.71 Lakh