Citroen C3 Aircross Automatic To Launch On January 29

Citroen is all set to launch the C3 Aircross with a 6-speed automatic gearbox in India. The compact SUV will launch in India on January 29, 2024, and bookings are already underway for a token amount of ₹25,000. Citroen debuted the C3 Aircross automatic in Indonesia in August 2023, and there it is only available with the automatic gearbox.

According to sources, the C3 Aircross’ automatic variants will be around ₹1 lakh - 1.5 lakh more expensive than the manual gearbox-equipped versions. The sources also told Acko Drive that the C3 Aircross automatic will be available in the top two trims – Plus and Max – and will be available in 5-seat as well as 7-seat versions. This means the prices for the C3 Aircross automatic variants could start at ₹12.50 lakh and could go all the way up to ₹14.50 lakh for the Max 7-seat dual-tone with vibe pack variant. Furthermore, the sources added that deliveries of the automatic versions of the C3 Aircross are likely to begin around February 15. 

If the India-spec C3 Aircross automatic is the same as the Indonesia-spec model, it will remain largely unchanged, save for the new automatic gearbox and the torque it will produce. Overseas, the C3 Aircross’ 1.2-litre petrol engine produces the same 109 bhp but churns out 205 Nm, 15 Nm more than the manual gearbox-equipped versions. 

Unlike the eC3, which also has an automatic gearbox but gets a toggle, the C3 Aircross automatic will get a conventional gear lever but could miss out on paddle shifters.

Features-wise and cosmetically as well, the C3 Aircross will see no changes, as per our sources. The C3 Aircross will continue to get 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, roof-mounted AC vents, dual airbags, a third row of seats, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and more. 

When launched, the C3 Aircross automatic will rival the likes of the recently refreshed Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Also, the 7-seat versions could also be a competitor against the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki XL6, Toyota Rumion and Kia Carens, given its practicality as a three-row SUV.