Citroen C3 to get first in-segment 6-speed AT in 2023: Reports

Citroen launched C3 in India last month but the absence of Automatic Transmission was a major oversight. Well, here are the major updates coming soon in Citroen C3.

Citroen C3 arrived in India last month, the French automaker, Citroen's second model in India. While everyone was excited about this new offering by Citroen, the absence of an automatic transmission at the time of launch was a major oversight. The auto "box" was always supposed to arrive later, and now we know when and what to anticipate.

• 6-speed torque converter sourced from Aisin
• Similar unit used by VW, Skoda, and MG
• New-gen 1.2 petrol engines coming too

Torque converter amongst AMTs

The C3's body style and design may make it difficult to categorize, but given its price, it competes directly with mid-range hatchbacks like the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Maruti Suzuki Swift, and Ignis, as well as compact and entry-level SUVs like the Tata Punch and lower-level versions of the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger.

All of those vehicles have one thing in common: they all have automatic manual transmissions, or AMTs, which are more affordable alternatives to two-pedal driving. This aids in maintaining fair prices in these markets, however, an AMT makes speed and smoothness of shifts sacrificed for convenience.

6-speed automatic sourced from Aisin

Many people believe the torque-converter automatic to be the most conventional auto gearbox, and it is undoubtedly the smoothest in the broadest range of driving circumstances. The 6-speed gearbox that Citroen will use for the C3 is coming from the same family of gearboxes as the ones found in the Skoda Kushaq and Slavia, the Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus for their 1.0 TSI engines, and the MG Astor for its 1.3 turbo-petrol engine. It will be sourced from the Japanese transmission manufacturer Aisin.

This will likely cost more than an AMT, however, the Aisin 6-speed AT has been utilized in various Peugeot and Citroen models, including the European Citroen C3, by parent company Stellantis (previously Groupe PSA). Additionally, having a strong and refined torque-converter auto is consistent with Citroen India's philosophy for the C3: not sacrificing engineering or mechanics while cutting costs elsewhere in the vehicle.

All-new assembled in India petrol engines

The engine, or rather two variations of the 1.2 "Puretech" 3-cylinder petrol engine, is a component of that robust mechanical system. The 82 hp naturally aspirated and 110 hp turbo engines, which are currently in their second generation globally, will be introduced by Citroen India early next year, perhaps concurrently with the auto transmission.

Performance and power outputs should stay the same, but new electronics should enhance emissions and fuel efficiency. Furthermore, Citroen India intends to substantially localize the new-generation models when they are released, despite the fact that the engines are now imported.

The arrival of this premium automatic transmission may be what convinces customers to return to the robustly designed mid-range sub-compact SUV, the Citroen C3, which at launch had certain shortcomings.

Will the Citroen C3 catch your attention if it has a premium 6-speed torque converter auto?