Citroen has introduced an automatic gearbox option for the C3 hatchback, more than two years after its launch in India. The automatic variant is only available in the top-spec Shine trim, with prices ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 10.27 lakh. The C3 faces stiff competition from rivals like the Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter, and Maruti Ignis, all of which also offer automatic gearbox options. Here’s how the Citroen C3 automatic stacks up against its competitors on paper.
Citroen C3 Automatic vs Rivals: Powertrains
| Car | C3 | Punch | Exter | Ignis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine type | 3-cyl, turbo-petrol | 3-cyl, NA petrol | 4-cyl, NA petrol | 4-cyl, NA petrol |
| Capacity (cc) | 1199 | 1199 | 1197 | 1197 |
| Power (hp) | 110 | 88 | 83 | 83 |
| Torque (Nm) | 205 | 115 | 114 | 113 |
| Gearbox | 6-speed AT | 5-speed AMT | 5-speed AMT | 5-speed AMT |
The Citroen C3 automatic is equipped with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that delivers 110hp and 205Nm of torque. It features a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, while all its rivals use 5-speed automated manual transmissions (AMTs).
AMTs are essentially manual gearboxes with electronically controlled gear-shifting and clutch mechanisms. While they are more fuel-efficient, they lack the smoothness of a torque converter, which offers seamless gear shifts at the cost of higher pricing and slightly lower fuel efficiency.
Moreover, the C3 is the only model in this group to offer a turbocharged engine, whereas its competitors—Punch, Exter, and Ignis—come with naturally aspirated petrol engines.
Citroen C3 Automatic vs Rivals: Dimensions and Features
| Car | C3 | Punch | Exter | Ignis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length (mm) | 3981 | 3827 | 3815 | 3700 |
| Width (mm) | 1733 | 1742 | 1710 | 1690 |
| Height (mm) | 1604 | 1615 | 1631 | 1595 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2540 | 2445 | 2450 | 2435 |
| Tyre size | 195/65 R15 | 195/60 R16 | 175/65 R15 | 175/65 R15 |
At 3,981mm, the C3 is the longest car in this comparison, while the Tata Punch is the widest at 1,742mm. The Hyundai Exter is the tallest at 1,631mm, and the C3 boasts the longest wheelbase at 2,540mm. The Punch is the only car here to feature 16-inch wheels, while the others come with 15-inch wheels.
Citroen recently added several new features to the C3, including LED projector headlamps, auto-folding ORVMs, automatic climate control, and six airbags. However, it lacks a sunroof, which both the Punch and Exter offer. The Punch also received updates like a center armrest, rear AC vents, and a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen.
Citroen C3 Automatic vs Rivals: Pricing
| Car | C3 | Punch | Exter | Ignis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price (Rs lakh) | 10-10.27 | 7.6-10 | 8.23-10.43 | 6.83-8.06 |
The C3 automatic is offered in four variants: Shine (Rs 10 lakh), Shine Vibe Pack (Rs 10.12 lakh), Shine Dual Tone (Rs 10.15 lakh), and Shine Dual Tone Vibe Pack (Rs 10.27 lakh). This makes it the most expensive entry-level option in the comparison. However, it’s worth noting that while torque converter gearboxes tend to be costlier than AMTs, the C3 remains the most affordable car in India with a torque converter automatic.
Among the rivals, the Maruti Ignis is the most budget-friendly, with prices ranging from Rs 6.83 lakh to Rs 8.06 lakh. On the other end, the Hyundai Exter’s top-spec SX(O) Connect AMT Knight Edition is the priciest, reaching up to Rs 10.43 lakh.
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