Citroen C3 automatic vs rivals: price, specifications compared

Citroen recently introduced an automatic gearbox option for the C3, over two years after the tallboy hatchback went on sale in India. Only available in top-spec Shine form, the C3 automatic is priced from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 10.27 lakh. The C3 continues to face competition from the likes of Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter as well as the Maruti Ignis, all of which are also available with optional automatic gearboxes. Here’s how the C3 automatic fares against its rivals on paper.

Citroen C3 automatic vs rivals: powertrains

The C3 gets an automatic gearbox with its 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing 110hp and 205Nm of torque. The automatic transmission is a 6-speed torque converter unit as opposed to the simpler 5-speed automatated manual (AMT) gearboxes seen on all its rivals here. 

As the name suggests, an AMT gearbox is essentially a manual gearbox that has been automated. Electronic actuators manage the clutch and gear-shifting operations. An AMT gearbox is generally considered the least smooth automatic transmission, however, is the most fuel efficient one. In contrast, a torque converter uses a planetary gearbox system which makes use of hydraulic fluids to transfer power, resulting in much smoother shifts, although they generally tend to be less fuel efficient and costlier than AMT counterparts.

Moreover, the Punch, Exter and Ignis all get naturally aspirated petrol engines unlike the C3 automatic.

Citroen C3 automatic vs rivals: dimensions, features

The Citroen C3 is the longest offering in this comparison at 3981mm, while the Tata Punch is the widest one with a width of 1,742mm. The Hyundai Exter stands the tallest at 1,631mm, while the C3 has the longest wheelbase (2,540mm) The Punch is the only one that gets 16-inch alloy wheels, while the rest three make do with 15-inch units.

The C3 was recently updated with some feel-good features that were missing at launch, including LED projector headlamps, auto folding ORVMs, auto climate control, six airbags and more. However, it still misses out on an electric sunroof that the Punch and Exter both offer. The Punch was also recently updated with new features such as a centre armrest, rear AC vents and a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen.

Citroen C3 automatic vs rivals: price

The C3 automatic is available in 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) variants.  This makes it the most expensive offering in this comparison, as far as starting price is concerned. Thanks to the simpler construction and localisation, AMTs are more cost effective than torque converter automatics. However, the C3 automatic is still the least expensive torque converter automatic in the country. 

The Ignis is the most affordable of the lot, with prices ranging from Rs 6.83 lakh to Rs 8.06 lakh. Meanwhile the Exter’s top-end SX (O) Connect AMT Knight edition is the priciest one here at Rs 10.43 lakh.

Also see:

Deep Drive Podcast: All you need to know about automatic gearboxes

Citroen C3 automatic launched at Rs 10 lakh