Citroen C3 Aircross Automatic: This is the Citroen C3 Acros that was launched last year in the hotly contested midsize SUV segment. to go up against the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos.
Now when we drove it last year, we did like quite a few things about it, like its strong fundamentals, its aggressive price tag and its clever packaging. But we did find that it was lacking in terms of features and powertrain options. That is until now. This is the Citroen C3 Aircross Automatic and here’s what it’s like to drive.
So the gearbox is a 6-speed torque converter unit that’s mated to the same 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine as before. The power is still the same at 110 horsepower but torque has gone up with this automatic version. This puts out 205 Nm which is 15 more than the manual. this engine feels smooth and refined and it pulls linearly all the way to the red line. Citroen’s turbo petrol has a good mid-range punch too, but as with any other 3-pot motor, you do hear the thrummy sound inside the cabin when you’re really revving it out. Now let’s talk about the gearbox.
Now this is a 6-speed torque converter unit and it’s been sourced from Ison which also supplies gearbox to the likes of the Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun in this segment. It’s not as quick as a dual clutch automatic transmission but what it lacks for in shift speed it makes up for in smoothness. Part throttle responses are also very good and the gearbox responds very easily to your However, when you’re on a highway and you want to make a quick overtake, you put your foot down and there is that little moment of hesitation before it kicks down and you proceed ahead.
Citroen C3 Aircross Engine
The C3 Aircross Automatic also comes with the option of manual control for the gearbox but it’s not via paddle shifters on the steering wheel, it is via this tiptronic function on the gear lever. The manual shifter works well and it helps you keep the engine in the meat of the powerband when required.
What I also like about this gearbox is its off the line response. When you’re stationary you just have to prod the throttle gently and the C3 Aircross will go forward without hesitation. We’re yet to test the C3 Aircross Auto for performance and fuel efficiency so stay tuned for that. The automatic not only feels more seamless than the manual, it also feels more at home in the city. And what also helps matters in the city is this steering. It’s nice and light and easy to twirl in traffic and as you pick up the pace, it picks up in weight and gives you that good confidence and feedback that you need. Ride and handling balance is another strong point of the C3 Aircross.
In fact, it is one of the best riding SUVs in its class. Low speed ride is impressive as this SUV soaks up rough edges, potholes and ruts with ease. This soft edge makes the C3 Aircross a very comfortable car to ride in, though at high speeds it does tend to bob up and down a bit, especially at the rear. the bends. Other strong points of the C3 Aircross remain as is.
It remains a nice looking SUV that is proportionate and it has that typical French flair inside and outside. The attractive looking light arrangements and alloys on the outside and the funky looking panel on the dashboard inside do help the cause. However, it still falls short on the equipment front with features like a sunroof, ventilated seats, auto climate control and much more not being on offer.
Citroen C3 Aircross Automatic Features
Here’s a look at the complete features list. The Citroen’s seats are comfy all round and it’s easy to find your ideal driving position. Space in the second row is ample for 6 footers and the backrest even reclines. However, the optional third row is tight and best reserved for children or adults for short drives. Uniquely, the third row seats can be removed entirely to liberate 511 liters of luggage space and they can be used as picnic chairs instead. What you won’t like is the blatant cost cutting that’s gone on in this SUV, the most prominent of which are the door handles, the simple key, the absence of individual window controls for the rear, and the chunky AC knobs to name a few. The C3 Aircross was always an SUV that got the fundamentals right at a very attractive price tag and now with this automatic gearbox option it appeals to an even wider customer base than before.
Citroen C3 Aircross Automatic Price
The Citroen C3 Aircross Automatic is on sale right now and you can book yours for a token amount of Rs 25,000. At the time of recording we don’t have the prices but expect the auto to cost around Rs 1 lakh more than the equivalent manual variant. the C3 aircross manual is priced between Rs 9.99 to 12.97 lakh ex showroom. It still lacks features and that wow factor that rivals offer, but for buyers looking for a no-frills SUV this one fits the bill. So if you are on the lookout for an SUV that is practical, superbly packaged, very well priced and has a smooth engine and gearbox, the C3 Aircross should definitely be on your shortlist.
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