Spy Pics: Citroen C3 Spotted Testing - Automatic Or RDE Update?

Published: Thursday, February 16, 2023, 16:09 [IST]

An updated version of the Citroen C3 has been spied testing in Bangalore. While the camouflaged mule of the C3 does not seem to sport any cosmetic updates, the changes it is testing are expected to be more than skin-deep.

While details are currently not available, the test mule of the Citroen C3 could perhaps be the promised automatic version of the hatchback. However, another option that can be considered is that this could be the updated version of the C3 compliant with the new RDE emission norms.

Or perhaps the test mule may just be a combination of both the options listed earlier. After all, Citroen, like every other carmaker in India will soon have to ensure that its cars are compliant with DRE norms that come as part of the second phase of the BS-VI norms.

The Citroen C3 was launched last year in India and since then, the hatchback has been offered with a 1.2-litre inline three-cylinder engine that comes in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged guises.

The naturally aspirated 1.2-litre version of the C3 develops 80bhp and 115Nm of peak torque. The naturally aspirated Citroen C3 is offered with a 5-speed manual transmission and delivers a mileage of 19.8km/l.

The turbocharged version of the 1.2-litre engine produces 109bhp and 190Nm of peak torque which is 29bhp and 75Nm more than its naturally aspirated sibling. The forced-induction C3 comes paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and returns a mileage of 19.4km/l.

It is this turbocharged version of the Citroen C3 that we expect the French carmaker to bolt the 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox onto. While we don't expect the power and torque to differ from the manual version of the C3, we do expect the mileage figure to change for sure when the automatic version of the hatchback hits the streets in the near future.

The exact date of arrival for this updated automatic version is still unknown but we do expect Citroen to offer the updated C3 to us soon with the new RDE emission norms set to arrive soon.

Thoughts About The Latest Test Mule Of The Citroen C3

Citroen is continuing to put the C3 to the test as it looks to continue improving the hatchback for the Indian market. Whether this newest version of the C3 is automatic or just an updated version of the hatch for RDE norms is something only Citroen knows. We do hope they share it with the rest of us sooner rather than later.