Enginesandgearboxes.co.uk is undoubtedly the UK’S leading in new, reconditioned and used supplier online; we undoubtedly have the largest stock of Citroen C3 Gearboxes in the UK. We provide fully guaranteed second hand gearboxes parts direct to your door at discounted prices and all have a 100% warranty with free postage, we constantly strive to help our customers save huge amounts of money on Citroen C3 Gearboxes every day.

Citroen C3 Gearboxes Overview

All C3 models come as standard with a five speed manual gearbox or an optional semi-manual with paddle-shifters, except for the Stop & Start model, which comes with Citroën’s SensoDrive gearbox – a five speed semi-automatic gearbox with manual and automatic modes. The SX model is the only version that has the option of a four speed fully automatic gearbox.

Citroën C3 Pluriel

A new C3 model appeared in July 2003, the highly adaptable C3 Pluriel, the 1.6 petrol came fitted as standard with a semi automatic gearbox.

SensoDrive Gearbox

Citroën has introduced a manual gearbox with “Formula 1 style” paddle change gearshift, with its advanced ‘SensoDrive’® gearbox, which is now available as part of the Citroën C3 Pluriel range.

The new ‘SensoDrive’® gearbox will make driving even easier thanks to its clutchless gear change that can be conveniently operated via steering wheel-mounted paddles, allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel at all times for improved safety and comfort. Additionally, drivers can still change gear via a gear lever or select a completely automated operation.

To change gear manually, the driver simply flicks the paddles to change up or down, or taps the gearlever forward or backwards. Neutral and reverse can also be selected using the gearlever. To let the car do all the gear changing automatically, a button at the base of the gearlever can be pressed, allowing the driver to benefit from an even more relaxed and undemanding drive.

Semi and Fully Automatic gearboxs

Most automatic gearboxs have a defined set of gear ranges, often with a parking pawl feature that locks the output shaft of the gearbox. Continuously variable gearboxs (CVTs), which are very different to conventional automatic gearboxs, can change their ‘ratios’ over a wider ‘stepless’ range, rather than between a set of fixed gear ratios. CVTs have been used for decades in two-wheeled scooters; but have only seen use in a few automobile models. Recently, however, CVT technology has gained greater acceptance among manufacturers and customers.

Some machines with limited speed ranges or fixed engine speeds, such as some forklift trucks and lawn mowers, only use a torque converter to provide a variable gearing of the engine to the wheels.

A semi-automatic gearbox (also known as clutchless manual gearbox, automated manual gearbox, flappy-paddle gearbox, or paddle shift gearbox) is a system which uses electronic sensors, processors and actuators to execute gear shifts on the command of the driver. This removes the need for a clutch pedal which the driver otherwise needs to depress before making a gear change, since the clutch itself is actuated by electronic equipment which can synchronise the timing and torque required to make gear shifts quick and smooth. The system was designed by automobile manufacturers to provide a better driving experience, especially in cities where congestion frequently causes stop-and-go traffic patterns.

Despite superficial similarity, semi automatic gearboxs differ significantly in internal operation and driver’s “feel” from manumatic gearboxs (such as Tiptronic). A manumatic, like a standard automatic gearbox, uses a torque converter instead of clutch to manage the link between the gearbox and the engine, though a manumatic has the ability to signal shifts manually which is not found on a regular automatic. Nonetheless, many modern semi automatic gearboxs can operate in the same manner as a conventional type of automatic gearbox by allowing the gearbox’s computer to automatically change gear, if for example the driver was redlining the engine.

Ownership costs

Like other models in the Citroen line-up, the C3 represents decent value for money. Entry level models lack standard kit, with air conditioning an extra cost option. All models have average residuals and even the diesel models fail to retain more than 40 percent of their value after three years. At least the oil burners should be cost effective return with delivering nearly 60mpg – and with CO2 emissions of up to 130g/km annual road tax should be £120.

Safety and environment A respectable 4 star score in the tough new EuroNCAP tests is proof of the Picasso’s strength. However, entry level cars only have two airbags as standard, while electronic stability control is an option on everything other than the range topping Exclusive model. Eco-friendly buyers are best sticking with the diesel engined versions that emit between 125 – 130g/km of CO2. Our commitment to you We are the Citroen C3 Gearbox specialists, it’s all we do, and we do it well and we are the best at offering any make or model of gearboxes.

Citroen C3 Gearboxes are getting ever more complicated and sophisticated, which is great until the gearbox goes wrong! If your gearbox has gone we’re ready to deal with almost anything, is your gearbox broken? If so enginesandgearboxes.co.uk can help. Whatever your need, or we can take care of it – we stock all makes and models of gearboxes for any car for example high performance, specialist vehicles, 4×4, manual, automatic, semi-automatic or Manumatic, nothing is impossible for us when it comes to helping our customers.

Please fill in the ‘Quick Find’ form for a quick quote or pick up the phone to talk to our team member. We guarantee to beat any genuine quote and all our gearboxes come with a no quibble warrantee.

Carl Wilson
Carl Wilson
You won't believe it, I'm native Scotsman. Enthusiast. Car lovers. Almost finished rebuilding my Reliant Saber
Categories: Citroen