The new Citroen C3 will be here in November. And Citroen tells us that it will be packed with seductive features: tauter styling, high-class trim, and intelligent architecture creating exceptional interior space, with superior on-board comfort and road handling, both in the city and on the open road. As can be discerned from the pictures, the recognisable protective roundness of its predecessor is given a sportier edge with tauter, smoother lines.
The Zenith panoramic windscreen makes the new C3 unique, illuminating the cabin and expanding visibility. This exceptionally long windscreen rises high into the roof and expands the front occupants’ field of vision by 80° upwards. Combined with slimmer pillars, the Zenith gives all occupants a sense of unlimited, high-definition vision.
Claimed as a world first, the progressive tinting of the Zenith windscreen gradually fades from the darkened upper glass to the clear glazing of the lower section. The new C3 offers more visibility and light, for better safety and driving pleasure.
Citroen say that the materials used in the new C3 are of the highest quality throughout the interior, such as the thermo-coated dash, highlighted by a cross strip in satin grey or gloss brushed aluminium, and chrome detailing. The French carmaker boasts that: "The new C3 takes trim level and quality to a new dimension".
The new C3 is one of the most compact vehicles in its segment. With a length of 3.94m, a width of 1.71m and a 10.2m turning circle, with a generous 300 litres of optimised boot capacity, numerous storage spaces (console, glovebox, central armrest… ), slightly raised seats facilitating access and visibility, and optimised interior space offering more knee room. The new model C3 is spacious, yet still compact. The C3 is the perfect car for the city.
In the words of Citroen, the new C3 is a “connected” car. In addition to the CD MP3 audio system, the USB box (USB slot + jack, full iPod compatibility, Bluetooth hands-free telephone integration ) and 'MyWay' satellite navigation, the new hi-fi system surrounds passengers with sound, as if they were in a concert hall.
Citroen believe that the new C3 will make others green with envy. They claim that it offers more dynamic road handling, it is as comfortable on the open road as in the city, and has managed to retain a slim figure by not putting on any weight! It says that this is an exceptional achievement given the convincing increase in comfort and interior space. This weight control, combined with optimised aerodynamics (a Cx of 0.30 ), allows the new C3 to manage its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions intelligently. Right from launch, it will come in a version emitting just 99 g/km of CO, with the 1.6HDi 90 DPFS engine.
Citroen says that expertise in managing fuel consumption will reach new levels with the arrival of new powerplants in 2011 incorporating second-generation Stop & Start technology. Coupled with five- and six-speed electronic gearboxes, they will be fitted to diesel versions and Citroen say that they will produce CO2 emissions of 95 and 90g/km. In addition, a new generation of three-cylinder engines will see a range of petrol powered versions emitting less than 100 g/km of CO2.
