Citroen Ireland has announced pricing for the new C3 hatchback, with pre-orders for the 251-registration period open now.
Starting from €23,400 for both entry petrol and electric models, Citroen claims the new generation of the C3 is an improvement on the previous generation "in every respect", and will appeal to a wide audience by being affordable and offering different powertrain solutions adapted to customer's needs.
The new C3 is available as electric, petrol or hybrid, with progressive hydraulic cushion suspension standard across the range.
The entry all-electric e-C3 starts from €23,400 (after grant ) and uses a 44kWh battery pack to deliver up to 320km WLTP driving range. Also starting from the same price, the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine version has 100hp and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Bumping the starting price up to €26,800, the 48-volt hybrid version uses the same 1.2-litre petrol engine but can be driven in electric mode up to 50 per cent of the time in towns and cities.
The new C3 and e-C3 will be available for in Ireland with a streamlined line-up of just two well-equipped versions – ‘Plus’ and ‘Max’.
The entry ‘Plus’ series comes with a high level of standard equipment, including front LED headlamps, advanced comfort suspension, comfort seats, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a new head up display system, 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, decorative roof rails, front and rear skidplates, automatic wipers, power folding and heated door mirrors, leather-effect steering wheel, 60/40 folding second row seat and driver seat adjustment, electric door mirrors, automatic lights, rear parking sensors, rear spoiler, cruise control, manual air conditioning and six airbags.
Meanwhile the top-of-the-range ‘Max’ series adds rear privacy glass, grey fabric/leather effect combination upholstery, automatic air conditioning, 3D navigation, wireless smartphone charging, reversing camera, electrochrome rear-view mirror, heated driver and passenger seats and heated steering wheel.
The new e-C3 will be offered in a choice of six colours, while Citroen’s signature two-tone contrasting roof will be available to customers as standard equipment in black or white on entry ‘Plus’ version depending on body colour chosen. Customers can also choose to have a body-coloured roof as a no cost option.
According to Citroen, the new C3 is 100mm taller compared to the previous generation with a height of 1.57-metres and a length of 4.01-metres. The ground clearance increases from 135mm on the previous C3 to 197mm for the new C3.
Inside, the driving position has been raised by 76mm, while efforts have also been made to achieve increased elbow room for rear passengers by 19mm and for front passengers by 21mm compared to the market average.
The larger interior features useful and clever storage spaces on the door panels, centre console, and under the central armrest, while boot space is generous and increases by 10-litres to reach 310-litres. Its capacity can be increased thanks to the modularity of the 60-40 rear seat.
