The new Citroen C3 will be here in November, and Citroen tells us 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.
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 says 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. Yet it boasts 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, ensuring it is spacious, yet still compact.
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 believes the new C3 will make others green with envy. Weight control, combined with optimised aerodynamics (a Cx of 0.30 ), allow the new C3 to manage its fuel consumption and CO emissions intelligently. Right from launch, it will come in a version emitting 99g/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 and start technology. Coupled with five and six-speed electronic gearboxes fitted to diesel versions and Citroen says 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 100g/km of CO2.
