New Citroën C3 Offers More of What Matters.
New Citroën C3 Offers More of What Matters.
The latest Citroën C3 represents a complete reinvention of the iconic French brand’s famous nameplate. Now based on a new Smart Car Platform, and available for the first time with the option of a fully-electric powertrain (badged e-C3), the fourth-generation model blends Citroën’s traditional comfort-first ethos with latest-generation technology, and a rugged, SUV-inspired design that provides the newcomer with terrific road presence. In terms of exterior dimensions, the new C3 is bigger than the previous 3 generations. The new model is 19mm longer, 6mm wider, and 103mm taller than its immediate predecessor, while still being compact enough for city life.
Upright Stance.
The new C3 features a more upright stance than before, and it features a raised ride height, and durable black cladding around the wheelarches, along with a black roof and door mirrors. The car also features Citroën’s new ‘double-chevron’ logo neatly integrated into the front and rear design. This new logo is a reinterpretation of the very first Citroën logo of 1919, with the famous arrows taking inspiration from the double herringbone-shaped Polish metal gear system of the early 20th century, which founder André Citroën discovered during a visit to his relatives in Poland.
Two Trim Levels.
The new C3 is available with a choice of a 1.2-litre pure petrol engine (100hp) with a manual transmission, or a 1.2-litre petrol / mild hybrid powertrain (110hp) with an automatic transmission. Buyers ready to make the move to a fully-electric powertrain can opt for the new ë-C3 variant. In order to simplify the buying process, the new C3 and ë-C3 come with a choice of two trims – Plus and Max. Key standard equipment in Plus trim includes 17” ATACAMITE diamond-cut alloy wheels, LED headlights, roof rails, two-tone roof, changeable colour clips, 10.25” touchscreen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto wireless mirroring, Citroën Head-up Display, Citroën Advanced Comfort seats, Urban Grey fabric seat upholstery, 6 airbags, Citroën Advanced Comfort Suspension, rear parking sensors, manual air-conditioning, auto headlights & wipers, cruise control with speed limiter, Hill Start Assist, Active Safety Brake, Active Lane Departure Warning System, Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Intelligent Beam Headlights. Top-spec Max versions additionally feature automatic climate control, embedded satellite navigation, LED rear lights, rear privacy glass, heated front seats, heated artificial leather steering wheel, a reversing camera, rear electric windows, electric folding side mirrors with defrost function, wireless smartphone charging, front & rear skid plates, and Metropolitan Grey fabric/TEP seat upholstery.
Striking Design.
The new C3 features C-shaped LED headlights, an enclosed front grille, triple-element LED Daytime Running-Lights (DRLs), elegantly-sculpted front wing and door designs, conventional door handles, stylish alloy wheels, and striking front and rear design language that creates a unified, cohesive look. The interior of the new C3 features Citroën’s distinctive C-Zen Lounge concept with a layered dashboard design, which includes Citroën’s Heads-up Display (in place of the traditional instrument cluster of old), and a flat-bottom, multi-function steering wheel. For the first time in history, the C3 id equipped with Citroën Advanced Comfort Suspension, along with new Citroën Advanced Comfort Seats. The newcomer’s higher roof line than its predecessor creates a larger cabin with 30mm of additional front headroom, and 20mm of added rear knee room. In terms of boot capacity, the new C3 offers 310-litres of space behind the rear seats, with the option to greatly enlarge the space available by dropping the rear seats when required.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a new Citroën C3 Hybrid, which was finished in stunning Elixir Red metallic paintwork with a contrasting black roof and black door mirror covers. The C3 Hybrid features a new 1.2-litre, three-cylinder mild hybrid engine with a combined power output of 110hp, paired with a six-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox. The petrol / electric setup uses a 48-volt system to boost low-speed efficiency and responsiveness, while consuming as little as 4.8-litres of petrol for every 100km driven on a WLTP combined driving cycle. The Citroën Head-up Display is situated at the junction between the top of the dashboard and the bottom of the windscreen, and it provides easy access to all key information without having to take your eyes off the road. The 10.25” colour touchscreen is very much user-friendly, and it comes with smart and useful features that includes wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration. Also standard are wireless smartphone charging, and USB Type-C connectivity, which have become highly-desirable, family-friendly features for the modern age we live in. Citroën’s Advanced Comfort Suspension with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions, gives the car a feather-soft ride quality that feels more limousine than supermini, and the car soaks up rutted road surfaces with ease, while remaining impressively composed through corners. Overall body control is terrific, so the car always feels planted and stable at speed, and this is a commendable feat of engineering excellence from Citroën. The flat-bottom steering wheel has a pleasing feel to it, and the automatic gear selector is conveniently located on the centre console for ease of access. The steering is light and predictable, and the petrol / electric powerplant responds well during normal, and more spirited driving. With 110hp (109bhp) and 205Nm of torque available, the car can sprint from 0-100km/h in 9.9 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 184km/h (where permitted).
Verdict & Price.
The new Citroën C3 perfectly represents the brand’s new ethos, where comfort and efficiency meet modern technology and distinctive design. It is a very likeable car that offers owners excellent levels of practicality and versatility, while Citroën’s famous ride comfort makes it a relaxing travel companion in all conditions. The new C3 and ë-C3 are on sale now at Citroën dealerships nationwide, with pricing from just €23,900.
Visit www.citroen.ie for further information.
