Citroen c3

Citroen C3 2018 in-depth review | Mat watson Reviews

In the fall of 2001, at the Frankfurt am Main Motor Show, Citroen introduced a completely new generation of cars called the C3. This generation has replaced the outdated Saxo family and represents the French manufacturer in such a popular car sector as class B.

The appearance of the production car was preceded by the concept car Citroen C3 Lumiere, presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1998. C3 Lumiere had a body, where there was no central pillar, and the doors swung open in opposite directions. No less original, and the rear door, folding in half. The roof was made up of seven translucent slats, which with the help of an electric drive could be removed back. Creative creators and approached the optics. An example of this is the rear lights, which came almost on the roof and were part of the rear body pillars. The exterior mirrors also had an unusual form.

In the transition to the serial model, all this was lost due to the high cost, impracticality and complexity of implementation in mass production. But some nuances all the same passed to C3 by inheritance. For example, the proportions are a very large height (1520 mm) for a length of 3850 mm. This allowed the designers to make a high landing, as a result, quite a lot of space at the level of the knees.

We should also mention the design of the windshield. It is multi-layered, and one of the layers tends to refract and reflect the sun's rays, which reduces the temperature on the front panel surface by 300 and prevents the air in the cabin from overheating on hot days. The sunroof is classified as an option. It consists of two panels and sliding shutters between them.

The line of power units is represented by two four-cylinder turbo diesel engines with direct fuel injection of the new generation. These engines are a joint development of PSA (Peugeot + Citroën) and Ford. They have the same volume of 1.4 liters, but differ in the number of valves per cylinder and the design of the turbochargers. From here and different power - 70 or 92 hp Powertrains are distinguished by economical fuel consumption (3 l / 100 km), good dynamics, quiet operation and full compliance with environmental requirements.

Gamma gasoline engines had three units: 1.1 l / 61 hp, 1.4 l / 75 hp, 1.6 l / 110 hp At the very beginning of production, the C3 was produced only with a manual gearbox, but soon the automatic version was added to the ranks. True, this gearbox is combined with only one engine - a 1.4-liter petrol engine.

Front brakes - disc, rear - drum. Front suspension: independent McPherson type triangular lower arms, spring with hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers. Transverse stabilizer. Rear suspension: semi-dependent, spring-loaded, with telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers.

Do not forget the creators and safety. Citroen C3 is equipped with ABS, Brake Assist and brake force distribution system. Airbags six pieces: two front, and navigator airbag can be locked, two side, built into the back of the front seats, and two inflatable curtains. In addition, the seat belts of the front seats are height adjustable and have pyrotechnic pretensioners with actuation limiters, and the steering column is equipped with a Body block, that is, it has the ability to deviate by 50 mm in the event of a collision and thereby protect the driver’s chest.

The steering mechanism received an electric power. The gain varies with speed. When driving at high speeds, the force on the steering wheel increases, and at low speeds, on the contrary, decreases.

Exterior C3 is original. The car looks stylish and modern, it is instantly recognizable by the arcuate front and rear pillars that go one to the other, while inheriting the style from the legendary 2CV. In the same vein, designers approached the interior trim. The speedometer, tachometer and control lamps are assembled into one compact unit, and at the same time each of the devices is simply amazing by the originality of the solution. The tachometer, for example, is made in the form of a semicircular scale above the digital speedometer, and the engine rpm is indicated by a small red arrow that moves along this scale.

In 2004, Citroen introduced the “charged” version of the C3 hatchback, which was given the name Citroen C3 VTR. This model differs from the base one with a more powerful engine and a dynamic, aggressive design.

The exterior has got body-colored side moldings, integrated fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels and a chrome-plated exhaust tailpipe trimmed into the front bumper.

The interior has a dark gray inserts in the trim and a new steering wheel trim.

Under the hood of the C3 VTR, a 110-horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline engine is installed. Which is aggregated with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Also in 2004, the C3 XTR version was presented at the Vienna Motor Show, which is designed for outdoor enthusiasts. She received increased wheel arches, a wide black grille and black bumpers, 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and increased ground clearance.

Among other differences, you can note the panoramic glass roof, which can be moved using electric drives, as well as special rollings on the roof, with which you can carry mountain bikes or surfboards.

In the cabin C3 XTR is also spacious, as in the C3, while there are more places for different things. The trunk capacity of 279 liters due to the folded rear seats can be increased to 1155 liters, and it provides a system of space dividers, in case some of them need to be put separately from each other.

Trim is done in two colors, and all the seats are covered with a special moisture-resistant material, which is easy to remove pollution. On the dashboard button is provided for locking the rear doors. In the basic configuration C3 XTR has: electric side mirrors, CD-player, "accompanying" headlights, electric windows and on-board computer.

The security system includes: ABS, EBD (distribution of braking forces) and Emergency Braking Assistance, four airbags and automatic locking of the trunk lid and doors when driving.

The C3 XTR is equipped with a 90-horsepower 1.4i 16V petrol or a 1.4-horsepower 1,4HDi 16V diesel.

The premiere of the updated C3 was held in the fall at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. I only got to the Russian buyer Citroen C3 by the summer of 2010. Creating a new generation, the engineers of the brand set themselves a difficult task - to put together all the best that was already in the car, but at the same time to make it even more perfect. The 2010 Citroen C3 relies on a completely new front-wheel-drive PSA platform. Keeping tribute to fashion, the Citroen C3 has grown in size (by 9 cm in length - up to 3941 mm, by 6 cm in width - up to 1728 mm, and by almost 2 cm in height - up to 1538 mm, its base is 2466 mm). C3 2010 can turn on a circle with a diameter of 10.2 meters. The drag coefficient is Cd = 0.30.

The novelty retains the main features of the previous C3, and what is more, the style of the new models from Citroen, for example, the front part of the body of the concept DS3 and the design of the rear optics of the model C5. Despite the fact that the car remained round shape inherent in the previous model, it no longer seems small. Design "tricks" - it was their intervention creates the feeling that the C3 2010 has become much more. The clearly readable, stamped lines of the body tend forward, thus creating the impression of dynamism and visually lengthening the car. Simple techniques of automotive design allowed us to keep the overall visual concept, but at the same time could change the overall impression of the appearance of the Citroen C3.

Looks very aggressive front of the car. A powerful air intake in combination with headlights made in the form of boomerangs, and a massive new emblem press the facade of the car to the ground and bring a sporty note to the appearance. Chrome-plated parts appeared on the door handles, wipers, rear-view mirrors and exhaust pipe. With all its assertive appearance, the car looks friendly, bright and not like any of your classmates.

The main highlight in the body design of the C3 is the Zenith panoramic windshield (optional, its height is 135 cm, glass with a height of 92 cm is offered as usual). Smoothly flowing to the roof of a compact car, it not only adds charm, but also carries functionality. Panoramic windshield fills the interior with additional light and visually expands it. Above the heads of the passengers, the glass is slightly darkened, protecting it from the sun, then the transparency smoothly changes and the glass is absolutely transparent for looking at the road.

Thanks to the increase in size and extended wheelbase, the 5-seater saloon Citroen C3 has become more spacious. First of all, it is worth noting that the manufacturer literally fought for every cubic and square centimeter of the internal space of the new Citroen C3. The front panel was forced to slightly raise, thereby increasing the space for the passenger's feet. But thanks to this maneuver, a seated passenger can advance eight centimeters relative to the driver, while maintaining a comfortable fit and freeing up additional space for the rear rider. The comfort in the second row was also influenced by the shape and location of the front seats. The thickness of the front seats is reduced by three centimeters, and they are raised. This solution allowed us to add space for the knees and to provide an opportunity, if necessary, to stretch the legs due to the free space under the chair. Moreover, the procedures carried out in no way affected the quality of seats and the convenience of landing at the wheel. 

One feels that when working on the interior, Citroen engineers made every effort. Special praise deserves the steering wheel with a sloping lower part, thoughtful ergonomics torpedo, controls, decent quality materials and finishing work. The steering wheel has special notches under the pads of the palm, which allows you to make the grip strong enough, and not overloaded with control buttons, which are placed on a separate unit. The driver's seat and the front passenger seat have a lot of adjustments that can easily get comfortable.

The front panel of the Citroen C3 Visiodrive also looks very peculiar. Instead of the usual for the French brand analog-digital (linear or arcuate) indicators in front of the driver's eyes, there is an ergonomic group of 3 dial hands. Handy controls onboard infotainment systems. The machine is well equipped in terms of multimedia - USB connectors, iPod compatibility, MP3 reading, surround sound system, MyWay navigation system.

The trunk of the Citroen C3 has also increased: when fully fitted, the trunk capacity is 287 liters, and the width is 104 cm. The height of the luggage compartment threshold has fallen by almost 23 centimeters, as a result, a more convenient load. If desired, to increase the amount of luggage, you can apply the transformation of the rear seats in the proportion of 2/3 or 1/3. This is done quite simply - in one motion from the trunk or rear door. Then the volume of useful space increases almost to 1000 liters.

On the Russian market, the C3 hatchback is supplied exclusively with gasoline engines, developed in conjunction with BMW. It offers three engines: 1.4 liters (75 and 95 hp) and 1.6 liters (120 hp). The first two work in tandem with a 5-step mechanics, and the most powerful in the line can also be aggregated with a four-stage automatic. All engines meet the Euro V standard. Due to the use of a new electric amplifier and an upgraded rear beam, the car has become more assembled and responsive to control.

The 2010 Citroen C3 is offered in three versions: the simplest Dynamique, and two more advanced Tendance and Exclusive. The model will compete with such cars as the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio and Fiat Grande Punto.

In 2013, at the Geneva Motor Show, Citroen introduced a restyled version of the second generation of the compact C3 hatchback. Updated Citroen C3 received a number of minor changes in the interior and exterior. Slightly updated front, slightly behind, improved the quality of trim and added a new line of three-cylinder engines. But together the updates made the car field attractive both externally and technically.

The main changes came at the front of the car. Hatchback got a slightly modified bumper, in which there was a place for two LED strips of daytime running lights, located just above the fog. The false radiator grille, which has become much more voluminous and modern, has also been updated. At the rear, the structure of the lanterns changed a little, new reflectors appeared on the bumper and the shape of the moldings changed. Also for the car offered a new body color - Ink blue (ink blue).

There are fewer changes in the cabin - the dashboard trim has received mostly updates. The panel has retained its layout, but the colors of its design have changed, and an additional light appeared on the dashboard to improve the readability of information. It should be noted that the quality of finishing materials has significantly improved, in which fabric upholstery still prevails, and even in expensive trim levels. The list of possible options and colors for interior decoration has also expanded.

Under the hood of the updated C3, two new three-cylinder engines from the Peugeot 208 can be installed, namely the 1.0-liter 68 hp. and a 1.2-liter capacity of 82 hp These low-volume units are able to consume only 4.3-4.5 liters of fuel per 100 km. The most powerful of the gasoline engines will be the 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 120 hp. Depending on the configuration, the Citroen C3 2013 is equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission, or 5-speed manual transmission. The turbodiesel line consisting of four engines with a capacity of 70 to 115 horsepower has not changed, but, as before, will not be available to Russian buyers.

The basic equipment "Dinamique" includes steel 15-inch wheels with decorative caps, immobilizer, central locking, on-board computer, initial audio preparation, front electric windows, electric mirrors, heated rear window and seat upholstery. The more expensive version of the "Tendance" is additionally equipped with an emergency braking assistance system (AFU), side airbags, fog lamps, height-adjustable seats, air conditioning, leather steering wheel, audio system with 4 speakers and seat trim with more expensive Fyber fabric. And finally, the most advanced equipment “Exclusive” offers the buyer a panoramic Zenith windshield, a dynamic stabilization system, a front armrest with two additional compartments for storing small items, heated front seats, automatic climate control with a carbon filter, an audio system with USB and Bluetooth support, rear parking sensors, chrome side handles, wheels with a diameter of 16 inches and velor seat upholstery.