Citroën C3
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| Citroën C3 | |
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| Manufacturer | Citroën |
| Parent company | PSA Group |
| Production | 2002—present |
| Predecessor | Citroën Saxo |
| Class | Supermini |
| Body style | 2-door convertible 5-door hatchback |
| Engine | 1.1 L TU1 I4 1.4 L TU3 I4 1.4 L DV4 HDi diesel I4 1.4 L ET3 I4 1.6 L DV6 HDi diesel I4 1.6 L TU5 I4 |
| Related | Peugeot 206 Peugeot 207 Peugeot 1007 Citroën C2 |
| Similar | Fiat Punto Ford Fiesta Rover Streetwise Opel Corsa SEAT Ibiza Volkswagen Polo |
| Designer | Donato Coco Jean-Pierre Ploué |
The Citroën C3 is a supermini that has been produced by the French automaker Citroën since 2002. It was launched as one of two replacements for the Citroën Saxo, the other being the smaller three-door Citroën C2. It was designed by Donato Coco and Jean-Pierre Ploué, previously known for designing the Renault Twingo; the former has been the head of the Citroën design team since 1999. A mini MPV version of the C3, reportedly to be marketed as the C3 StreetLounge, is scheduled to be released in 2007.
Contents |
[edit] Overview
The C3 is available with 1.1 L, 1.4 L and 1.6 L petrol engines, and 1.4 L and 1.6 L HDi engines. All models come with the option of a five speed manual transmission, except for the Stop & Start, which can only be supplied with Citroën's SensoDrive gearbox - a five speed semi-automatic transmission, which has two shifting options of either the fully automated mode, or the paddle-shifted/gear-shifted manual mode. The SX model is the only version that has the option of a four speed fully-automatic transmission.
In accordance with PSA Group policy, the C3's chassis was used for the Peugeot 1007. Many components of the C3 are the same as those of the Peugeot 206, for example the external mirrors.
The Saxo was one of the least spacious cars in the supermini class. The C3 addressed this problem with one of the most spacious interiors in its class.
[edit] Trim levels
- L
- Desire
- SX
- Stop & Start
- Exclusive
- VTR
- VTS
[edit] C3 Pluriel
A new C3 model appeared in July 2003, the highly-adaptable C3 Pluriel, which can be configured as a full or partial convertible or a closed car, thanks to its detachable roof bars and folding fabric roof. In its adaptability, the C3 Pluriel can be seen as a relative of the utilitarian Citroën Méhari and 2CV.
[edit] 2005 facelift
The C3 underwent a mild revamp in 2005. The exterior styling was changed slightly, most notably with clear crystal brake lights. Some minor interior changes were made, and Citroën also added a new 1.6 L 16-valve HDi diesel engine rated at 110 bhp. The Pluriel received the interior alterations but was otherwise unchanged.
[edit] Technology
Some versions of the C3 feature a "Stop & Start" system that can automatically cut the engine when not needed to save fuel, such as in traffic, and restart it briskly to move on again. Similar technology appeared in the 1980s Volkswagen Polo "Formel E" and the Volkswagen Golf Mk III "Ecomatic".
[edit] Engines
- 1.1 L (1124 cc) TU1 I4, 60 PS (59 hp/44 kW) and 69 ft·lbf (94 N·m)
- 1.4 L (1360 cc) TU3 I4, 75 PS (74 hp/55 kW) and 87 ft·lbf (118 N·m)
- 1.4 L (1398 cc) DV4 HDi diesel I4, 70 PS (69 hp/51 kW) and 118 ft·lbf (160 N·m)
- 1.4 L (1360 cc) ET3 16-valve I4, 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW) and 98 ft·lbf (133 N·m)
- 1.6 L (1560 cc) DV6 HDi diesel I4, 92 PS (91 hp/68 kW) and 159 ft·lbf (216 N·m)
- 1.6 L (1587 cc) TU5 16-valve I4, 110 PS (108 hp/81 kW) and 108 ft·lbf (146 N·m)
[edit] External links
- C3 at Citroenet
- C3 Pluriel at Citroenet
- Official Citroen C3 UK microsite
- C3 Pluriel Fansite (German)
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| Economy car | 2CV | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Off-roader | Méhari | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| City car | LN / LNA | AX | C1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supermini | C2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Visa | Saxo | C3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small family car | GSA | ZX | Xsara | C4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Large family car | BX | Xantia | C5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive car | CX | XM | C6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Leisure activity vehicle | C15 | Berlingo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact MPV | Xsara Picasso | C4 Picasso | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Large MPV | Evasion | C8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crossover | C-Crosser | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
