Citroën C3

The Citroën C3 is a supermini car equipped with a range of inline-four engines that has been produced by the French automaker Citroën since 2002. It was designed by Donato Coco and Jean-Pierre Ploué, previously known for designing the first generation Renault Twingo; the former has been the head of the Citroën design team since 1999. A mini MPV version of the C3 was announced in July 2008, called the C3 Picasso, unveiled at the Mondial de l'Automobile 2008 and went on sale in early 2009 across Europe.

First generation (2002–2009)

Overview

The C3 was available with 1.1, 1.4 and 1.6 L petrol engines, and 1.4 and 1.6 L HDi engines. All models came as standard with a five-speed manual transmission or an optional semi-manual with paddle-shifters, except for the Stop & Start model, which came with Citroën's SensoDrive gearbox – a five-speed semi-automatic transmission with manual and automatic modes. The SX model was 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 and the Peugeot 207. Many components of the C3 are the same as those of the Peugeot 206.

Trim levels (UK) 2002–2005

• L 1.1i and 1.4HDi 70 bhp (52 kW; 71 PS).
• LX 1.4i and 1.4HDi 70 bhp (52 kW; 71 PS).
• Desire 1.1i, 1.4i and 1.4HDi 70 bhp (52 kW; 71 PS).
• SX 1.4i, 1.4i 75 bhp (56 kW; 76 PS) Automatic, 1.4HDi 16v 92 bhp (69 kW; 93 PS) and 1.4HDi 70 bhp (52 kW; 71 PS) Sensodrive.
• Exclusive 1.6i 16v, 1.6i 16v Sensodrive, 1.4HDi 16v 92 bhp (69 kW; 93 PS), 1.4HDi 16v Sensodrive and 1.6HDi 92 bhp (69 kW; 93 PS).
• VTR 1.6i 16v.
• XTR 1.4i 16v Sensodrive and 1.4HDi 16v 92 bhp (69 kW; 93 PS).
• Stop & Start 1.4i 16v Sensodrive.

Trim levels (UK) 2006–2008

• L 1.1i and 1.4HDi Only.
• Airplay+ 1.1i Only.
• Desire 1.1i, 1.4i and 1.4HDi Only. (Now called C3 Cool Summer 2007 onwards)
• SX 1.4i, (1.6i 16v Automatic Only) and 1.6HDi 92 bhp (69 kW; 93 PS) Only.
• Stop & Start 1.4i 16v Sensodrive Only.
• Exclusive 1.6i 16v Sensodrive and 1.6HDi 92 bhp (69 kW; 93 PS) Only.
• VTR 1.6i 16v and 1.6HDi 16v 110 bhp (82 kW; 110 PS) Only.
• XTR 1.4i 16v Sensodrive and 1.6HDi 92 bhp (69 kW; 93 PS).

Trim levels (UK) February 2008 – January 2009

• Vibe 1.1i, 1.4i 8v, and 1.4HDi Only
• Rhythm 1.4i 8v, 1.4i 16v, 1.4HDi and 1.6HDi 92 bhp (69 kW; 93 PS)
• Cachet 1.4i 8v, 1.4i 16v and 1.4HDi
• Exclusive 1.4i 16v, 1.6i 16v (Automatic Only) and 1.6HDi 92 bhp (69 kW; 93 PS)
• Exclusive Plus 1.4i 16v, 1.6i 16v (Automatic Only) and 1.6HDi 92 bhp (69 kW; 93 PS)
• Stop & Start 1.4i 16v SensoDrive

Trim levels (UK) February 2009 – December 2009

• VT 1.1i And 1.4HDi Only
• VTR 1.4i 8v, 1.4i 16v and 1.6HDi 92 bhp (69 kW)
• Exclusive 1.4i 16v, 1.6i 16v (Automatic Only) and 1.6HDi 92 bhp (69 kW)
• Stop & Start 1.4i 16v SensoDrive

Trim levels (UK) January 2010 – Spring 2010

• First 1.1i Only

2006 facelift

In 2006, the C3 was given a minor redesign, with the front end featuring a more imposing bumper, wider lower air intake, single air intake slit below the restyled radiator grille and a re-positioned number plate. The rear of the car was also given redesigned light clusters with crystal coloured mid-sections. The passenger compartment was also enhanced with the fitting of a restyled dashboard with high-quality finish, as well as a newer, more modern instrument cluster making the driver information easier to read. The addition of light metallic grey embellishers around the central section of the fascia and air vents contributed to the updated interior, as did the completely re-designed front and rear door panels and trims. The steering was also improved so that it weights up with speed. Citroën also added a new 1.6 L 16-valve HDi diesel engine to the range, rated at 110 bhp (82 kW; 110 PS). The Pluriel also received similar interior alterations but was otherwise unchanged.

Technology

Some versions of the C3 feature a start-stop system 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.

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 (1398 cc) DV4 HDi 16-valve diesel I4, 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW) and 147 ft·lbf (200 N·m) (discontinued in 2005; could not meet EURO4 compliance)
• 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 16-valve diesel I4, 92 PS (91 hp/68 kW) and 159 ft·lbf (216 N·m)
• 1.6 L (1560 cc) DV6 HDiF 16-valve diesel I4 with Diesel particulate filter, 110 PS (108 hp/80 kW) and 177 ft·lbf (240 N·m)
• 1.6 L (1587 cc) TU5 16-valve I4, 110 PS (108 hp/81 kW) and 108 ft·lbf (146 N·m)

C3 Pluriel

A new C3 variant was introduced in July 2003, the C3 Pluriel, which can be configured as a full or partial convertible or a closed car, due to its detachable roof bars and folding fabric roof. It was originally offered with a choice of a 1.4 or a 1.6 L petrol engine, and a 1.4 L^[1] diesel engine. The 1.6 L petrol came fitted, as standard, with a semi-automatic gearbox. The Pluriel was withdrawn in early 2010.

Second generation (2009–present)

In July 2009, Citroën revealed a second generation C3. Featuring an new body design with a 108 degree field of vision windscreen. The panoramic windscreen is similar to that on the larger C4 Picasso and Vauxhall/Opel Astra Sport Hatch and is available on all bar the entry model VT. The new C3 builds on the curvy profile of the previous model and has a look in keeping with other Citroën models and the older C3, although it is longer and wider than the old model. The lights at the front, bonnet, dashboard assembly and other components are shared with the DS3. On the new C3, the instrumentation is a mix of analogue dials beneath a styled cowl and a digital display for the fuel and trip computer. There is no temperature gauge (unlike the DS3), but a red and blue warning lamp to show hot or cold engines which come on as required.

In engineering terms, the PSA TU powerplants are carried over from the old car and Citroën also announced a new range of small petrol engines which PSA Peugeot Citroën developed in partnership with BMW. These "Prince" engines have double overhead 16-valve camshaft, on demand oil and water pumps and BMW's patent injection and ignition technology. They are designed for low CO₂ emissions and for good performance and economy. Economy was improved by the standard fit cruise control and speed limiter available on the VTR+, Airdream+ and Exclusive models. All versions have a standard fit "Gear Efficiency Indicator" which graphically states what gear to be in and when to change up and down to optimise economy. They come in 1.4 95 bhp and 1.6 120 hp versions and are available on other PSA and BMW products. with low emissions, as well as new diesel engines, all with CO₂ emissions of under 120 g/km, plus an "Airdream+" model with 99 g/km using a new 1.6 HDI 90 bhp (67 kW; 91 PS) engine.

The New C3 was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009. It was launched in November 2009, as a 2010 model.Across Europe, the advertising slogan was known as "The Visiospace", playing on the merit of the large windscreen and the improved vision afforded.

Trim levels

• VT 1.1i 8v 61 hp (45 kW) Only
• VTR+ 1.4i 8V 75 hp, 1.4VTi 16V 95 hp, 1.4HDi 8V 70 hp (52 kW) and 1.6HDi 16V 90 hp (67 kW) Airdream+.
• Airdream+ 1.4i 8V 75 hp, 1.4VTi 16V 95 hp, 1.4HDi 8V 70 hp (52 kW) and 1.6HDi 16V 90 hp (67 kW) Airdream+.
• Exclusive 1.4VTi 16V 95 hp, 1.6VTi 16V 120 hp, 1.6VTi 16V 120 hp (89 kW) Auto, 1.6HDi 16V 90 hp (67 kW) and 1.6HDi 16V 110 hp (82 kW).

There are four trim levels in the C3 range, which range from the entry level VT (which does not have the panoramic windscreen), the mid range VTR+ and eco efficient "Airdream+" (which has lower CO₂ emissions) to the top of the range Exclusive, which has half cloth half alcantara seats, extra chrome outside, alloy wheels, an alarm, folding mirrors and power windows all around. Trim levels are denoted by a small badge on the rear window frame on the VT/VTR+ and Airdream+ and by a small chrome badge on each front door on Exclusive models. Norev have produced a 1:43 scale model of the new Citroën C3 in Botticelli Blue, Metallic Green and black.

Engines

The Mk II C3 is offered with the following engines:^[2]

Transmissions

References

External links

• Official Citroën C3 UK microsite