Citroën C3

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Citroën C3
Citroen C3 blue vl.jpg
Manufacturer Citroën
Parent company PSA Group
Production 2002—present
Assembly Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
Predecessor Citroën Saxo
Class Supermini
Body style(s) 2-door convertible
5-door hatchback
5-door MPV
Layout FF layout
Engine(s) 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
Wheelbase 96.5 in (2,451 mm)
Length 150.5 in (3,823 mm)
Width 65.5 in (1,664 mm)
Height 58.8 in (1,494 mm)
Kerb weight 2,315 lb (1,050 kg)
Related Peugeot 206
Peugeot 1007
Citroën C2
Peugeot 207
C3 Picasso
Designer Donato Coco
Jean-Pierre Ploué
Citroën C3 HDi
Citroen C3 XTR

The Citroën C3 is a supermini car with a range of inline-4 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 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 C3 Picasso, unveiled at the Mondial de l'Automobile 2008 and went on sale in early 2009 across Europe. [1]

Contents

[edit] First Generation (Mk1, 2002-2009)

First generation
Citroën C3 Mk1
Production 2002-2009

[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 as standard with a five speed manual transmission or an optional semi-manual with paddle-shifters, except for the Stop & Start model, which comes with Citroën's SensoDrive gearbox - a five speed semi-automatic transmission with manual and automatic modes. 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 and the Peugeot 207. Many components of the C3 are the same as those of the Peugeot 206, for example the external mirrors.

[edit] 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) 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.

[edit] 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; 112 PS) Only.
  • XTR 1.4i 16v Sensodrive and 1.6HDi 92bhp.(C3 XTR is No longer Available 2007)

[edit] Trim levels (UK) 1st Feb 2008 - 31st Jan 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

[edit] Trim levels (UK) 1st Feb 2009 onwards

  • 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


[edit] 2006 facelift

Citroen C3 Facelift 2006

2006 C3’s redesigned front end features 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 now has newly designed lights with crystal coloured mid-sections. The passenger compartment has been enhanced with the fitting of a restyled dashboard with high-quality finish, as well as a new, 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 contribute to the updated interior, as do the completely re-designed front and rear door panels and trims. The steering has also been improved so that it weights up with speed.. Citroën also added a new 1.6 L 16-valve HDi diesel engine rated at 110 bhp (82 kW; 112 PS). 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 (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)

[edit] C3 Pluriel

Citroën 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. It was originally offered with a choice of a 1.4 or a 1.6 petrol engine, and a 1.6 diesel engine. The 1.6 petrol came fitted as standard with a semi-automatic gearbox.

In its adaptability, the C3 Pluriel can be seen as a descendant of the utilitarian Citroën Méhari and 2CV.

[edit] C3 Picasso

Citroën C3 Picasso at the 2008 Paris Motor Show

At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Citroën introduced the C3 Picasso; a mini-MPV version of the C3, designed to compete with the Opel Meriva and the Renault Grand Modus. It is to be built in Slovakia. It was launched in the UK on 9 April 2009.

It features a very flexible interior with split-fold-flat rear seats that also slide independently over 150 mm. The boot is equally as useful at a vast 500 litres.

The C3 Picasso is available in three trim levels, VT, VTR+ and Exclusive. All cars come with a five speed manual gear box, though a semi-automatic and a six speed manual are expected in 2011 along with a new eco-friendly and economical Stop/Start system, said to reduce CO2 emissions significantly. There are two petrol and two diesel engines available from launch.

It was named Top Gear's Family Car of the Year and also won What Diesel? MPV of the Year.

In August 2009, Citroën released a 90th Birthday Limited Edition C3 Picasso. In the UK, this car is limited to 150 examples.

[edit] Second generation (2009-)

Second generation
Citroën C3 Mk2
Production 2009-

In June 2009, Citroën revealed the all-new Mk II C3. Featuring an evolutionary design with a cutting-edge Panoramic Windscreen, similar to that on the larger C4 Picasso and Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch, the new C3 builds on the curvy profile of the previous model. Citroën also announced a new range of technologically advanced small petrol engines with low emissions, as well as new diesel engines, all with CO2 emissions of under 120 g/km, plus an "Economique" model with 99 g/km using a new 1.4 HDI 90 bhp engine. The New C3 is set to be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009.

[edit] External links