Citroën C3

Citroën C3

Manufacturer	Citroën
Production	2002–present
Assembly	Aulnay-sous-Bois, France Porto Real, Brazil
Predecessor	Citroën Saxo
Class	Supermini
Layout	FF layout

The Citroën C3 is a supermini car equipped 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 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)

First generation

Production	2002–2009
Body style	2-door convertible 5-door hatchback 5-door MPV
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
Wheelbase	96.5 in (2,450 mm)
Length	150.5 in (3,820 mm)
Width	65.5 in (1,660 mm)
Height	58.8 in (1,490 mm)
Curb weight	2,315 lb (1,050 kg)
Related	Citroën C2 Peugeot 206 Peugeot 1007
Designer	Donato Coco Jean-Pierre Ploué

Citroën C3 HDi

Citroën C3 XTR

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).(C3 XTR is No longer Available 2007)

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

Trim levels (UK) 1st Feb 2009 – 31st Dec 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) 1st Jan 2010 – Spring 2010

• First 1.1i Only

2006 facelift

Citroën C3 Facelift 2006

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

Citroën 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.

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/Vauxhall Meriva and the Fiat Idea. It is currently built in Trnava Slovakia. It was launched for the UK market on 9 April 2009.

It features an interior with split-fold-flat rear seats, that also slide independently over 150 mm (5.9 in). It also has a 500 L boot.

The C3 Picasso is available in three trim levels- the VT, VTR+ and Exclusive. All versions come with a five-speed manual gearbox, although a semi-automatic and a six speed manual version are expected in 2011, along with a new eco-friendly and economical Stop/Start system, which Citroën claims to reduce CO₂ emissions significantly. From launch, two petrol and two diesel engine choices were available.

It was named Top Gear magazine'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, to commemorate 90 years of Citroën. In the UK, it was limited to 150 examples.

In August 2010, the Brazilian division of Citroën introduced the Citroën AirCross, a C3 Picasso with an off-road look. Comparing with the original C3 Picasso, AirCross has a different interior, rear (with a spare tire), and a grid between the headlights. Citroën is to launch C3 Picasso at its normal version; however, it will have some of the AirCross changes, as the grid, rear (without the spare tire), and the interior; and it will have bumpers that are different from the original C3 Picasso.

In May 2011 all right-hand drive C3 Picassos were withdrawn following a BBC Watchdog investigation into brakes that could be activated on the passenger side.^[2]

Second generation (2009–present)

Second generation

Manufacturer	Citroën
Production	2009–present
Body style	5-door hatchback
Engine	1.1L I4 8v 1.4L I4 8v 1.4L I4 16v 1.6L 16v I4 1.4L I4 HDi 1.6L I4 HDi
Transmission	4-speed automatic transmission 5-speed manual 6-speed manual
Related	C3 Picasso Citroën DS3 Peugeot 207

In July 2009, Citroën revealed a Mk II 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 ultra low 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:^[3]

Petrol engine
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h,s	Top speed	Note	CO2 emission (g/km)
1.1i 8V	I4	1124 cc	61 PS (45 kW; 60 hp) @5500 rpm	95 N·m (70 lb·ft) @3300 rpm	16.5	145 km/h (90 mph)		137
1.4i 8V	I4	1360 cc	75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) @5200 rpm	118 N·m (87 lb·ft) @3300 rpm	14.2	155 km/h (96 mph)		140
1.4VTi 16V	I4	1397 cc	95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) @6000 rpm	135 N·m (100 lb·ft) @4000 rpm	10.6	170 km/h (106 mph)	134 (on Exclusive only), 136 (on Airdream+, VTR+ only) CO2	134/136
1.6VTi 16V	I4	1598 cc	120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) @6000 rpm	160 N·m (120 lb·ft) @4200 rpm	8.9/10.9	185 km/h (115 mph)		136
Diesel engine
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h,s	Top speed	Note	CO2 emission (g/km)
1.4HDi 8V	I4	1398 cc	70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) @4000 rpm	160 N·m (120 lb·ft) @2000 rpm	13.7	152 km/h (94 mph)		113
1.6HDi 16V	I4	1560 cc	90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @3750 rpm	230 N·m (170 lb·ft) @2000 rpm	11.3/11.5	168 km/h (104 mph)	HDi 90 FAP "99 g"	110/99
1.6HDi 16V	I4	1560 cc	110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) @4000 rpm	270 N·m (200 lb·ft) @2000 rpm	9.9	180 km/h (112 mph)		115

Interior of a second generation C3.

Transmissions

Petrol engine
Model	Years	Standard	Optional
1.1i 8V	2009-	5-speed manual	-
1.4i 8V	2009-	5-speed manual	-
1.4VTi 16V	2009-	5-speed manual	-
1.6VTi 16V	2009-	5-speed manual	4-speed automatic
Diesel engine
Model	Years	Standard	Optional
1.4HDi 8V	2009-	5-speed manual	-
1.6HDi 16V	2009-	5-speed manual	-
1.6HDi 16V	2009-	6-speed manual	-

References

1. ^ Catalogue de la Revue Automobile 2006 (ISBN 978-3-905386-06-6 by Buechler Grafino AG Berne CH)
2. ^ "BBC News - Citroën C3 Picasso UK recall over 'passenger brake'". Bbc.co.uk. 2011-05-19. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13446522. Retrieved 2011-08-27. 
3. ^ "Citroen c3 Technical specifications UK site". http://www.citroen.co.uk/new-cars/citroen-c3/in-more-detail/technical-specifications/. Retrieved 24 March 2010. 

External links

• C3 at Citroenet
• C3 Pluriel at Citroenet
• Official Citroën C3 UK microsite
• C3 Pluriel Fansite (German)
• UK Citroën C3 Information Website