The Citroën C3 is a supermini car (B-segment) produced by Citroën since April 2002. It replaced the Citroën Saxo in the model line up, and is currently in its third generation. The third generation model made its appearance in June 2016, and went on sale in January 2017.
It is produced in a five-door hatchback body style, with the first generation also being produced in a two-door convertible version, called the C3 Pluriel. A three-door hatchback, with a similar design as the second generation, marketed as a premium model, was available as the DS3.
A mini MPV version of the C3 was announced in July 2008, called the C3 Picasso, and was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. In South America, a mini SUV version, called the C3 Aircross, was produced and marketed only locally. In October 2014, the Citroën C3 was awarded most efficient small cars, with the premium car DS 3.
In September 2021, a separate model was introduced with the C3 nameplate for the Indian and South American markets bearing the CC21 internal codename. During its introduction, Citroën CEO Vincent Cobée mentioned that the "C3" is the trade name for all Citroën B-segment hatchbacks around the world.
First generation (FC/FN; 2002)[]
After Jean-Pierre Ploué was appointed Director of the Citroën Design Center in 2000, he designed the C3 under the leadership of Donato Coco, who was already responsible for Citroën Xsara Picasso.
The first generation of the C3 was launched at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, as well as the 2001 Bologna Motor Show, and began marketing in January 2002, as a five-door hatchback (after-Citroën 2CV 4-door sedan, Citroën Dyane 5-door hatchback, Citroën Visa 5-door hatchback, and Citroën Saxo 5-door hatchback). It was available with 1.1, 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol engines, and 1.4 and 1.6 litre common rail diesel engines. All models came as standard with a five speed manual transmission, except for the Stop & Start model, which came with the SensoDrive gearbox, a five-speed automated manual transmission with paddle-shifters and manual and automatic modes. The top level was the only version that had the option of a four-speed hydraulic automatic transmission.
In accordance with the 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. Some versions of the C3 feature a start-stop 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. The vehicle was loosely styled after the Citroen 2CV.
Facelift[]
The C3 was given a redesign in October 2005, with the front end featuring a more imposing bumper, wider lower air intake, single air intake slit below the restyled radiator grille, and a repositioned number plate. The rear of the car was also given redesigned light clusters, with crystal coloured midsections.
The passenger compartment was also enhanced, with the fitting of a restyled dashboard with a 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 redesigned 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.
As with the Peugeot 206+ and Renault Clio Campus, Citroën didn't yet end the original C3 despite the new generation arrival. It stayed offered on selected European markets. During Autumn 2009, the brand announces the first-gen C3 will be marketed under a new name : Citroën C3 Génération. However, a few weeks later, the name is changed to Citroën C3 Classic. This name is used in France but also in other countries like Greece or Italy. Various names are used across Europe like C3 Hit Classic (Belgium), C3 First (UK, Germany) or C3 First+ (Switzerland). The first-gen C3 has been manufactured in Spain until 2010, in France until Summer 2011 and sold across Europe until February 2011.
Second generation (SC; 2009)[]
The second (after- (after-Citroën 2CV 4-door sedan, Citroën Dyane 5-door hatchback, Citroën Visa 5-door hatchback, Citroën Saxo 5-door hatchback, Citroën C3 5-door hatchback (2002–2005), and Citroën C3 5-door hatchback (2005–2010)) generation of the C3 was revealed in June 2009, and made its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009. It features a new body design, with a 108 degree field of vision windscreen, similar to the one of the larger C4 Picasso, which is available on all versions, except 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. The drag coefficient is 0.307 Cd.
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 that 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. The 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 to optimise economy. They come in 1.4 95 bhp and 1.6 120 hp versions 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.
Facelift[]
Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013 (after-Citroën 2CV 4-door sedan, Citroën Dyane 5-door hatchback, Citroën Visa 5-door hatchback, Citroën Saxo 5-door hatchback, Citroën C3 5-door hatchback (2002–2005), Citroën C3 5-door hatchback (2005–2010), and Citroën C3 (2009-2013)), the C3 hatchback was revised to featuring updated exterior and interior, and more efficient engines. The C3 facelift comes with updated chevrons and bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights at the front and new tail light clusters combined with new reflectors set underneath the rear bumper.
Third generation (SX/SY; 2016)[]
The official pictures of the new (after-Citroën 2CV 4-door sedan, Citroën Dyane 5-door hatchback, Citroën Visa 5-door hatchback, Citroën Saxo 5-door hatchback, Citroën C3 5-door hatchback (2002–2005), Citroën C3 5-door hatchback (2005–2010), Citroën C3 (2009-2013), and Citroën C3 (2013-2015)) C3 were revealed on 29 June 2016. The C3 takes front styling cues from the facelifted Citroën C4 Picasso, as well as the Grand C4 Picasso. It receives optional side Airbump mouldings as used on the Citroën C4 Cactus.
The new C3 is offered with a choice of nine exterior colours, and three contrast shades that appear on the roof, foglight trims, side mirrors, and Airbump surrounds. Citroën claims the range will offer a total of 36 different colour combinations.
Facelift (2020)[]
The restyled version was revealed in February 2020 (after-Citroën 2CV 4-door sedan, Citroën Dyane 5-door hatchback, Citroën Visa 5-door hatchback, Citroën Saxo 5-door hatchback, Citroën C3 5-door hatchback (2002–2005), Citroën C3 5-door hatchback (2005–2010), Citroën C3 (2009-2013), Citroën C3 (2013-2015), and Citroën C3 (2016-2019)). The main evolutions are on the front and on the headlights with new LED's. There are two new colors, "Spring Blue" and "Rouge Elixir", and two new interior atmospheres called "Techwood" and "Emeraude".
Worldwide[]
If the vehicle is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the <MODEL> goes by another name in these other markets.
Design quirks and oddities[]
Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the vehicle in this section.
Awards[]
- 2002 European Car Of The Year (Third place)
- 2003 Winner of the 2003 Most Beautiful Small Sedan in the World.
See Also[]
External Links[]
News & References