29 June 2009 - 11:00
New Citroen C3: first look
Citroen has given us a first look at its new C3, set to reach the UK early next year.
It's a bit bigger than the outgoing model - around nine centimetres longer and four centimetres wider - and retains a similarly bubbly profile, though with a wider track and slightly tauter, sharper sheetmetal.
And a whole lot more glass. Check out that huge windscreen-slash-sunroof, which becomes progressively more tinted as it sweeps back over the driver's head. That's a lot of air, right there.
The C3's bigger footprint means more interior space - there's extra legroom in front and back, though bootspace remains the same at 300 litres.
It'll be green, too. From launch, we'll see a 90bhp HDI diesel which will emit just 99g/km of CO2, qualifying the C3 for free road tax. In 2011, we'll see second-generation stop-start technology lowering emissions to around 90g/km of CO2.
Before then, though, Citroen will offer the C3 with an all-new 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, unrelated to the Toyota-PSA three-pot in the Aygo, C1 and Peugeot 107. It should manage CO2 emissions under 100g/km, the first time we'll see such impressive emissions from a non-hybrid petrol car.
Expect posher materials and improved noise insulation in the cabin, and - if you're feeling so inclined - an integrated air freshener. Mmm.
We won't see a three-door C3 as such - the upmarket DS3 will plug that gap in the Citroen line-up.
So what do we reckon? Further evidence of the Citroen design renaissance... or a bit of a let-down after the funktastic C3 Picasso?
Want to comment on this?
Looks like a Ford Ka that's had the living daylights beaten out of it.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Looks good, citroen continue to excell themselves... That roof kinda seems to be a bit like somebody's receding hairline though if you know what I mean...
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Looks good, except for the receding hairline... I hope it is optional.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
I want the DS3!!! Though this does look good. I like the big windscreen. Should give a good driving experience. And the interior looks quite posh. Though the DS3 looks funkier!
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
So what they've done is taken the DS Inside and swapped the shark-fin B-Pillar for the same 5 doors as the C3, along with the C4 Picasso's 'screen. It looks good, but I remain unimpressed in terms of imagination. Still, if the driving controls are less numb than the current C3, and if the plastics are much improved, then I'll like it.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
the headlamps mjust ruin the whole car overall its ok i guess
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
When this rolls off the production line , the Fiesta will be quaking , because , not only has Citroen beaten Ford in the Motorway Cruiser, The C5 , and now the C3 , is better looking , has more space , is more econimical . Make it , and stick to this , dont change it Citroen. But if anyone has the guts to put a design , on the road without thinking , then it's Citroen. The C6 , is currently the most expensive car made by a french car maker. The DS ,new and old. MAKE IT , MAKE IT !!!
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
ooh. i like it. i think.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Much better than the outgoing model which I never thought looked good, it's a bit less controversial looking than the C3 Picasso too which is just a bit too funky for some, the OAPs will go mad for this!
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
I wonder if this will perform aswell as the C3 Picasso, if not i really suggest not getting it when it comes out! Fiesta, Punto, Corsa, 207, Clio?? why would you go for a Citreon if it isn't funkkkkyyyyy!
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
I really like this actually. I hate the current C3, but since the new C5 came out, every concept and production car Citroen has made has been absolutely amazing!! Citroen is definately on a bit of a roll.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
This is actually not bad looking from my perspective. Though it's sort of behind the GT I admit...
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Well, its french, so it cant possibly be good. my reason for never buying a french car is bcause it is french. there ya go!
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
well thats just stupid, you do know that the Bugatti Veyron is made in France..... look ok, but I don't they will ever have the cult status of the saxo.
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Advertisement
Test Driven
.jpg?p=080926_03:52)
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
Estate version of Insignia VXR makes more sense than the hatch. Quick and practical, but is it just too thirsty?
TG Car Chooser
Who says Top Gear doesn't do sensible car buying advice? Use this new interweb tool to find your next car. It's better than talking to a geek...
MoreAdvertisement
Open Car Bar
JouetsCitroen commented on this article
29 June 2009
I think it looks good, better than I was expecting. The interior looks a lot better too. I don't think it'll date as rapidly as the new Fiesta MIGHT.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.