THE NEW CITROËN C3: THE VISIODRIVE 

INTRODUCTION

Citroën introduces the new C3 - a smart, sophisticated, low CO₂ and unique 5-door supermini, designed for the modern family.
Boasting contemporary and dynamic styling, a sleek profile, refined quality throughout and a massive panoramic ‘Zenith’ windscreen, this is a car that sets a new benchmark in the B-segment - and is a bold reinvention of its popular predecessor, which sold more than 2 million examples worldwide.
With a focus on four main areas - STYLE, QUALITY, SPACE and EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE - Citroën’s design team have created one of the most appealing and rewarding models to own in its class. 
In addition, thanks to the availability of the unique panoramic Zenith windscreen, new C3 provides something extra - a totally new motoring sensation.  Just one of the stand-out design features of this new car, the vast and flowing glass area is a quintessential application of Citroën’s ‘Créative Technologie’, a feat of vehicle engineering and an unparalleled offering in the small car market.
Not only one of the most compact models in the B-segment (5cm shorter than Corsa and 9cm shorter than 207 and Clio), the new C3 also offers one of the most spacious cabin environments and a class-leading 300-litres of boot space.  New C3’s intelligent architecture optimises internal volumes and provides generous amounts of room for all occupants - ensuring exceptional driver and passenger comfort.
On the road, new C3 combines refined performance with a smooth ride and nimble handling.  The designers’ focus on the control of weight and optimising aerodynamics means the new C3 is one of Citroën’s most CO₂-efficient models.  A Special Edition Airdream+ with just 99g/km of CO₂ will be available to order from launch.
To further promote money-saving greener driving, most versions feature a Gear Efficiency Indicator (GEI), which alerts the driver at the optimum moment to change gear - helping them to minimise fuel consumption.
Designed with the latest technology to suit 21^st century driving requirements, new C3 is available with Citroën’s integrated MyWay widescreen colour satellite navigation system, as well as Bluetooth® and USB connectivity for portable media players.  The new C3 also benefits from a six-speaker audio system, with the availability of a new eight-speaker Hi-Fi system for concert theatre-like sound quality.
The range of available engines meets every requirement.  New C3 offers a choice of four petrol power-plants - two of which were co-developed with BMW - plus three of Citroën’s critically acclaimed HDi diesels.  With combined cycle fuel economy of up to 48.7mpg for petrol models, and up to 74.3mpg on diesel versions, the new Citroën C3 offers a combination of stylish and economical motoring.
As with any new Citroën model, safety is assured.  The new C3 features an array of active and passive safety equipment, which includes a reinforced body structure and ABS with EBD and EBA as standard, as well as the availability of cruise control with speed limiter and up to six airbags.  ESP is also available on certain models.
The new C3 will be offered in Citroën’s three core trim levels - VT, VTR+ and Exclusive - along with the Special Edition Airdream+ 1.6HDi 90hp, which emits just 99g/km of CO₂.
The ‘on-sale’ date in the UK is 15^th January 2010 and prices (including VAT @ 17.5%), start at just £10,790 for the entry-level 1.1i 8V 61hp VT petrol, rising to £16,140 for the range-topping 1.6HDi 110hp 6-speed manual Exclusive.  At the heart of the range and offering an excellent balance of value and equipment, VTR+ models start at £12,690 for the petrol versions and £13,790 for the HDi-powered equivalent.
Gary Savage, Citroën UK’s Managing Director, said, “The stylish, grown-up, yet fun C3 is impossible to confuse with any other car.  Retaining the exuberant charm and friendly personality of its predecessor, the new C3 represents a bold, contemporary, dynamically rewarding and fresh approach to the compact family vehicle, and provides a unique offering with that sensational panoramic Zenith windscreen.
In these exciting times for Citroën, new models such as C3 clearly show the confidence of the brand.  This new car illustrates our determination to exceed expectations, to do away with convention and to provide practical benefits through the use of Créative Technologie.”

The 300-litre boot, with its optimised design, is the biggest in the segment and offers easy loading - thanks to the lowered boot sill (only 22.7cm from the floor of the boot to the top of the sill), and the increased width of the boot aperture (104cm).  For secure stowage, the boot also has four lashing rings and can be equipped with a removable load net.  To increase rear load space, the 60:40 split-folding rear seats can be tumbled down with one hand in a single effortless movement using levers accessed from either the boot or the back seats.  With the rear seats down it is possible to load boxes up to 1029 x 1189 x 689mm in size.
Providing convenient storage throughout the cabin, the new C3 is fitted with front and rear door cubby holes, compartments in the central fascia and central armrest, as well as a handy sliding drawer beneath the front passenger seat.

EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE

One of Citroën’s key objectives in the development of new C3 was to maximise efficiency.  A design emphasis was placed on minimising the car’s overall weight and optimising the aerodynamic performance - new C3 boasts a Cd of 0.30 - helping the model to deliver excellent fuel economy and low CO₂ emissions.
With its agile frame and optimised aerodynamic profile, new C3 is effortless to manoeuvre with a responsive feel. Utilising Citroën’s extensive knowledge of combining smooth road manners with precise handling, new C3’s MacPherson-type front suspension, new rear axle with flexible traverse beam and variable electric power steering, all combine to strike the best balance between ride comfort and road holding.  The refined running gear benefits from a range of suspension settings adapted to the power and torque of each engine.  Light steering at low speeds and the 10.2m turning circle make the new C3 an ideal vehicle for city driving.
Benefitting from Citroën’s family of efficient power-plants, the new C3 will be offered with an extensive choice of four petrol engines and three HDi diesels, with a Special Edition Airdream+ 1.6HDi 90hp available from launch emitting just 99g/km of CO₂ - the first production Citroën to emit less than 100g/km.
The three critically acclaimed HDi diesels - 1.4HDi 8V 70hp, 1.6HDi 16V 90hp and 1.6HDi 16V 110hp - all emit 115g/km of CO₂ or less.  The 1.6HDi 16V 110hp and the 1.6HDi 16V 90hp Euro V engines (the latter being specified in the Airdream+), are fitted with Citroën’s lauded DPFS (Diesel Particulate Filter System). 
The four petrol engines - 1.1i 8V 61hp, 1.4i 8V 75hp, 1.4 16V VTi 95hp and 1.6 16V VTi 120hp - emit between 134g/km and 158g/km of CO₂.  The VTi 95hp and VTi 120hp are from Citroën’s family of refined and economical BMW co-developed power-plants.
For drivers keeping a close eye on their fuel costs, the new C3 delivers excellent combined cycle fuel economy of up to 48.7mpg for petrol models and 74.3mpg for diesel-powered versions.
All engines are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, apart from the 1.6HDi 16V 110hp, which has a 6-speed manual transmission.  The 1.6 VTi 120hp is offered with a choice of either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions.
From 2011, new C3 will be available with even more efficient power-trains - as well as Citroën’s second generation Stop & Start system.  Two diesel versions will emit CO₂ at just 90g/km and 95g/km, whilst models fitted with Citroën’s new generation 3-cylinder petrol engines will emit less than 100g/km.

TECHNOLOGY

New C3 can be specified with a range of convenient driver aids, including cruise control with speed limiter, the new Gear Efficiency Indicator (GEI) that helps drivers maximise fuel economy and even rear parking sensors.  The new C3 is also available with Citroën’s integrated MyWay satellite navigation and multi-media system, which incorporates European mapping, a wide aspect colour screen, live traffic information and Bluetooth®.
For a rich audio experience, new C3 can be equipped with an all-new Hi-Fi sound system, which features an additional speaker in the centre of the dashboard and an amplified subwoofer in the boot.
Designed for those who like to travel with their music library, new C3 is always well connected with an auxiliary socket fitted as standard across the range - meaning portable music players can always be hooked up to the car’s audio system.  Customers can also specify a USB box that features an integrated socket on the central console.  This allows users to connect, play and control portable media devices through the car’s audio system with the song title and information shown on the audio display.
The optional Bluetooth® hands-free equipment allows drivers to stay safely in contact on the road and conveniently enables music stored on mobile phones to be streamed wirelessly through the audio system - without the need for connective cabling.  
As a neat example of technology meeting stylish design, Exclusive models equipped with the optional Visibility Pack (automatic headlights, automatic wipers and electrochrome interior rear-view mirror), also gain a row of three white LED lights that illuminate the upper dashboard and central console from above. 

SAFETY

With high levels of both active and passive safety, including a reinforced cabin structure, the new C3 is a reassuringly secure environment for both driver and passengers.
For confident stopping power, all models are fitted as standard with front ventilated disc brakes and ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and EBA (Emergency Braking Assistance).  Providing even more assured handling in low-grip conditions, ESP is also available.
From the VTR+ trim level, all models are specified as standard with six airbags (driver, front passenger, front lateral and curtain), and for the secure fitment of child seats, all models are equipped with two Isofix mountings on the rear side seats. 

TRIM LEVELS

The new C3 will be offered in Citroën’s three core trim levels - VT, VTR+ and Exclusive - with a Special Edition Airdream+ that emits just 99g/km of CO₂.
Representing outstanding value-for-money, the entry-level VT models features generous levels of standard equipment, including an MP3-compatible radio/CD player with steering mounted controls, electrically adjustable door mirrors, front electric windows and a multi-function on-board trip computer.
At the heart of the range, the VTR+ trim gains the sensational panoramic Zenith windscreen, air-conditioning, 15” alloy wheels, front fog lights, leather steering wheel and cruise control with speed limiter.
The range-topping Exclusive models offers premium levels of design and comfort with additional equipment such as digital air-conditioning, front and rear ‘one-touch’ electric windows, electrically folding and heated door mirrors, part-Alcantara upholstery, 16” alloy wheels and dark tinted rear windows.
The Special Edition Airdream+ will be Citroën’s first production model to emit less than 100g/km of CO₂ and represents the greenest choice for the environmentally conscious motorist.  Based on the VTR+ trim level, it gains two additional features as standard - rear parking sensors and Bluetooth® with USB box. 

PRICES

Prices start at just £10,790 for the entry-level 1.1i 61hp VT petrol model, rising to £16,140 for the range-topping 1.6HDi 110hp 6-speed manual Exclusive.  
At the heart of the model line-up, offering an excellent balance of value and equipment, VTR+ models start at £12,690 for the petrol versions and £13,790 for the HDi-powered equivalent.

* Production commences in March 2010  

** On the road prices include VAT @ 17.5%

From launch, new C3 will be available with a fixed price - low cost to the retail consumer - servicing offer.  Priced at just £199 (inc. VAT), this will cover all recommended and scheduled servicing, and brake fluid replacement for up to 3 years/35,000 miles. 

INSURANCE GROUP RATINGS 

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