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Cheeky
Citroen full of French charisma
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The
chic interior.
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The
Citroen C3, a perfect inner-city vehicle.
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Citroen
Specs
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Price:
SX Manual $19,990
Exclusive $20,990
Exclusive auto $22,990
0-100 km/h
14.2 seconds
Economy
8.2 l/100km city
5.0 l/100km h/way
Warranty
3 years/60,000 kilometres
Options
Leather $2500 and
Sunroof $1500
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There’s
no two ways about it – the Citroen C3 is one of those cars you
can’t help falling in love with even before you sit behind the
wheel.
Most other hatches are rather bland, but the French mini is cute,
funky, charismatic and, best of all, is reasonably priced!
The C3 is the replacement for the legendary 2CV – a sedan that
was as recognisable as Bridget Bardot and a car that justifiably developed
a reputation as a tough, reliable and economical workhorse.
The C3 isn’t obviously retro but it does make a similar impact.
The high roof gives a light airy feeling and the curved front pillars
and short, abrupt snout makes sure this car stands out in the crowd.
Citroen has done its research and expects the C3 to appeal to young
women who might see the car as not only a functional buy but as an
appropriate fashion accessory.
Colouful interior trim on the Exclusive model I drove is heavy on
plastics and the door trim has an interesting pimple finish.
The extra $1000 for the Exclusive also provides anti-lock brakes,
fog lights, arm rests for the front seats and velour upholstery.
The driving position is reasonably upright, the seat high off the
floor but the steering wheel is adjustable for both height and reach
to ensure driving comfort. Foot room in the rear is restricted but
acceptable for short trips.
Behind the wheel the driver is provided with an excellent view and
more than ample seat adjustment to fit all but the most outrageous
shapes.
A modern dashboard with a large digital speedo and a central screen
shows the time, date and stereo settings. The arched strip rev counter
above the speedo fits in with the design but is hard to read when
the sun is directed at the dash.
The big hatchback provides excellent luggage space and the rear seats
are split for carrying awkward loads. Safety is taken care of with
four air bags and a dash-mounted door lock button provides added security.
As in many French-designed cars, the C3 has a number of clever features
including electrically operated child safety locks for the back doors
and a rear washer/wiper that provides a full 180 degree clean.
For Australian motorists who turn their nose up at any car with a
capacity of less than two litres, the C3’s 1400cc engine might
appear inadequate.
With the optional auto I would agree and potential buyers should wait
for the 1600cc version which currently powers the smaller engined
Xsara. It is expected to be released within six months.
I know from a previous road test that the Xsara’s engine is smooth
and reasonably pokey.
However, in Europe with the high cost of fuel, manufacturers have
extracted maximum performance from small capacity engines.
And the C3 in five-speed manual form is reasonably nippy (power output
is 57kW at 5400rpm) in the city and provides adequate performance
on the open road.
Suspension is not particularly sophisticated with front strut/rear
torsion bar set-up.
In a typically French manner, Citroen has done a pretty good job and
the ride is compliant, yet gives the driver excellent control. Handling
is also good for its class and the electric-assist steering makes
parking a breeze.
In an emergency the disc/drum brakes do an excellent job while in
the Exclusive, anti-lock brakes and electronic brake distribution
further assist the driver in critical situations.
The hazard lights come on during hard braking, providing another safety
feature.
The mini-class is expanding rapidly with the Honda Jazz, Renault Cleo,
Peugeot 206, Hyundai Getz, Kia Rio and Mazda 2.
All are good cars and readers of the column know I recently tested
the excellent Mazda 2.
However, the 2, for example, primarily appeals to logic whereas the
C3 appeals to the emotions.
Ateco, the Citroen importer, expects to sell more than 1000 cars in
its first year.
Judging by the response from friends who insisted on being taken for
a drive in the French cutie I expect the importers will find it difficult
to satisfy demand.
I admit I didn’t want to give the car back. On paper there appears
to be little to really grab your interest in the C3, but in reality
the quirky French manufacturer has built a very loveable package. |
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