Citroen C3 1.6 (A) Review
09 Nov 2010|17,957 views
With so many well-made, luxurious-like, fuel-efficient, small hatchbacks coming out at the moment, you'll find marketing lads on launches anxiously impressing the press with their supermini's Unique Selling Point. Be it dimensions or standard equipment levels, they have, to a certain level, succeeded.
Or so they thought.
Citroen recently came up with something that's going to be hard to beat - the all- new C3. It's an elegant, sophisticated and unique 5-door sweetheart designed for the modern family. Whatever the French designers and engineers did, they nailed the spot.
With its contemporary, dynamic profile and a panoramic windshield stretching far into the roofline, it's a car that sets new standards in the hatchback segment.
Exterior
Styling-wise, Citroen has done fairly well by designing creative headlamps that look subtle yet a tad aggressive and offering pastel colours long forgotten by the automotive industry like the baby blue (also known as Boticelli Blue).
This small, compact car looks attractive with its modern lines and seductive styling. On the fascia, the C3 now has a more sporty design with its noticeable gaping trapezoidal front grille.
Or so they thought.
Citroen recently came up with something that's going to be hard to beat - the all- new C3. It's an elegant, sophisticated and unique 5-door sweetheart designed for the modern family. Whatever the French designers and engineers did, they nailed the spot.
With its contemporary, dynamic profile and a panoramic windshield stretching far into the roofline, it's a car that sets new standards in the hatchback segment.
Exterior
Styling-wise, Citroen has done fairly well by designing creative headlamps that look subtle yet a tad aggressive and offering pastel colours long forgotten by the automotive industry like the baby blue (also known as Boticelli Blue).
This small, compact car looks attractive with its modern lines and seductive styling. On the fascia, the C3 now has a more sporty design with its noticeable gaping trapezoidal front grille.
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Main highlight of the exterior (or the interior) is the distinctive panoramic Zenith windscreen, which flows nicely over the heads of the front occupants.
As you can see from the pictures below, the front piece of glass goes all the way into the roofline. Citroen deserves two thumbs up for its innovation because as time moves on, safety concerns and styling trends are forcing more glass out of the cabin, making cars look less creative.
Side styling treatment includes a low waistline and instead of black rubbing strips on the doors, there are now contoured styling lines pressed into the metal.
Similarly to the sides, thin metal strips are also evident at the top end of the windscreen, around the honeycomb grille, on the side mirrors, door handles as well as the trunk.
 |
Interior
It's clear that Citroen went out of its way to make the C3 cabin environment feel special. There's a vast range of different textures and finishes around the interior and some engaging design features.
One of which that is worth mentioning is the sweet fragrance of the integrated air freshener - something not many cars have.
It may seem low on paper but the headroom is magically uncompromised. Moreover, the feeling of spaciousness in the cabin is accentuated by the panoramic tinted windscreen with optimum overhead sun protection that sweeps farther back than usual.
The screen provides a pleasing journey for driver and passengers and it certainly improves the visibility as well as the ambience of the interior.
Should you wish, there's a large inner sliding sunblind and sunvisors that draws down as far as most cars' ceilings if the light gets too much.
It's clear that Citroen went out of its way to make the C3 cabin environment feel special. There's a vast range of different textures and finishes around the interior and some engaging design features.
One of which that is worth mentioning is the sweet fragrance of the integrated air freshener - something not many cars have.
It may seem low on paper but the headroom is magically uncompromised. Moreover, the feeling of spaciousness in the cabin is accentuated by the panoramic tinted windscreen with optimum overhead sun protection that sweeps farther back than usual.
The screen provides a pleasing journey for driver and passengers and it certainly improves the visibility as well as the ambience of the interior.
Should you wish, there's a large inner sliding sunblind and sunvisors that draws down as far as most cars' ceilings if the light gets too much.
It may seem a little odd without it but once you get use to it, it's quite pleasant to see the sun glazing above your head and the rear-view mirror marooned in a sea of glass.
Praises goes to Citroen's design team. With the silvery plastic swathed across the dashboard, it looks rather fun and classy instead of cheap and nasty. The upmarket look of the dashboard is further enhanced by the dashes of chrome linings and soft touch materials.
Additionally, the car fits well into the 21st century as it offers USB connection, iPod and Bluetooth functionality. Seats are comfortable and they provide generous amounts of space for all occupants, ensuring exceptional pilot and passenger comfort.
However, the only setback in this aspect is that the seats aren't upholstered in leather, which could be a tad disappointing.
Nonetheless, the plus points overwhelm the quibbles hands down. Measuring in at 3.94m long and 1.73m wide, not only is the C3 ideal for nipping in and out of small spaces, it also offers a surprising 300 litres of boot space, making it the best in its class.
Praises goes to Citroen's design team. With the silvery plastic swathed across the dashboard, it looks rather fun and classy instead of cheap and nasty. The upmarket look of the dashboard is further enhanced by the dashes of chrome linings and soft touch materials.
Additionally, the car fits well into the 21st century as it offers USB connection, iPod and Bluetooth functionality. Seats are comfortable and they provide generous amounts of space for all occupants, ensuring exceptional pilot and passenger comfort.
However, the only setback in this aspect is that the seats aren't upholstered in leather, which could be a tad disappointing.
Nonetheless, the plus points overwhelm the quibbles hands down. Measuring in at 3.94m long and 1.73m wide, not only is the C3 ideal for nipping in and out of small spaces, it also offers a surprising 300 litres of boot space, making it the best in its class.
 |
Drivetrain
On the go, the Citroen C3 has a very composed ride that lets it glide over ruts and bumps with a grace belying its supermini status.
This 1.6VTi engine and four-speed automatic transmission are a good match. They deliver decent acceleration, with loads of usable torque from just under 2,000rpm. Step on the right pedal and it can be quite quick indeed.
The C3's suspension is comfort biased and is a little soft, which prioritise getting your eggs home in one piece over cornering speeds. That said the car still has a fine performance on the road, displaying high levels of grip. Take on a bend at higher speed and body lean greets you.
Handling is generally very accomplished, marred only by the steering that's a little too light, especially when the car is travelling above the speed limit on the highway.
And although engine noise is evident when pushed hard, the degree of insulation against noise and vibration around small roads makes you wonder if the vehicle has been assembled secretly by a luxurious car make.
On the go, the Citroen C3 has a very composed ride that lets it glide over ruts and bumps with a grace belying its supermini status.
This 1.6VTi engine and four-speed automatic transmission are a good match. They deliver decent acceleration, with loads of usable torque from just under 2,000rpm. Step on the right pedal and it can be quite quick indeed.
The C3's suspension is comfort biased and is a little soft, which prioritise getting your eggs home in one piece over cornering speeds. That said the car still has a fine performance on the road, displaying high levels of grip. Take on a bend at higher speed and body lean greets you.
Handling is generally very accomplished, marred only by the steering that's a little too light, especially when the car is travelling above the speed limit on the highway.
And although engine noise is evident when pushed hard, the degree of insulation against noise and vibration around small roads makes you wonder if the vehicle has been assembled secretly by a luxurious car make.
Conclusion
In an effort to catch the eye of a larger segment of customers including women and young and first-car buyers, Citroen came out with a car that has a level of refinement hardly associated with its segment.
Apart from being one of the most compact, light weight vehicles in its segment, the all-new Citroen C3 looks expensive and it certainly has a higher level in style and quality over other popular hatchbacks. I reckon this feature could be a big selling point for potential buyers.
More than anything else, it's that big piece of glass that makes driving the new C3 a memorable experience.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
In an effort to catch the eye of a larger segment of customers including women and young and first-car buyers, Citroen came out with a car that has a level of refinement hardly associated with its segment.
Apart from being one of the most compact, light weight vehicles in its segment, the all-new Citroen C3 looks expensive and it certainly has a higher level in style and quality over other popular hatchbacks. I reckon this feature could be a big selling point for potential buyers.
More than anything else, it's that big piece of glass that makes driving the new C3 a memorable experience.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
With so many well-made, luxurious-like, fuel-efficient, small hatchbacks coming out at the moment, you'll find marketing lads on launches anxiously impressing the press with their supermini's Unique Selling Point. Be it dimensions or standard equipment levels, they have, to a certain level, succeeded.
Or so they thought.
Citroen recently came up with something that's going to be hard to beat - the all- new C3. It's an elegant, sophisticated and unique 5-door sweetheart designed for the modern family. Whatever the French designers and engineers did, they nailed the spot.
With its contemporary, dynamic profile and a panoramic windshield stretching far into the roofline, it's a car that sets new standards in the hatchback segment.
Exterior
Styling-wise, Citroen has done fairly well by designing creative headlamps that look subtle yet a tad aggressive and offering pastel colours long forgotten by the automotive industry like the baby blue (also known as Boticelli Blue).
This small, compact car looks attractive with its modern lines and seductive styling. On the fascia, the C3 now has a more sporty design with its noticeable gaping trapezoidal front grille.
Or so they thought.
Citroen recently came up with something that's going to be hard to beat - the all- new C3. It's an elegant, sophisticated and unique 5-door sweetheart designed for the modern family. Whatever the French designers and engineers did, they nailed the spot.
With its contemporary, dynamic profile and a panoramic windshield stretching far into the roofline, it's a car that sets new standards in the hatchback segment.
Exterior
Styling-wise, Citroen has done fairly well by designing creative headlamps that look subtle yet a tad aggressive and offering pastel colours long forgotten by the automotive industry like the baby blue (also known as Boticelli Blue).
This small, compact car looks attractive with its modern lines and seductive styling. On the fascia, the C3 now has a more sporty design with its noticeable gaping trapezoidal front grille.
|
Main highlight of the exterior (or the interior) is the distinctive panoramic Zenith windscreen, which flows nicely over the heads of the front occupants.
As you can see from the pictures below, the front piece of glass goes all the way into the roofline. Citroen deserves two thumbs up for its innovation because as time moves on, safety concerns and styling trends are forcing more glass out of the cabin, making cars look less creative.
Side styling treatment includes a low waistline and instead of black rubbing strips on the doors, there are now contoured styling lines pressed into the metal.
Similarly to the sides, thin metal strips are also evident at the top end of the windscreen, around the honeycomb grille, on the side mirrors, door handles as well as the trunk.
|
Interior
It's clear that Citroen went out of its way to make the C3 cabin environment feel special. There's a vast range of different textures and finishes around the interior and some engaging design features.
One of which that is worth mentioning is the sweet fragrance of the integrated air freshener - something not many cars have.
It may seem low on paper but the headroom is magically uncompromised. Moreover, the feeling of spaciousness in the cabin is accentuated by the panoramic tinted windscreen with optimum overhead sun protection that sweeps farther back than usual.
The screen provides a pleasing journey for driver and passengers and it certainly improves the visibility as well as the ambience of the interior.
Should you wish, there's a large inner sliding sunblind and sunvisors that draws down as far as most cars' ceilings if the light gets too much.
It's clear that Citroen went out of its way to make the C3 cabin environment feel special. There's a vast range of different textures and finishes around the interior and some engaging design features.
One of which that is worth mentioning is the sweet fragrance of the integrated air freshener - something not many cars have.
It may seem low on paper but the headroom is magically uncompromised. Moreover, the feeling of spaciousness in the cabin is accentuated by the panoramic tinted windscreen with optimum overhead sun protection that sweeps farther back than usual.
The screen provides a pleasing journey for driver and passengers and it certainly improves the visibility as well as the ambience of the interior.
Should you wish, there's a large inner sliding sunblind and sunvisors that draws down as far as most cars' ceilings if the light gets too much.
It may seem a little odd without it but once you get use to it, it's quite pleasant to see the sun glazing above your head and the rear-view mirror marooned in a sea of glass.
Praises goes to Citroen's design team. With the silvery plastic swathed across the dashboard, it looks rather fun and classy instead of cheap and nasty. The upmarket look of the dashboard is further enhanced by the dashes of chrome linings and soft touch materials.
Additionally, the car fits well into the 21st century as it offers USB connection, iPod and Bluetooth functionality. Seats are comfortable and they provide generous amounts of space for all occupants, ensuring exceptional pilot and passenger comfort.
However, the only setback in this aspect is that the seats aren't upholstered in leather, which could be a tad disappointing.
Nonetheless, the plus points overwhelm the quibbles hands down. Measuring in at 3.94m long and 1.73m wide, not only is the C3 ideal for nipping in and out of small spaces, it also offers a surprising 300 litres of boot space, making it the best in its class.
Praises goes to Citroen's design team. With the silvery plastic swathed across the dashboard, it looks rather fun and classy instead of cheap and nasty. The upmarket look of the dashboard is further enhanced by the dashes of chrome linings and soft touch materials.
Additionally, the car fits well into the 21st century as it offers USB connection, iPod and Bluetooth functionality. Seats are comfortable and they provide generous amounts of space for all occupants, ensuring exceptional pilot and passenger comfort.
However, the only setback in this aspect is that the seats aren't upholstered in leather, which could be a tad disappointing.
Nonetheless, the plus points overwhelm the quibbles hands down. Measuring in at 3.94m long and 1.73m wide, not only is the C3 ideal for nipping in and out of small spaces, it also offers a surprising 300 litres of boot space, making it the best in its class.
|
Drivetrain
On the go, the Citroen C3 has a very composed ride that lets it glide over ruts and bumps with a grace belying its supermini status.
This 1.6VTi engine and four-speed automatic transmission are a good match. They deliver decent acceleration, with loads of usable torque from just under 2,000rpm. Step on the right pedal and it can be quite quick indeed.
The C3's suspension is comfort biased and is a little soft, which prioritise getting your eggs home in one piece over cornering speeds. That said the car still has a fine performance on the road, displaying high levels of grip. Take on a bend at higher speed and body lean greets you.
Handling is generally very accomplished, marred only by the steering that's a little too light, especially when the car is travelling above the speed limit on the highway.
And although engine noise is evident when pushed hard, the degree of insulation against noise and vibration around small roads makes you wonder if the vehicle has been assembled secretly by a luxurious car make.
On the go, the Citroen C3 has a very composed ride that lets it glide over ruts and bumps with a grace belying its supermini status.
This 1.6VTi engine and four-speed automatic transmission are a good match. They deliver decent acceleration, with loads of usable torque from just under 2,000rpm. Step on the right pedal and it can be quite quick indeed.
The C3's suspension is comfort biased and is a little soft, which prioritise getting your eggs home in one piece over cornering speeds. That said the car still has a fine performance on the road, displaying high levels of grip. Take on a bend at higher speed and body lean greets you.
Handling is generally very accomplished, marred only by the steering that's a little too light, especially when the car is travelling above the speed limit on the highway.
And although engine noise is evident when pushed hard, the degree of insulation against noise and vibration around small roads makes you wonder if the vehicle has been assembled secretly by a luxurious car make.
Conclusion
In an effort to catch the eye of a larger segment of customers including women and young and first-car buyers, Citroen came out with a car that has a level of refinement hardly associated with its segment.
Apart from being one of the most compact, light weight vehicles in its segment, the all-new Citroen C3 looks expensive and it certainly has a higher level in style and quality over other popular hatchbacks. I reckon this feature could be a big selling point for potential buyers.
More than anything else, it's that big piece of glass that makes driving the new C3 a memorable experience.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
In an effort to catch the eye of a larger segment of customers including women and young and first-car buyers, Citroen came out with a car that has a level of refinement hardly associated with its segment.
Apart from being one of the most compact, light weight vehicles in its segment, the all-new Citroen C3 looks expensive and it certainly has a higher level in style and quality over other popular hatchbacks. I reckon this feature could be a big selling point for potential buyers.
More than anything else, it's that big piece of glass that makes driving the new C3 a memorable experience.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Car Information
Citroen C3 1.6 VTi (A)
CAT A|Petrol|14.3km/L
Horsepower
89kW (120 bhp)
Torque
160 Nm
Acceleration
10.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Citroen C3
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