Citroen reveals new C3 hatchback

Citroen will unveil its new C3 hatchback at September's Frankfurt Motor show, alongside its new DS3, with sales due to start in early 2010.

The new car, which Citroen says will be bigger, pack more features and be more friendly to the environment, will be offered in a five door body-style only, to complement the three door DS3.

The new car has lots of chrome adorning its curvy shape, and offers as an option a panoramic windscreen that stretches halfway across the roof, which Citroen has dubbed Zenith.

Inside, Citroen has improved the quality of the materials used, and new technologies such as USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity will be offered, along with Citroen's own "MyWay" sat-nav system.

The new C3 will use a slightly modified platform based upon the C3 Picasso and Peugeot 207, and will be slightly bigger than the outgoing model. Measuring 3.94m long and 1.71m wide, the interior promises to be spacious and, especially with the panoramic glass roof, light and airy.

Range of engines will include the familiar 1.4 and 1.6 litre HDi diesels, with a whole new range of engines to follow shortly after.