Citroën C3

The C3 follows on from the C3 Lumière concept car presented at the 1998 Paris Motor Show, which illustrated the design options explored by Citroën for its future B segment vehicle. With the new C3, Citroën adopts a new approach to compact vehicle design.

Slotting naturally into the Citroën line-up between Saxo and Xsara, the new Citroën C3 achieves its individual style from an innovative design that features two arches running the length of the body. The C3 is a further example of the renewed vitality of the Citroën range, illustrated in particular by the recent launches of the Xsara Picasso and the C5.

Designed by Citroën’s Styling Centre, the C3 has a strong and original personality conveyed through expressive styling. Its roomy architecture makes it light, spacious, friendly and accessible. The new architectural design is reflected in the external width (1.67 m) and height (1.52 m), which are exceptional for a vehicle of this length (3.85 m).

Making life on board more comfortable, more relaxed and safer, the Citroën C3’s specification will include the availability of a large, electrically-operated glass sunroof and automatic air conditioning, along with all the benefits of multiplex wiring. A rear parking sensor, automatic rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, ‘black panel’ night-time instrument lighting and automatic activation of the hazard warning lights under heavy braking are just some of the features made possible by multiplex wiring.

In the huge load area, Citroën has scored another first with the introduction of the ‘Moduboard’® boot, designed to separate the boot into compartments and offering many different layout possibilities. When it is not required, the ‘Moduboard’® can be stored against the back of the rear seats for increased convenience.

Another neat touch is the availability of a ‘child pack’. This pack includes activation of the child locks from the dashboard, a 12 volt socket at the rear and ‘aircraft-style’ trays on the back of the front seats. It also features a ‘child mirror’, which is located below the rear view mirror and allows the driver to keep an eye on children in the rear seats.