Seen here ahead of its official debut at the Paris Auto Show later this year is Citroën’s all-new, third-generation C3 hatchback.
The all-new model as per our first look is about the size of Ford’s Fiesta and it borrows more than a handful of design cues from the head-turning C4 Cactus crossover that made its official debut during the 2014 edition of the Geneva Auto Show. The new Citroen C3 features a tall front end with a thin grille, slim LED daytime running lights, and headlights positioned much lower than on the current model.
Designers have ditched the arched silhouette that has characterized the Citroen C3 since the first-gen model debuted in 2002 in favor of a slightly boxier design. Like the Cactus, it features plastic cladding over the wheel arches and the rocker panels, as well as funky Airbump panels that protect the body from dings and dents. However, buyers who haven’t warmed up to idea of driving a car with massive plastic cladding on both sides can order the C3 without the Airbump panels.
The cabin was developed with an emphasis on comfort and tech. Notably, the C3 ushers in Citroën’s ConnectCam technology that’s built around a high-resolution camera integrated into the back of the rear-view mirror. It lets the driver take pictures that can be saved, sent to a mobile device, or shared on social media networks. Alternatively, it automatically turns on if it detects that an accident is imminent and records footage for up to a minute and a half.
A dash-mounted seven-inch touch screen runs the C3’s infotainment system. The software is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, features that are still relatively rare in Europe.
Mechanically, the next Citroen C3 is more of an evolution than a revolution. The palette of engines includes a trio of gasoline-burning three-cylinder mills rated at 50kW, 61kW, and 82kW, respectively, and a four-cylinder turbodiesel available with either 55kW or 82 watts. Front-wheel drive with either a five or a six-speed manual transmission come standard, and a six-speed automatic is offered at an extra cost on select engines.
The 2017 Citroën C3 will go on sale before the end of the year. Pricing information will be announced closer to its on-sale date.
