Citroen C3. 2012

In 2012, the French automaker plans to secure a place in the top three of the European market, although today it ranks only seventh in EU sales. The ambitious plan is ready, and the fresh Citroen C3 plays a key role in it.

Test Pilot

Maxim Fedorov, 32 years old, automotive journalist, driving experience: 6 years, personal car — Ford Focus II

2010 Citroen C3
© Photo: Citroen

Citroen's sales dynamics over the past decade are impressive — almost double growth. However, the promise to break into the top three in just a couple of years seems as plausible as the apocalypse according to the Mayan calendar, scheduled for the same 2012. Here you can't even tell who to trust more: ancient prophecies or marketing calculations. True, the latter have a weighty argument — the new C3. With its arrival, the company hopes to increase its share in the B-segment from 6.5% to 10%, that is, by one and a half times. And if the French manage to win back a tenth of the most coveted piece of the European market, where 40% of all sales are concentrated, the goal could become real.

The hatchback, created under the motto Creative Technologie, has already reached European dealers and started quite successfully. It attracted the attention of passers-by even during a test drive in the vicinity of Rome. Italians, it would seem, are hard to surprise, but the C3 did it with ease. The main "magnet" for glances was the huge Zenith panoramic glass. The idea itself is not new, but in this class such a solution is used for the first time. Real creativity!

The design is also pure creativity. And if compared with its predecessor, the quality of trim materials has stepped far forward. Outside, the car looks more solid, which is greatly facilitated by larger diameter wheels: the minimum has grown from 14 to 15 inches, the maximum — to 17.

Looking at the new C3, it's hard to believe that it is one of the shortest cars in its class. However, compactness is only in length: in width, height, and capacity, it surpasses many rivals. Engineers resorted to various tricks to make the cabin more spacious. The front seat backs became 3 cm thinner for legroom for rear passengers, and the glove box was recessed deeper into the front panel, saving an additional 8 cm for the front occupant's knees.

At the same time, the car has noticeably lost weight compared to its predecessor — minus 60–80 kg. Consider that we now carry one passenger "for free." And how we carry! The new C3 is perhaps the most driver-oriented Citroen. The senior petrol engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters, created jointly with BMW engineers, delivers all 120 horsepower, and it lacks only one thing — a more precise and collected transmission, which currently seems too "stretched."

"Zenith" — Champion!

2010 Citroen C3
© Photo: Citroen

The idea of the Zenith panoramic glass, which expands the view for front passengers almost fourfold — from 28 to 108 degrees — was first tested on the old C3. Then the experimenters simply cut out part of the roof and windshield, inserting a curved sheet of plexiglass in their place. They drove around, assessed — seems fine! They showed it to the management — they were delighted. The implementation was entrusted to the technologists of Saint-Gobain Securit, the largest manufacturer of automotive glass, after which crash tests were conducted to ensure that panoramic glazing does not harm safety. However, Zenith will be available only in top trims. And those aiming for such a car should know about the nuances. For example, the thin retractable sun visors that come with the blind do not have vanity mirrors — the body is too thin. And if you order a rain sensor (it is attached at the interior mirror), a thin but noticeable wiring harness will stretch from it to the roof.

Love — Don't Love

THE INTERIOR is trimmed with expensive materials, looks stylish. Stylish

THE Hi-Fi AUDIO SYSTEM is available for an extra charge. Soundly

THE TRUNK has grown to 300 liters, and a full-size spare wheel fits in it. Practical

2010 Citroen C3
© Photo: Citroen

Advantages and Disadvantages

+ Spacious cabin, quality trim, stylish design, panoramic glass, good handling, price.
- Stiff suspension, "stretched" transmission, uncomfortable armrest.

Technical Specifications

Make and model — Citroen C3
Dimensions — 3940x1730x1520 mm
Engine — petrol, 1598 cm3, 120 hp/6000 rpm

2010 Citroen C3
© Photo: Citroen

Transmission — manual, 5-speed
Dynamics — max 190 km/h; 8.9 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Ford Fiesta, Mazda2, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 207

Our Opinion

The design and "premium" quality of the interior trim favorably distinguish the new Citroen C3 from competitors. The original Zenith windshield is another plus in the "Frenchman's" piggy bank of advantages. At the same time, the new model is only €100 more expensive than its predecessor. But that's in Europe: we will find out Russian prices closer to May.