Where else can you appreciate the main feature of the new Citroen as well as in the mountains of the Elbrus region, when ice-dazzling peaks hang overhead, and the already confident spring sun shines right at the zenith of the roof?Comments
I first saw the updated Citroen C3 not on the road, but on the pages of the magazine "Sex and the City". The gloss caught highlights on the body, and the new large panoramic windshield reflected the illuminated Eiffel Tower. True, fate prepared a completely different backdrop for this "C3" — instead of Parisian streets, the Kabardino-Balkarian mountains awaited it…
The question is, what is a hundred percent city hatchback doing in the Elbrus region? But it is here, under the blinding glaciers and confident spring sun, that the main highlight of the new Citroen is best revealed.
Zenith panoramic windshield — this is not the usual glass roof with a crossbar between it and the windshield, but a solid transparent dome. The length of the structure is an incredible 1350 mm, and due to the absence of a lintel, the gaze rushes upward at an angle of 108 degrees, whereas usually it is only 28. The French dubbed the technology Visiodrive. The upper part of the dome is tinted, but the sun protection of Zenith is less than 9 units versus the standard 50. That is, in the mountains you can easily get a tan without leaving the car!
However, you can't live on bread alone — what else are the French going to use to conquer the B-segment? The previous C3 was a real bestseller: more than 2 million round "kids" were sold worldwide. But in Russia things were more modest — only 17th place and 1% of sales in the class. The newcomer aims for at least the top ten.
To achieve the goal, the round-cheeked C3 was stretched in profile, bringing it closer to the outlines of the older C4. And it's good that the designers did not abuse fashionable aggressive trends: the car retained a compact, friendly and neat look. Central pillars are almost invisible, making the side glazing seem larger. After all, it was for its cute appearance that the previous model was bought.
The body dimensions are 3.94 m in length, 1.73 m in width and 1.52 m in height. The front optics have become more intricate in shape, and the white accent stripe makes the "look" more expressive; at the rear — boomerang lights. The logo has also been updated. In short, from a simply cute car it has turned into a cute-seductive one.
The palette — 10 colors, among which the soft blue and pure white are especially successful.
Inside, there are no fewer changes. In place of the previous digital instrument cluster with a tachometer arc — familiar analog scales, and on the right there is a window for digital indicators: fuel level, transmission mode and on-board computer data. The steering wheel has become more fashionable, with a pseudo-sporty cut at the bottom. The climate control unit is elegantly designed, in the Parisian spirit.
The materials please with quality: the plastic of the dashboard feels like fabric to the touch. But with space, not everything is so rosy. The car is more spacious than its predecessor, but the boundaries of the B-class have not gone anywhere: in the shoulders at the front it is still a bit cramped.
But the legs are at ease: the pedal assembly is moved forward, and the front passenger has room for knees freed up under the voluminous glove box.
The backs of the front seats have become thinner by 3 cm, but the rear sofa is still a bit cramped, and there is little space above the heads of second-row passengers — especially in versions with a panoramic roof, because the sliding shade takes away space.
But from the inside, the roof looks even more fantastic than from the outside! No panoramic roof can compare with this feeling: there are no obstacles above your head — only the sky. And in some trim levels, there is spot lighting — simply stunning!
But when the emotions subsided, practical thoughts crept in. How much does the "Zenith" cost? Replacing the glass is 26,356 rubles (23,636 — the glass itself, 2,720 — labor). The sun at its zenith is great, rain is romantic… But the weather is not always favorable: in slush, the wipers won't reach above their limit, and in winter, cold will emanate from the glass surface…
However, if desired, the "Zenith" hides behind a sliding shade — it also saves when the sun shines in your eyes. But note, ladies: for the panoramic windshield you will have to give up the mirror in the visor. And also — the heads of rear passengers, because the shade "eats" them. Although, by and large, they don't care what windshield is installed — regular or Zenith.
And yet, if you weigh on one scale the emotions from this glass and its flaws, I would without hesitation sacrifice… the flaws.
The first thing that pleasantly surprised in the restyled C3 was the built-in air freshener. Now you don't need to rack your brains about where to put a standard bottle from an auto store — you just need to buy replacement cartridges from an official dealer. Also pleasing were the iPod and USB connectors, as well as a rearview mirror that automatically dims when blinded by the headlights of oncoming cars, but brightens when reverse gear is engaged.
Another significant plus of the 2010 C3 is noticeably improved sound insulation and a smoother ride. The previous stiffness, when the car rattled on every crack in the asphalt, is gone — the hatchback has become noticeably quieter and more comfortable.
Buyers have access to three powertrains: the base 1.4-liter with 75 hp, as well as two engines developed jointly with BMW — 1.4 and 1.6 liters with 95 and 120 hp, respectively. But here's the catch: the automatic transmission is paired exclusively with the top engine, which will surely disappoint Russian fans of compact hatchbacks accustomed to an automatic gearbox.
On winding mountain roads, I had the opportunity to try both BMW engines. The smaller 1.4 is a typical city dweller: at low revs it frankly lacks torque, and to drive dynamically, you have to constantly keep the engine on its toes. True, in city traffic it is good thanks to its lively throttle response and precise manual gearbox, so in the flow you can easily be among the leaders.
The larger 1.6 has a different problem — it only comes with an automatic transmission. And the automatic here is not particularly quick and sometimes jerks, so only the lively character of the engine saves the day, which can both pull three passengers uphill and confidently accelerate the car during prolonged overtaking. True, in this mode, the C3 is not economical at all.
Perhaps the French acted wisely by distributing engines and gearboxes in this way.
The serpentine is an excellent Nürburgring for assessing stability and handling. Based on the results of such a test, I can say that the French compact confidently holds a straight line and does not break away in corners even at decent speed, although one should not forget about crosswinds and the tall body. But I had the opportunity to test the effectiveness of the brakes repeatedly thanks to Kabardian cows calmly wandering right on the roadway.
Sales of the updated Citroen C3 have already started. The base version with a 1.4-liter 75-hp engine and manual gearbox is priced at a minimum of 500,000 rubles, and with air conditioning — at 525,000 rubles. For the car with the 95-hp engine, you will have to pay from 579,000 rubles, and for the version with the 1.6-liter 120-hp engine and automatic — from 615,500 rubles. The Zenith panoramic windshield is available in trim from 615,500 rubles. The dynamic stability control system is offered for an additional 15,000 rubles, and the same amount will be asked for USB and iPod connectors.
Svetlana Aleeva
Behind the scenes
Where else can you appreciate the main feature of the new Citroen as well as in the mountains of the Elbrus region, when ice-dazzling peaks hang overhead, and the already confident spring sun shines right at the zenith of the roof?Comments 
