Citro"en C3 is updated for hatchback battling in 2013 [w/video]

Thu, 07 Mar 2013

As promised, Citroën has brought along its new C3 to Geneva this year, with high hopes that the hatchback will be a strong competitor versus the hegemony of Golf in the European compact market. (And a worsening market, at that.)

The C3's gigantic windshield is still in place for the 2013 model year, though revisions to the grille, LED running lamps, taillights and front/rear fascias can be seen. Engine choices now include two three-cylinder gasoline engines, in 68- and 82-horsepower flavors, as well as a 120-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder. A very Gallic selection of four diesel motors is also on tap, with outputs ranging from 70 to 115 horsepower. UK buyers will see the new C3 in dealerships starting this summer.

Citroën's full press release for the updated C3 can be found below, and our live images from Geneva are in the attached gallery. You'll also find the official C3 debut video, just below.

NEW CITROËN C3 TO MAKE WORLD DEBUT AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

- World premiere of newly restyled Citroën C3 at Geneva Motor Show
- New styling, interior designs, technology & improved engine performance
- PureTech petrol engines offer 15% power increase & 25% cut in fuel consumption
- Almost 3 million Citroën C3 models sold worldwide since 2002

22/02/13 -- The new Citroën C3 will make its world debut at the 83rd Geneva Motor Show next month. Having sold almost 3 million examples since the model's launch in 2002, this already popular model now has fresh features to strengthen and enhance its appeal.

This latest Citroën C3, which is set for launch in early summer 2013 in the UK, reasserts its unique qualities with;
- 'Créative Technologie' in the shape of the panoramic Zenith windscreen, a proven success with customers that provides best-in-class visibility
- Efficient engines to deliver CO2 emissions as low as 87g/km, with the option of the brand's new PureTech 3-cylinder petrol powerplants that deliver up to 15% more power and a 25% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the previous generation 4-cylinder units they replace
- More personality with assertive styling, a revitalised front end and new tail lights
- Even more occupant comfort with enhanced upholstery choices and new equipment including a reversing camera to make manoeuvres easier

UNIQUE PERSONALITY WITH NEW STYLING

The exterior of the new Citroën C3 combines soft curves with dynamic taut lines. A restyled front end creates a new 'face' with updated chevrons and bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights. There are expressive new tail light clusters combined with new reflectors set underneath the rear bumper. A new Ink blue body paint is also available, expanding the range's palette to a total of nine colours.

Inside, the cabin is finely crafted with top-quality materials, including chrome detailing and a thermo-coated soft-touch dashboard. This can be underlined with new dashboard strips in matt black, a warm brown or Moondust grey, which coordinate with the new style upholstery. The instrument cluster is also backlit in white for a contemporary look and easier-to-read driving information.

COMPACT YET SPACIOUS
One of the most compact vehicles in its segment - 3.94m long & 1.71m wide - with a 10.8m turning circle, the new C3 is perfectly proportioned for city driving, and also offers a spacious and practical interior.

The 300-litre boot is among the largest in its class and there is an abundance of storage compartments, including in the central console, glove box and central armrest. The semi-high seats make for easy access and give occupants a commanding view of their surroundings.

OFFERING NEW AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCES
The new Citroën C3 retains the unique Zenith windscreen - a standout feature of the model - which provides best-in-segment visibility and is a true technological feat for a whole new driving experience. The Zenith windscreen increases the upward field of vision for front passengers by 80° and combines with ultra-slim pillars to give a panoramic view of the road ahead. The screen also provides solar protection at the top, which gradually merges into clear glass for an optimum field of vision.

Engineered for comfort on the road, with a cabin that is well insulated against external noise and vibration, the new Citroën C3 is even available with an integrated air freshener that gives all occupants a real sense of well-being.

For added user convenience, the new Citroën C3 is available with a reversing camera and parking sensors, together with equipment such as an RD4 MP3 audio system, Connecting Box (Bluetooth® hands-free kit, jack plug and USB socket), eMyWay navigation and a powerful HiFi System®.

IMPRESSIVE & EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE
At ease in the city or out on the open road, the new C3 offers well-balanced road manners, closely controlled kerb weight, optimised drag of only 0.30 and a range of responsive and efficient engines.

The new C3 can be powered by Citroën's new-generation PureTech 3-cylinder petrol engines with a 1.0 or 1.2-litre capacity. Lively and responsive to drive, but fuel and CO2 efficient, some 52 patents were filed in the development of the new engines to help bring down weight and bulk, optimise combustion and reduce friction with the aim of improving fuel and CO2 efficiency by around 25%.

The VTi 68 and VTi 82 PureTech engines achieve impressively low fuel consumption, between 62.8 and 65.7mpg, and CO2 emissions between 99 and 104g/km. A VTi 120 engine is also available with a manual or automatic gearbox.

In addition, the new Citroën C3 will be available in the UK with four diesel engines - HDi 70, e-HDi 70, HDi 90 and e-HDi 115. The three powerplants with the brand's micro-hybrid e-HDi technology boast the most efficient Stop & Start system on the market with some of the best fuel efficiency and lowest CO2 emissions in the class - from as low as 87 g/km.

By Seyth Miersma