C3 Overview

Curvaceous design, leading-edge technology, generous specifications, sophisticated safety features and outstanding driving dynamics make the new C3 all beauty and part beast.

A car for the city. A car for urban backstreets. A car for the open road. The car everyone you know will want to possess.

C3 Features

Modern styling, exceptional internal space and luxurious comfort features make the new C3 eye catching and head-turning!

Relax in French refinement - four airbags, pollen-filtered air conditioning, light and nimble power steering, power door mirrors, power front windows and even ABS.

Comfort & Intelligence

Conventional electrics have been ousted by the computer-based multiplex system that both simplifies and speeds servicing and maintenance. This enables the C3 to offer a wider range of standard and optional electrical equipment and features.

Available as an option, headlamps can be programmed to come on automatically at dusk, or when you enter a tunnel or dark underground car park. With this option, these models can be programmed so that when it starts to rain the rain sensitive windscreen wipers turn themselves on. In the event of rapid deceleration, the hazard warning lights are self-activated to alert drivers behind you. An audible over-speed warning tells you if you exceed your pre-programmed speed limit.

You choose - three engines, two gearboxes

The C3's powerful and supple multipoint injection 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol engines offer an enviable blend of performance and economy.

Perfectly matched to the 1.4 engine characteristics is a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 1.6 litre C3 also comes with the choice of a five speed manual gearbox or the automatic tiptronic stle version. The optional auto-adaptive gearbox continuously adapts to your driving style and external conditions by selecting the most appropriate gear. For a more dynamic driving style, you have the option of selecting the gears manually by changing modes.

C3 'Panoramique' - a unique sun-roof

The Citroen C3 'Panoramique' has an optional innovative twin panel glass sun-roof that offers front and back seat occupants the pleasures of open air motoring.

The sunroof runs almost from the top of the windscreen to the leading edge of the rear hatch. It is split into two sections, the front half is electrically powered and offers the choice of tilt opening or six different open settings. For days when there is just too much sun, both sections of the roof are fitted with sun blinds.

Light & space

In the C3 you will benefit from more head, leg and elbow room than any of C3's direct rivals, even more than in some larger cars - now that's impressive interior space!

Helping to keep the interior clutter free and maintain the spacious and comfortable environment, up to 30 convenient storage features are located throughout.

Each of the front doors has a large storage compartment, and the centre console can hold either three soft-drink cans or the C3's movable ashtray, which doubles as an oddment cup.

The tallest vehicle in its class, the Citroen C3 soars at 1.52m, making it possible to raise the position of the giving a clear view of the road and the scenery. The Citroen C3 is easy to get in and out of thanks to a more natural seating and wide opening (68°) of the doors. The rounded windscreen and the location of the B pillar - placed further back than usual - ensure amazing peripheral visibility.

CD stereo with stalk-mounted controls

All C3s are equipped with a 6-speaker radio/CD player (in-dash 5-stack CD player optional) that automatically adjusts the volume settings according to the speed of the car.

For added safety and convenience at your fingertips, stalk-mounted controls are standard in the C3.

Variable power-assisted electric steering

Light and manoeuvrable when parking and progressively firmer at speed, it ensures optimal driver control at all times. Of course, the steering wheel is both height and reach adjustable so creating your ideal driving positions is easy.

Air conditioning

All models feature air conditioning with particle filters.

Multi-function screen

All in one spot, the new C3 multi-function on-board digital screen trip computer allows you to select the information you wish to display on the screen and current fuel consumption, average fuel consumption and speed, distance travelled or distance remaining plus date, time, radio programming and door ajar alert.

One of the biggest boots in its class

The C3 has an exceptional boot capacity of 305 litres. Split fold seats mean the hatch back can carry exceptionally bulky loads.

Storage spaces galore

An easily accessible drawer under the driver's seat is ideal for tucking away this likes of CDs, maps and guidebooks. Front and rear doors are equipped with large capacity storage bins while generous storage space is provided in the lockable glove box.

Style

On the crest of style comes the car you've always desired. The car voted the Most Beautiful Small Car in the World† for 2003. Compact yet generously proportioned, with bold, chic styling, the C3 is a small car designed to make a big statement.

Rounded wings and wheel arches put C3's self-confidence on display, and an expanse of glass opens up panoramic views of the world you desire to be seen in. The curves of the roof, wings, windows, bonnet and doors accentuate the compact design. Even the triangular rear lamp clusters direct the eye to the C3's organic body styling.

The theme continues throughout, with a funky two-tone dashboard that flaunts coordinated digital displays, driver instruments and four circular air vents; it extends to the curved door handles, door catches inset in semi-spherical indents, and elliptical bins in each door.

Loving attention to detail adds to the effect. Sturdy black bumpers, and rubbing strips that run the length of the car. A streamlined grille dominated by a distinctive chrome Citroën chevron, with imposing clear lens headlights on either side. Curvaceous design, leading-edge technology, generous specifications, sophisticated safety features and outstanding driving dynamics combine in the new, stunningly different Citroën C3.

Safety

Intelligent driving

C3 offers a programmable 'over-speed' warning to let you know if you're going too fast, along with powerful 'guide-me-home' headlights that remain on for eight seconds as you alight from your car. To reduce driver fatigue, the instrument cluster has a 'black panel' function that dims the light from the dash to minimise driver distraction. In the event of rapid deceleration, C3's hazard warning lights are activated automatically. Automatic rain-sensitive windscreen wipers and auto lights-on are optional equipment.

Suspension

A car's ability to hold the road under difficult driving conditions plays a major role in accident prevention. While the C3 features a traditional suspension set-up at the front, with Macpherson struts, the rear suspension is a fresh design with a flexible transverse beam linked to an anti-roll bar. The new configuration is a superb combination of comfort and dynamic performance.

Four airbags

Enviably secure. In the event that an accident occurs, the deployment of an airbag (there are four in total) automatically cuts off the fuel supply. All models have two adaptive front airbags (driver and passenger) and two front lateral airbags.

ABS

All models have front disc and rear drum brakes, in addition to ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA). EBD controls brake pressure individually for each wheel, while EBA reduces stopping distances under emergency braking.

Impact protection

Incorporated in the body is ring of steel and energy-absorbing side-impact protection, with a shock-absorbing front bumper and protective side mouldings. In fact, up to 41 per cent of the C3 is made from high-strength steel. This makes the C3 light without compromising safety.

For added driver protection, a steering column 'body block' system is fitted on the steering column. In an accident, the column retracts by 50mm to reduce the risk of chest injury.

Seatbelts

C3 has five 3-point seatbelts. Each, except for the middle rear, is also fitted with force limiters. The two front seatbelts are height-adjustable and equipped with pyrotechnic pretensioners. In the back, you'll find three child restraint points. Further child safety measures include child locks, with their control and status clearly indicated on the dashboard.

Remote control plip & child locks

Security features of the high frequency remote control include a locating function and transponder immobiliser. One button is for locking and locating the car at a distance, the other for unlocking.

The Citroen C3 is well protected against theft and break-ins. The range features a new generation transponder immobiliser, deadlocks, central locking and 2 remote control plip keys as standard. For extra security, if the high frequency control system is accidentally operated and unlocks the car but the doors or boot are not opened within 30 seconds, the C3 automatically relocks itself. As added protection for occupants and their luggage, the C3 locks automatically when the vehicle reaches 10 kilometres per hour and remains locked until a door is opened or the ignition is switched off.

The dashboard displays the status of child locks and allows their activation or deactivation at the simple touch of a button.