Citroën C3

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Citroën C3<tr><td colspan=2>Image:Citroen C3 blue vl.jpg</tr>
Manufacturer:	Citroën<tr><th>Parent company:<td>PSA Group</tr><tr><th>Production:<td>2002—present</tr><tr><th>Predecessor:<td>Citroën Saxo</tr><tr><th>Class:<td>Supermini</tr><tr><th>Body style:<td>2-door convertible 5-door hatchback</tr><tr><th>Engine:<td>1.1 L TU1 I4 1.4 L TU3 I4 1.4 L DV4 HDi diesel I4 1.4 L ET3 I4 1.6 L DV6 HDi diesel I4 1.6 L TU5 I4</tr><tr><th>Related:<td>Peugeot 206 Peugeot 207 Peugeot 1007</tr><tr><th>Similar:<td>Fiat Punto Ford Fiesta Opel Corsa SEAT Ibiza Volkswagen Polo</tr><tr><th>Designer:<td>Donato Coco Jean-Pierre Ploué</tr>

Image:Citroen Pluriel.jpg

The Citroën C3 is a supermini produced by the French automaker Citroën since 2002. It was launched as one of two replacements for the Citroën Saxo (the other is the smaller three-door Citroën C2). It was widely seen as a turning point for Citroën, reviving the marque's reputation for distinctive, futurist design. It was designed by Donato Coco and Jean-Pierre Ploué, previously known for designing the Renault Twingo; the former is the head of the Citroën design team since 1999. A mini MPV version of the C3, apparently to be marketed as the C3 StreetLounge, will be released in 2007.

1 Overview
2 C3 Pluriel
3 2005 facelift
4 Technology
5 Engines
6 External links

[edit] Overview

The C3 is available with 1.1 L, 1.4 L and 1.6 L petrol engines, and 1.4 L and 1.6L HDi engines. All engines are linked to a manual transmission, except for the 1.6 which can be driven either as an automatic or a clutchless manual using the gearstick or paddles behind the steering wheel, at the touch of a button.

In accordance with PSA Group policy, the C3's chassis was used for the Peugeot 1007. Many components of the C3 are exactly the same as those of the Peugeot 206, for example the external mirrors.

The Saxo was one of the least spacious cars in the supermini class. The C3 addressed this problem with one of the most spacious interiors in its class.

[edit] C3 Pluriel

The C3 received in July 2003 a new model, the highly-adaptable C3 Pluriel, which can be configured as a convertible, a pickup style configuration or a closed car thanks to its detachable roof bars and folding fabric roof. In its adaptability, the C3 Pluriel can be seen as a relative of the utilitarian Citroën Méhari and 2CV. In terms of positioning, it addresses a perceived need for more upscale minicars, similar to the niche found by the MINI in the United States market.

[edit] 2005 facelift

The C3 underwent a mild revamp in 2005. The exterior styling was changed slightly, most notably with clear crystal brake lights. Some minor interior changes were made, and Citroën also added a new 1.6 L 16-valve HDi diesel engine rated at 110 bhp. The Pluriel received the interior alterations but was otherwise unchanged.

[edit] Technology

Some versions of the C3 feature a "Stop & Start" system that can automatically cut the engine when not needed such as in traffic to save fuel and restart it briskly to move on again. Similar technology to this was previously seen in the 1980's Volkswagen Polo "Formel E" and the Volkswagen Golf Mk III "Ecomatic".

[edit] Engines

1.1 L (1124 cc) TU1 I4, 60 PS (59 hp/44 kW) and 69 ft·lbf (94 N·m)
1.4 L (1360 cc) TU3 I4, 75 PS (74 hp/55 kW) and 87 ft·lbf (118 N·m)
1.4 L (1398 cc) DV4 HDi diesel I4, 70 PS (69 hp/51 kW) and 118 ft·lbf (160 N·m)
1.4 L (1360 cc) ET3 16-valve I4, 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW) and 98 ft·lbf (133 N·m)
1.6 L (1560 cc) DV6 HDi diesel I4, 92 PS (91 hp/68 kW) and 159 ft·lbf (216 N·m)
1.6 L (1587 cc) TU5 16-valve I4, 110 PS (108 hp/81 kW) and 108 ft·lbf (146 N·m)

[edit] External links

Citroen C3 - Specifications and Road Test
C3 at Citroenet
C3 Pluriel at Citroenet
Official Citroen C3 UK microsite
C3 Pluriel Fansite (German)

<- Previous	Citroën car timeline, 1980s-present - [edit]
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Economy car	2CV
Off-roader	Méhari
City car	LN			LNA			AX																			C1
Supermini																									C2
	Visa																Saxo							C3
Small family car	GSA											ZX						Xsara							C4
Large family car			BX											Xantia								C5
Executive car	CX									XM																C6

Leisure activity vehicle																		Berlingo
Compact MPV																				Xsara Picasso							C4 Picasso
Large MPV															Evasion								C8
Crossover																												C-Crosser