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CITROEN C3 - A STYLISH AND
SPACIOUS SOLUTION TO COMPACT MOTORING
Citroën today (20th August 2001)
announced that it will unveil the stylish new C3
hatchback at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show - 13
to 23 September - prior to it going on sale in 2002.
Slotting naturally into the
Citroën line-up between Saxo and Xsara, the new
Citroën C3 achieves its individual style from an
innovative design that features two arches running
the length of the body. The rounded, flowing
roofline creates a seamless continuity between front
and rear, while drawing attention to the height of
the vehicle. Based on the C3
Lumière Concept Car shown at the 1998 Mondial
Automobile, the production vehicle retains much of
the architecture and character of that vehicle.
The Citroën C3 offers impressive
interior space, reflected in its width (1 .67m) and
height (1.52m), which are exceptional for a vehicle
of this length (3.85m). Its unique design will
ensure that occupants benefit from more head, leg
and elbow room than in most other rivals, making C3
a distinctive, bright, comfortable and practical
motoring companion.
C3 will be the first Citroen to
feature the brand new 7Ohp 1.4 HDi and 92hp 1.4 16V
HDi
direct injection diesel engines
that have been developed jointly by PSA Peugeot
Citroën and Ford. They will be joined by two petrol
powerplants - a 75hp 1.4i unit and a 110hp 1 .6i 16V
unit - while a sequential auto-adaptive automatic
gearbox will also be available.
Behind the wheel drivers will
benefit from C3's sure-footed road holding and
precision handling, whilst the variable power
assisted steering and compact exterior dimensions
will ensure that C3 is as fun to drive in town as on
the motorway.
Making life on board more
comfortable, more relaxed and safer, the Citroën
C3's specification will include the availability of
a large, electrically operated glass sunroof and
automatic air conditioning, along with all the
benefits of multiplex wiring. A rear parking sensor,
automatic rain sensitive windscreen wipers, 'black
panel' night time instrument lighting and automatic
activation of the hazard warning lights under heavy
braking are just some of the features made possible
by multiplex wiring.
In the huge load area, Citroën
has scored another first with the introduction of
the 'Moduboard'® boot, designed to separate the
boot into compartments and offering many different
layout possibilities. When it is not required, the
'Moduboard'® can be stored against the back of the
rear seats for increased convenience.
Another neat touch is the
availability of a 'child pack'. This pack includes
activation of the child locks from the dashboard, a
12 volt socket at the rear and 'aircraft style'
trays on the back of the front seats. It also
features a 'child mirror', which is located below
the rear view mirror and allows the driver to keep
an eye on children in the rear seats.
Driver arid occupant safety was a
key concern in the design of the new Citroën C3.
Built on an entirely new platform, C3's high levels
of active and passive safety include a high-yield
strength steel construction, six airbags, two of
which are side window airbags, three 3 point rear
seat belts, and ABS brakes with Electronic
Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Braking
Assistance.
The Citroën C3 is well protected
against theft and break-ins. Its security features
include a new-generation coded engine immobiliser
and, thanks to multiplex wiring, automatic relocking
of the vehicle if it is accidentally unlocked and
automatic locking of the boot as soon as the vehicle
starts to move.
Managing Director of
Citroën UK Ltd, Alain Favey, said: "The introduction
of C3 to the Citroën range at the beginning of next
year will herald yet another chapter in the
Company's ongoing success in the UK. C3 is sure to
introduce new drivers to the marque with its stylish
and attractive looks.
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