Citroën C3 Pluriel

A unique car with a host of configurations

The C3 range offers a demonstration of Citroën’s vitality and creative talent.

Two engines

The personality of the C3 Pluriel adapts to the driver’s needs: bright and cheerful for lively driving, or quietly efficient for everyday use.

The 1.4i 54 kW EEC (75 bhp Din) engine, coupled with a gearbox of appropriate speed ratios, boasts qualities of economy that make it ideal for everyday use.

The 1.6i 16V 80 kW EEC (110 bhp DIN) engine, coupled with the SensoDrive gearbox as standard, is a high-performance engine responding to all types of input.

Variable-assistance electric power steering

The electric power steering system, in which power varies continuously as a function of vehicle speed, is designed for smooth manoeuvring in the city and pinsharp steering of reassuring precision on the open road.

Multiplex electrics for enhanced efficiency

The C3 Pluriel is fitted with the multiplex electrics found on the C3, based in turn on those of the high-spec C5 saloon, featuring a new-generation 32-bit computer.

Multiplex electrics offer a range of comfort and safety features including:

• automatic locking of the boot when the car is in motion;
  
• hazard warning lights that come on automatically in the event of emergency braking;
  
• automatic operation of the windscreen wiper and headlamps*;
  
• radio volume indexed to vehicle speed*.
  

(*) depending on equipment

This technology is also used to manage the retractable roof system: air conditioning controls adapted to roof configurations, air flows directed towards the occupants’ feet in open configurations, sliding function disabled when the rear window is open, and rear window defrost disabled in cabriolet and spider configurations.

Top-level safety

In terms of safety, the C3 Pluriel is fitted with the same equipment as the C3, together with specific features relating to its possible configuration as a convertible. Its safety characteristics place it at the top end of its category

Reliable, responsive roadholding

Featuring the high-performance architecture and running gear of the C3 saloon, the C3 Pluriel boasts reliable and responsive roadholding

thanks to:

• the long wheel base, identical to that of the C3, for enhanced stability
  
• the large tyres (185/65/R15) and wide tracks
  
• the stiffened body shell with a host of optimised reinforcements, designed to make up for the difference in weight between the C3 and the C3 Pluriel This difference remains close to levels observed on “conventional” cabriolets.
  

Active safety on the C3 Pluriel is further enhanced by a wide range of equipment.

Depending on the country, the C3 Pluriel offers as standard or optional:

• ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution,
  
• emergency braking assistance and automatic hazard warning lights.
  

A protective structure

The C3 Pluriel makes extensive use of special high-strength or very high strength steel to dissipate energy in the event of impact.

The technical challenge lies in making up for the absence of an upper structure that would also close the rear compartment. The reinforcements fitted on the C3 Pluriel have stiffened the body shell to the extent that impact behaviour is comparable to that of a closed car, despite the absence of an upper structure.

The C3 Pluriel features top-level safety equipment as standard:

• driver airbag and (deactivating) passenger airbag,
  
• head/chest side airbags at front,
  
• pyrotechnic pretensioners combined with force limiters at front,
  
• Isofix anchor points at rear,
  
• indicator showing driver’s seatbelt not attached.
  

Comfort as an objective

A level of acoustic comfort worthy of a saloon

On urban roads and motorways, the silent running of the C3 Pluriel in the closed configuration will be much appreciated by the occupants.

The multilayer soft top has been designed to satisfy motorists who are used to conventional saloons. A mobile aeroacoustic deflector is deployed automatically when the roof is opened.

Its role is to avoid occupants being buffeted by the wind with the roof back and windows down.

With its precisely fitted parts, efficient roof guidance mechanism and double insulation side seals, the C3 Pluriel keeps out noise and water.

A structure that protects the occupants in the event of rollover

The C3 Pluriel has been designed to meet the most stringent criteria, including those of the German TÜV standard, currently the reference in testing vehicle resistance on rollover.

The windscreen pillars have been rein-forced, as have the backrests and headrests at the rear, to provide protection in the Spider configuration.

Moreover, the arches running the length of the body enhance occupant protection in cabriolet and saloon configurations.

A passenger compartment designed to simplify life on board

The driving position of the C3 Pluriel is highly ergonomic:

• the steering wheel is adjustable for height and reach,
  
• the height-adjustable driver’s seat is standard,
  
• the audio controls are well placed,
  
• the driver has a left foot-rest to provide additional support.
  

The C3 Pluriel also features a host of generously sized and convenient stowage compartments, shared with the C3, particularly for the dashboard.

The doors feature two stowage bins, each able to hold a 1.5 litre bottle, and the backrests of the front seats are fitted with mesh map pockets (with the Techno pack).

Colours

Body colours

The C3 Pluriel will be available in a choice of eight body colours on launch.

This range of colours will be organised around two well-balanced areas of focus:

Focus on Light

This area of focus is made up of light, bright colours, expressing joy, vitality and youth. It is aimed at customers who are looking for something different.

Focus on Classical elegance

This area of focus comprises the timeless, more classical shades of colour.

Colours on the upper part of the body

Even in a saloon configuration, the two-tone colour scheme of the body and upper part of the car remind the observer of the C3 Pluriel’s ability to turn itself into a convertible.

The specific colour of the upper part creates visual continuity between the windscreen pillars and arches. The colour of the soft top roof matches the arches. This feature helps to create a visually integrated whole and enhances the perceived strength of the upper part.