Citroën C3
Encyclopedia
The Citroën C3 is a supermini car
equipped with a range of inline-four engines that has been produced by the French automaker Citroën
since 2002. It was designed by Donato Coco and Jean-Pierre Ploué, previously known for designing the first generation Renault Twingo
; the former has been the head of the Citroën design team since 1999. A mini MPV
version of the C3 was announced in July 2008, called the C3 Picasso, unveiled at the Mondial de l'Automobile 2008 and went on sale in early 2009 across Europe.
s, and 1.4 and 1.6 L HDi
engines. All models came as standard with a five-speed manual transmission
or an optional semi-manual with paddle-shifters, except for the Stop & Start model, which came with Citroën's SensoDrive gearbox – a five-speed semi-automatic transmission
with manual and automatic modes. The SX model was the only version that has the option of a four-speed fully automatic transmission.
In accordance with PSA Group policy, the C3's chassis was used for the Peugeot 1007
and the Peugeot 207
. Many components of the C3 are the same as those of the Peugeot 206
.
system that can automatically cut the engine when not needed to save fuel, such as in traffic, and restart it briskly to move on again.
A new C3 variant was introduced in July 2003, the C3 Pluriel, which can be configured as a full or partial convertible
or a closed car, due to its detachable roof bars and folding fabric roof. It was originally offered with a choice of a 1.4 or a 1.6 L petrol engine, and a 1.4 L diesel engine. The 1.6 L petrol came fitted, as standard, with a semi-automatic gearbox. The Pluriel was withdrawn in early 2010.
At the 2008 Paris Motor Show
, Citroën introduced the C3 Picasso; a mini-MPV version of the C3, designed to compete with the Opel/Vauxhall Meriva
and the Fiat Idea
. It is currently built in Trnava Slovakia
. It was launched for the UK market on 9 April 2009.
It features an interior with split-fold-flat rear seats, that also slide independently over 150 mm (5.9 in). It also has a 500 L boot.
The C3 Picasso is available in three trim levels- the VT, VTR+ and Exclusive. All versions come with a five-speed manual gearbox, although a semi-automatic and a six speed manual version are expected in 2011, along with a new eco-friendly and economical Stop/Start system, which Citroën claims to reduce emissions significantly. From launch, two petrol and two diesel engine choices were available.
It was named Top Gear magazine's Family Car of the Year and also won What Diesel? MPV of the Year.
In August 2009, Citroën released a 90th Birthday Limited Edition C3 Picasso, to commemorate 90 years of Citroën. In the UK, it was limited to 150 examples.
In August 2010, the Brazil
ian division of Citroën introduced the Citroën AirCross, a C3 Picasso with an off-road look. Comparing with the original C3 Picasso, AirCross has a different interior, rear (with a spare tire), and a grid between the headlights. Citroën is to launch C3 Picasso at its normal version; however, it will have some of the AirCross changes, as the grid, rear (without the spare tire), and the interior; and it will have bumpers that are different from the original C3 Picasso.
In May 2011 all right-hand drive C3 Picassos were withdrawn following an investigation by BBC
programme Watchdog
into brakes that could be activated on the passenger side.
In engineering terms, the PSA TU powerplants are carried over from the old car and Citroën also announced a new range of small petrol engines which PSA Peugeot Citroën developed in partnership with BMW. These "Prince" engines have double overhead 16-valve camshaft, on demand oil and water pumps and BMW's patent injection and ignition technology. They are designed for low emissions and for good performance and economy. Economy was improved by the standard fit cruise control and speed limiter available on the VTR+, Airdream+ and Exclusive models. All versions have a standard fit "Gear Efficiency Indicator" which graphically states what gear to be in and when to change up and down to optimise economy. They come in 1.4 95 bhp and 1.6 120 hp versions and are available on other PSA and BMW products. with low emissions, as well as new diesel engines, all with emissions of under 120 g/km, plus an "Airdream+" model with 99 g/km using a new 1.6 HDI 90 bhp engine.
The New C3 was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009. It was launched in November 2009, as a 2010 model.Across Europe, the advertising slogan was known as "The Visiospace", playing on the merit of the large windscreen and the improved vision afforded.
There are four trim levels in the C3 range, which range from the entry level VT (which does not have the panoramic windscreen), the mid range VTR+ and eco efficient "Airdream+" (which has lower emissions) to the top of the range Exclusive, which has half cloth half alcantara seats, extra chrome outside, alloy wheels, an alarm, folding mirrors and power windows all around. Trim levels are denoted by a small badge on the rear window frame on the VT/VTR+ and Airdream+ and by a small chrome badge on each front door on Exclusive models. Norev have produced a 1:43 scale model of the new Citroën C3 in Botticelli Blue, Metallic Green and black.
Supermini car
A supermini is a British term that describes automobiles larger than a city car but smaller than a small family car. This car class is also known as the B-segment across Europe, and as subcompact in North America....
equipped with a range of inline-four engines that has been produced by the French automaker Citroën
Citroën
Citroën is a major French automobile manufacturer, part of the PSA Peugeot Citroën group.Founded in 1919 by French industrialist André-Gustave Citroën , Citroën was the first mass-production car company outside the USA and pioneered the modern concept of creating a sales and services network that...
since 2002. It was designed by Donato Coco and Jean-Pierre Ploué, previously known for designing the first generation Renault Twingo
Renault Twingo
The Renault Twingo is a city car built by French automaker Renault, first presented at the Paris Motor Show in September 1992 and sold in continental European markets beginning in 1993...
; the former has been the head of the Citroën design team since 1999. A mini MPV
Mini MPV
Mini MPV is a car classification used to describe superminis or subcompacts which have taller build, fitting below the compact MPV and large MPV classifications....
version of the C3 was announced in July 2008, called the C3 Picasso, unveiled at the Mondial de l'Automobile 2008 and went on sale in early 2009 across Europe.
First generation (2002–2009)
Overview
The C3 was available with 1.1, 1.4 and 1.6 L petrol engineFour-stroke cycle
A four-stroke engine, also known as four-cycle, is an internal combustion engine in which the piston completes four separate strokes—intake, compression, power, and exhaust—during two separate revolutions of the engine's crankshaft, and one single thermodynamic cycle.There are two...
s, and 1.4 and 1.6 L HDi
Common rail
Common rail direct fuel injection is a modern variant of direct fuel injection system for petrol and diesel engines.On diesel engines, it features a high-pressure fuel rail feeding individual solenoid valves, as opposed to low-pressure fuel pump feeding unit injectors...
engines. All models came as standard with a five-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
or an optional semi-manual with paddle-shifters, except for the Stop & Start model, which came with Citroën's SensoDrive gearbox – a five-speed semi-automatic transmission
Semi-automatic transmission
A semi-automatic transmission is an automobile transmission that does not change gears automatically, but rather facilitates manual gear changes by dispensing with the need to press...
with manual and automatic modes. The SX model was the only version that has the option of a four-speed fully automatic transmission.
In accordance with PSA Group policy, the C3's chassis was used for the Peugeot 1007
Peugeot 1007
The Peugeot 1007 is a hatchback produced by the French automobile manufacturer Peugeot from 2004 to 2009. It was based on the same platform as the Peugeot 206 and Citroën C3.-Design:...
and the Peugeot 207
Peugeot 207
The Peugeot 207 is a small family car produced by the French automaker Peugeot and unveiled in January 2006.-Launch:The 207 was launched in France, Spain and Italy during April 2006 and later on in other European, Israeli and Arabic markets....
. Many components of the C3 are the same as those of the Peugeot 206
Peugeot 206
The Peugeot 206 is a supermini car, manufactured by the French automaker Peugeot from 1998 to 2010.Even though the 206 has finished production in most markets as of 2010, in Europe since 2009, it is available the 206+, with a back and especially a front design that resembles the Peugeot 207.-The...
.
Trim levels (UK) 2002–2005
- L 1.1i and 1.4HDi 70 bhp.
- LX 1.4i and 1.4HDi 70 bhp.
- Desire 1.1i, 1.4i and 1.4HDi 70 bhp.
- SX 1.4i, 1.4i 75 bhp Automatic, 1.4HDi 16v 92 bhp and 1.4HDi 70 bhp Sensodrive.
- Exclusive 1.6i 16v, 1.6i 16v Sensodrive, 1.4HDi 16v 92 bhp, 1.4HDi 16v Sensodrive and 1.6HDi 92 bhp.
- VTR 1.6i 16v.
- XTR 1.4i 16v Sensodrive and 1.4HDi 16v 92 bhp.
- Stop & Start 1.4i 16v Sensodrive.
Trim levels (UK) 2006–2008
- L 1.1i and 1.4HDi Only.
- Airplay+ 1.1i Only.
- Desire 1.1i, 1.4i and 1.4HDi Only. (Now called C3 Cool Summer 2007 onwards)
- SX 1.4i, (1.6i 16v Automatic Only) and 1.6HDi 92 bhp Only.
- Stop & Start 1.4i 16v Sensodrive Only.
- Exclusive 1.6i 16v Sensodrive and 1.6HDi 92 bhp Only.
- VTR 1.6i 16v and 1.6HDi 16v 110 bhp Only.
- XTR 1.4i 16v Sensodrive and 1.6HDi 92 bhp.
Trim levels (UK) February 2008 – January 2009
- Vibe 1.1i, 1.4i 8v, and 1.4HDi Only
- Rhythm 1.4i 8v, 1.4i 16v, 1.4HDi and 1.6HDi 92 bhp
- Cachet 1.4i 8v, 1.4i 16v and 1.4HDi
- Exclusive 1.4i 16v, 1.6i 16v (Automatic Only) and 1.6HDi 92 bhp
- Exclusive Plus 1.4i 16v, 1.6i 16v (Automatic Only) and 1.6HDi 92 bhp
- Stop & Start 1.4i 16v SensoDrive
Trim levels (UK) February 2009 – December 2009
- VT 1.1i And 1.4HDi Only
- VTR 1.4i 8v, 1.4i 16v and 1.6HDi 92 bhp
- Exclusive 1.4i 16v, 1.6i 16v (Automatic Only) and 1.6HDi 92 bhp
- Stop & Start 1.4i 16v SensoDrive
2006 facelift
In 2006, the C3 was given a minor redesign, with the front end featuring a more imposing bumper, wider lower air intake, single air intake slit below the restyled radiator grille and a re-positioned number plate. The rear of the car was also given redesigned light clusters with crystal coloured mid-sections. The passenger compartment was also enhanced with the fitting of a restyled dashboard with high-quality finish, as well as a newer, more modern instrument cluster making the driver information easier to read. The addition of light metallic grey embellishers around the central section of the fascia and air vents contributed to the updated interior, as did the completely re-designed front and rear door panels and trims. The steering was also improved so that it weights up with speed. Citroën also added a new 1.6 L 16-valve HDi diesel engine to the range, rated at 110 bhp. The Pluriel also received similar interior alterations but was otherwise unchanged.Technology
Some versions of the C3 feature a start-stop systemStart-stop system
In automobiles, a start-stop system or stop-start system automatically shuts down and restarts the internal combustion engine to reduce the amount of time the engine spends idling, thereby improving fuel economy and reducing emissions...
system that can automatically cut the engine when not needed to save fuel, such as in traffic, and restart it briskly to move on again.
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 dieselDiesel engineA diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
I4, 70 PS (69 hp/51 kW) and 118 ft·lbf (160 N·m) - 1.4 L (1398 cc) DV4 HDi 16-valve diesel I4, 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW) and 147 ft·lbf (200 N·m) (discontinued in 2005; could not meet EURO4 compliance)
- 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 16-valve diesel I4, 92 PS (91 hp/68 kW) and 159 ft·lbf (216 N·m)
- 1.6 L (1560 cc) DV6 HDiF 16-valve diesel I4 with Diesel particulate filterDiesel Particulate FilterA diesel particulate filter is a device designed to remove diesel particulate matter or soot from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine. Wall-flow diesel particulate filters usually remove 85% or more of the soot, and under certain conditions can attain soot removal efficiencies of close to 100%...
, 110 PS (108 hp/80 kW) and 177 ft·lbf (240 N·m) - 1.6 L (1587 cc) TU5 16-valve I4, 110 PS (108 hp/81 kW) and 108 ft·lbf (146 N·m)
C3 Pluriel
Convertible
A convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away having windows which wind-down inside the doors, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle...
or a closed car, due to its detachable roof bars and folding fabric roof. It was originally offered with a choice of a 1.4 or a 1.6 L petrol engine, and a 1.4 L diesel engine. The 1.6 L petrol came fitted, as standard, with a semi-automatic gearbox. The Pluriel was withdrawn in early 2010.
C3 Picasso
2008 Paris Motor Show
The 2008 Paris Motor Show took place from 4 October to 19 October 2008, in Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles.This edition of the Paris Motor Show featured a high number of hybrid and electric vehicles , a tectonic shift that led a New York Times blogger to ask, "Who killed the non-electric cars?".-...
, Citroën introduced the C3 Picasso; a mini-MPV version of the C3, designed to compete with the Opel/Vauxhall Meriva
Opel Meriva
The Opel Meriva is a compact MPV engineered and produced by the German automaker Opel. The car is sold under the Opel brand on all of the European markets with the exception of the United Kingdom, where it is called the Vauxhall Meriva, and Latin America, where it carried the Chevrolet badge. It...
and the Fiat Idea
Fiat Idea
The Fiat Idea is a mini MPV built by the Italian manufacturer Fiat since 2003. The car is based on the Project 188 platform, originally used for the second-generation Fiat Punto. The Idea is noted for its versatile interior, which includes sliding and folding rear seats...
. It is currently built in Trnava Slovakia
Slovakia
The Slovak Republic is a landlocked state in Central Europe. It has a population of over five million and an area of about . Slovakia is bordered by the Czech Republic and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south...
. It was launched for the UK market on 9 April 2009.
It features an interior with split-fold-flat rear seats, that also slide independently over 150 mm (5.9 in). It also has a 500 L boot.
The C3 Picasso is available in three trim levels- the VT, VTR+ and Exclusive. All versions come with a five-speed manual gearbox, although a semi-automatic and a six speed manual version are expected in 2011, along with a new eco-friendly and economical Stop/Start system, which Citroën claims to reduce emissions significantly. From launch, two petrol and two diesel engine choices were available.
It was named Top Gear magazine's Family Car of the Year and also won What Diesel? MPV of the Year.
In August 2009, Citroën released a 90th Birthday Limited Edition C3 Picasso, to commemorate 90 years of Citroën. In the UK, it was limited to 150 examples.
In August 2010, the Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian division of Citroën introduced the Citroën AirCross, a C3 Picasso with an off-road look. Comparing with the original C3 Picasso, AirCross has a different interior, rear (with a spare tire), and a grid between the headlights. Citroën is to launch C3 Picasso at its normal version; however, it will have some of the AirCross changes, as the grid, rear (without the spare tire), and the interior; and it will have bumpers that are different from the original C3 Picasso.
In May 2011 all right-hand drive C3 Picassos were withdrawn following an investigation by BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
programme Watchdog
Watchdog (TV series)
Watchdog is a BBC television series that investigates viewers' reports of problematic experiences with traders, retailers, and other companies around the UK...
into brakes that could be activated on the passenger side.
Second generation (2009–present)
In July 2009, Citroën revealed a second generation C3. Featuring an new body design with a 108 degree field of vision windscreen. The panoramic windscreen is similar to that on the larger C4 Picasso and Vauxhall/Opel Astra Sport Hatch and is available on all bar the entry model VT. The new C3 builds on the curvy profile of the previous model and has a look in keeping with other Citroën models and the older C3, although it is longer and wider than the old model. The lights at the front, bonnet, dashboard assembly and other components are shared with the DS3. On the new C3, the instrumentation is a mix of analogue dials beneath a styled cowl and a digital display for the fuel and trip computer. There is no temperature gauge (unlike the DS3), but a red and blue warning lamp to show hot or cold engines which come on as required.In engineering terms, the PSA TU powerplants are carried over from the old car and Citroën also announced a new range of small petrol engines which PSA Peugeot Citroën developed in partnership with BMW. These "Prince" engines have double overhead 16-valve camshaft, on demand oil and water pumps and BMW's patent injection and ignition technology. They are designed for low emissions and for good performance and economy. Economy was improved by the standard fit cruise control and speed limiter available on the VTR+, Airdream+ and Exclusive models. All versions have a standard fit "Gear Efficiency Indicator" which graphically states what gear to be in and when to change up and down to optimise economy. They come in 1.4 95 bhp and 1.6 120 hp versions and are available on other PSA and BMW products. with low emissions, as well as new diesel engines, all with emissions of under 120 g/km, plus an "Airdream+" model with 99 g/km using a new 1.6 HDI 90 bhp engine.
The New C3 was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009. It was launched in November 2009, as a 2010 model.Across Europe, the advertising slogan was known as "The Visiospace", playing on the merit of the large windscreen and the improved vision afforded.
Trim levels
- VT 1.1i 8v 61 hp Only
- VTR+ 1.4i 8V 75 hp, 1.4VTi 16V 95 hp, 1.4HDi 8V 70 hp and 1.6HDi 16V 90 hp Airdream+.
- Airdream+ 1.4i 8V 75 hp, 1.4VTi 16V 95 hp, 1.4HDi 8V 70 hp and 1.6HDi 16V 90 hp Airdream+.
- Exclusive 1.4VTi 16V 95 hp, 1.6VTi 16V 120 hp, 1.6VTi 16V 120 hp Auto, 1.6HDi 16V 90 hp and 1.6HDi 16V 110 hp.
There are four trim levels in the C3 range, which range from the entry level VT (which does not have the panoramic windscreen), the mid range VTR+ and eco efficient "Airdream+" (which has lower emissions) to the top of the range Exclusive, which has half cloth half alcantara seats, extra chrome outside, alloy wheels, an alarm, folding mirrors and power windows all around. Trim levels are denoted by a small badge on the rear window frame on the VT/VTR+ and Airdream+ and by a small chrome badge on each front door on Exclusive models. Norev have produced a 1:43 scale model of the new Citroën C3 in Botticelli Blue, Metallic Green and black.
Engines
The Mk II C3 is offered with the following engines:| Petrol engine | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h,s | Top speed | Note | emission (g/km) |
| 1.1i 8V | I4 | 1124 cc | 61 PS @ 5,500 rpm | 95 newton metre @ 3,300 rpm | 16.5 | 145 km/h (90.1 mph) | 137 | |
| 1.4i 8V | I4 | 1360 cc | 75 PS @ 5,200 rpm | 118 newton metre @ 3,300 rpm | 14.2 | 155 km/h (96.3 mph) | 140 | |
| 1.4VTi 16V | I4 | 1397 cc | 95 PS @ 6,000 rpm | 135 newton metre @ 4,000 rpm | 10.6 | 170 km/h (106 mph) | 134 (on Exclusive only), 136 (on Airdream+, VTR+ only) CO2 | 134/136 |
| 1.6VTi 16V | I4 | 1598 cc | 120 PS @ 6,000 rpm | 160 newton metre @ 4,200 rpm | 8.9/10.9 | 185 km/h (115 mph) | 136 | |
| Diesel engine | ||||||||
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h,s | Top speed | Note | emission (g/km) |
| 1.4HDi 8V | I4 | 1398 cc | 70 PS @ 4,000 rpm | 160 newton metre @ 2,000 rpm | 13.7 | 152 km/h (94 mph) | 113 | |
| 1.6HDi 16V | I4 | 1560 cc | 90 PS @ 3,750 rpm | 230 newton metre @ 2,000 rpm | 11.3/11.5 | 168 km/h (104 mph) | HDi 90 FAP "99 g" | 110/99 |
| 1.6HDi 16V | I4 | 1560 cc | 110 PS @ 4,000 rpm | 270 newton metre @ 2,000 rpm | 9.9 | 180 km/h (112 mph) | 115 | |
Transmissions
| Petrol engine | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Years | Standard | Optional |
| 1.1i 8V | 2009- | 5-speed manual | |
| 1.4i 8V | 2009- | 5-speed manual | |
| 1.4VTi 16V | 2009- | 5-speed manual | |
| 1.6VTi 16V | 2009- | 5-speed manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Diesel engine | |||
| Model | Years | Standard | Optional |
| 1.4HDi 8V | 2009- | 5-speed manual | |
| 1.6HDi 16V | 2009- | 5-speed manual | |
| 1.6HDi 16V | 2009- | 6-speed manual | |