Citroën's Line
C3, urban vehicle of reference...
Presentation
The C3 hit the dealerships in 2002 and was a major event for Citroën, which saw a take-off in its sales in this segment,
which accounts for nearly 35% of sales in Europe.
From its launch, the C3 was in this compact vehicle segment synonymous with major innovation in terms of architecture,
high-end specifications (speed regulator, reversing radar, NaviDrive system with large colour screen) and integration
of a functional driver's aid system: the robotised SensoDrive* gearbox.
Body style
5 doors
Engines
Petrol, Diesel HDi
Gearbox
Manual, robotised, automatic
Height
1 519 mm
Length
3,85 m
Width
1,66 m
Boot
279 to 1155 dcm3
Colours
13
Finishes
7
Style
The style of the C3 is a new and innovative concept of what a car should look like, through a harmonious combination of
smooth lines and unique architectural dimensions. Its lines give an appearance that is both dynamic and fluid, along
with a warm and appealing nature.
At first glance, space and a feeling of well-being are immediately perceptible. This dual inspiration of conceptual
innovation and more conventional themes makes the C3 a highly attractive proposition.
The C3’s exterior styling has changed slightly, while retaining the original look that has helped make it so successful.
The personality of the front end has been underscored by a new, more imposing bumper, which varies in shape according to
the version. The lower air intake grille is wider and an air intake slit is visible below the new radiator grille.
The radiator, which continues in a flowing line to the bumper. is more strongly curved and features wider chevrons.
The registration plate has been placed below the bumper, except on the X-TR version. At the rear, the C3 boasts newly
designed lights with a crystal-coloured central area and more clearly visible chevrons, identical to those on the
Marque’s other products. New features on the side of the car include 16-inch alloy wheels and new 15-inch embellishers,
as well as rearview mirror housings painted in different colours according to the version.
Along with the new dashboard, the insides of the C3’s front and rear doors have been completely redesigned. The new
shapes give an impression of solidity and are pleasant to the touch. The door panels and armrests feature the same
trim insert, which contributes to the refined and comfortable style of the passenger compartment.
Comfort et technology
Increasingly, Citroën is fitting driving assistance and comfort equipment throughout its range. The addition of new standard
or optional equipment has enhanced the performance and comfort levels of the C3.
The speed limiter is now available along with cruise control and new steering wheel controls that are practical and easy
to use. The instrument cluster continuously displays the selected mode and speed. Some versions come with folding power
rearview mirrors controlled by a high-frequency remote control unit.
Bluetooth hands-free phones can be fitted on C3 as optional extras, according to the country. This hands-free system,
based on Bluetooth wireless technology, is integrated into the passenger compartment.
Bluetooth is a convenient and safe option for making personal in-car calls from a mobile phone, since drivers can make
and receive calls without taking the phone out of their pocket or handbag. Bluetooth technology uses an integrated
interface (microphone and speakers) and does not require a physical connection between the telephone and the vehicle.
Conversations are relayed over the vehicle's audio system. In this way, drivers keep their eyes on the road and their
hands on the wheel.
These new additions round out the equipment offering, which already includes a height-and-reach adjustable steering
wheel (standard), an electronic parking aid, and automatically operated headlamps and front windscreen wiper.
- Exceptional storage space
The two glove boxes, one of which can contain a refrigerated compartment, have a volume of 7 and 5 litres respectively. Each of the four doors has a large-capacity stowage bin. The central console can take three drinks cans or the usual objects such as a cellphone, which can be recharged from a 12V outlet. To the left of the driver, a parcel tray can for example take gloves and a bunch of keys.
Depending on the version, C3 has a drawer under the passenger seat and another under the driver's seat. Two ISO standard locations in the centre of the dashboard can take an audio system, a changer for 5 CDs, or a stowage compartment.
Environment
- C3 Stop & Start
Offered with the 1.4i 16V 90 bhp version, C3 Stop & Start contributes to quality of city life by reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by around 10% over an urban cycle. What is more, noise emissions are eliminated when the vehicles come to a halt.
The C3 Stop & Start combines two advanced technologies: the SensoDrive automated gearbox and an electronically controlled
reversible alternator. With the Stop & Start system, the engine cuts out just before the vehicle comes to a standstill at
a traffic light or in a traffic jams, for example. It is reactivated instantly and automatically as soon as the driver
releases the brake pedal to move forward again.- C3 1.4i CNG: a new alternative (in France)
Citroën is convinced that natural gas is a fuel of the future and believes in the development potential of natural gas
powered vehicles. Natural gas produces around 20% fewer CO2 emissions than petrol, with no sulphur oxides or lead. This
is why the Marque is releasing the C3 1.4i CNG in France in September.
In partnership with France's gas utility, Gaz de France, Citroën is developing home filling stations aimed at car owners living in houses with access to the gas mains. This system offers major potential for future growth. Home refuelling offers greater independence and transparency while bringing real benefits in terms of convenience and time savings.
The Citroën C3 1.4i CNG develops 48 kW (68 bhp) at 5,500 rpm with torque of 110 Nm at 3,400 rpm. Gas is injected directly
into the cylinder head via four special injectors. This multipoint sequential injection system optimises consumption
while delivering high levels of performance and driving pleasure.The vehicles run on CNG and are simple to use. The engine switches automatically to petrol mode when the gas tank is empty.
Large numbers of CNG vehicles already exist, both in Italy, which has some 410,000 cars and 450 stations, and in Germany, with 19,000 cars and 400 stations. Sales are expected to grow strongly in France and other European countries.
VTR et X-TR
The special external characteristics of the VTR and X-TR have been reinforced.
- Citroën C3 VTR
- Citroën C3 X-TR
Engines
Petrol
- 1.6i 16V 110 hp DIN
- 1.4i 16V 90 hp DIN
- 1.4i 75 hp DIN
- 1.1i 61 hp DIN
The 1.6i 16V engine is one of the latest generation of petrol engines. It offers C3 a high level of driving performance
and comfort for this type of vehicle. It develops 80 kW EEC (110 hp DIN) at 5,750 rpm, with maximum torque of 147 Nm
at 4,000 rpm. Consumption is kept particularly low. This extremely lively engine responds particularly well at
low revs. The two camshafts drive the 16 valves via automatically compensated hydraulic pushrods. This engine includes an "ecological" oil filter, which can be replaced without any oil spillage and includes a recyclable filter element.
This engine is combined either with a manual gearbox or with the SensoDrive gearbox.
This new engine is particularly versatile: good response, extreme comfort and very low consumption. It develops 65 kW EEC (90 hp DIN) at 5,250 rpm and offers torque of 133 Nm at 3,250 rpm.
This engine is combined with the SensoDrive gearbox.
This 1.4i engine develops a power of 54 kW EEC (75 hp) at 5,400 rpm and offers torque of 118 Nm at 3,300 rpm. This engine was optimised to reduce consumption and improve driving comfort, in particular by reducing noise and vibration. This engine is combined either with a manual gearbox, or with a sequential control automatic gearbox.
The 1.1i engine develops 44 kW EEC (61 hp DIN) at 5,500 rpm and offers torque of 94 Nm at 3,200 rpm.
- HDi 110
- HDi 92
- HDi 70
Diesel vehicles are taking an increasing share of supermini sales. In 2004, they accounted for 29% of the market in Europe, up 25% year-on-year. To meet customer expectations in this segment and offer increasing versatility, Citroën has developed a new engine for the C3: the HDi 110 equipped with a particulate filter. With its high performance and remarkable driving pleasure, the C3 HDi 110 is positioned at the top end of the supermini segment.
The C3 HDi 110 develops 110 bhp (80 kW EEC) at 4,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 240 Nm at 1,750 rpm. The new HDi 110 bhp high-torque engine combines a fast response with a linear increase in power and excellent acceleration at low engine speeds. For strong bursts of acceleration, the overboost function kicks in, delivering up to 20 Nm of additional torque. The engine's excellent weight/power ratio ensures outstanding performance. For example, the car accelerates from 60 km/h to 90 km/h in 5.2 seconds in fourth gear, and from 80 km/h to 120 km/h in 7.8 seconds, also in fourth.
The C3 HDi 110 DPFS combines excellent performance with respect for the environment, notably through frugal consumption. Citroën uses leading-edge technologies to improve efficiency while limiting fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. The C3 HDi 110 consumes just 4.5 l/100 km over a standard combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 120 g/km.
C3 has an HDi 92 engine of 66 kW EEC. This engine includes a variable geometry turbo and an air/air exchanger.
The Diesel C3 also comprises the HDi 70 engine of 50 kW at 4,000 rpm offering torque of 150 Nm at 1,750 rpm. This Hdi engine equipped with the second-generation Common Rail is particularly economical and quiet, while offering excellent performance: high degree of flexibility at low revs, ideal for long journeys...
This engine is combined either with a manual gearbox or with the SensoDrive gearbox.
| C3 | PETROL | DIESEL | |||||
| 1.1i | 1.4i | 1.4i 16V | 1.6i 16V | HDi 70 | HDi 92 | HDi 110 | |
| Gearbox | Manual 5 |
Manual 5 / Automatic |
Sensodrive |
Manual 5 Sensodrive |
Manual 5 Sensodrive |
Manual 5 | Manual 5 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Capacity (cm3) | 1124 | 1360 | 1360 | 1587 | 1398 | 1560 | 1560 |
|
Max power DIN (ch-tr/mn) |
61 - 5500 | 75 - 5400 | 90 - 5250 | 110 - 5750 | 70 - 4000 | 92 - 4000 | 110 - 4000 |
| Consumption(l/100 km) / Urban - Extra urban - Combined | 7,6 - 5,0 - 6,0 | 8,2 - 4,9 - 6,1 / 9,3 - 5,4 - 6,8 | 6,9 - 4,9 - 5,7 | 8,6 - 5,2 - 6,5 / 8,0 - 5,1 - 6,2 | 5,3 - 3,8 - 4,4 / 4,9 - 3,9 - 4,3 | 5,7 - 3,7 - 4,4 | 5,7 - 3,8 - 4,5 |
| Max power CEE (Nm-tr/mn) | 94 - 3300 | 118 - 3300 | 133 - 3250 | 147 - 4000 | 160 - 2000 | 215 - 1750 | 245 - 1750 |
| Top speed (km/h) | 157 |
168 162 |
177 | 190 | 163 | 180 | 190 |

