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Citroën at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2003

Citroën's best-selling C3 is on display

CITROËN C3

PERFORMANCE

Featuring a wide choice of engines and a host of equipment, the Citroën C3 offers exceptional driving pleasure.

A NEW GENERATION OF DIRECT-INJECTION COMMON-RAIL DIESEL ENGINES
The C3 is the first Citroën to be fitted with the new-generation HDi engines developed through the cooperation agreement between PSA Peugeot Citroën and Ford.
The C3 is available with the 1.4 HDi and 1.4 HDi 16V engines. To meet all performance requirements, it offers a choice of an 8— or 16— valve cylinder head, developing 50 kW or 66 kW EEC (70 bhp DIN and 92 bhp DIN) respectively, with torque of 150 Nm or 200 Nm.
The HDi 1.4 l second-generation common-rail powerplants offer all the benefits of the first-generation engines — low consumption, silent operation, driving pleasure, excellent environmental performance — combined with compact dimensions, low weight and a level of performance not usually associated with engines of this capacity.
ERGONOMIC DESIGN AND DRIVING PLEASURE WITH THE SENSODRIVE GEARBOX
The Sensodrive is a robotised manual gearbox featuring two modes of operation: a manual mode controlled by paddles behind the steering wheel or by a gear lever, and an automatic mode using push controls on the central console.
By allowing drivers to choose between these two modes of operation, the SensoDrive gearbox gives the driver the pleasurable sensation of being in full control of the gearbox, while taking over the less enjoyable tasks such as hill-starts or the repeated engaging and disengaging of the clutch necessary in traffic jams.
The SensoDrive gearbox is coupled with the 1.6i 16V engine.
1.6i 16V, 1.4i AND 1.1i, THREE PETROL ENGINES OF RECOGNISED QUALITY
The 1.6i 16V engine belongs to the latest generation of petrol engines. It brings the C3 a level of performance and driving pleasure not usually seen in vehicles of this type. It develops 80 kW EEC (110 bhp DIN) at 5,750 rpm with maximum torque of 147 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Efficient fuel management means that consumption levels are particularly low. This spirited engine is highly responsive from low speeds.
The range also includes two other petrol engines.
The 1.4i engine develops 54 kW EEC (75 bhp DIN) at 5,400 rpm and torque of 118 Nm at 3,300 rpm. This engine has been modified to cut consumption and to improve driving pleasure, notably by reducing noise and vibration. This engine can be coupled with the AL4 auto-adaptive automatic gearbox.
This gearbox offers three automatic operating programmes plus a manual mode:

  • a normal programme, managing six auto-adaptive shift patterns,

  • a sport programme, managing two auto-adaptive sports shift patterns,

  • a snow programme, which gives priority to grip,

  • manual sequential mode.


This auto-adaptive gearbox features sequential gearchange control which lets the driver select gears manually.
The 1.1i entry-level engine develops 44 kW EEC (61 bhp DIN) at 5,500 rpm with torque of 94 Nm at 3,200 rpm. It combines a good level of performance with reasonable consumption.
SAFETY
The Citroën C3 offers a particularly high level of safety. This is because the issue of safety has been addressed as a whole: from on-board well being, which improves driver concentration, through to impact resistance, protection of the occupants and particularly surefooted roadholding. New technologies have been applied systematically in all these areas, in order to provide new services and functions that provide more information for the driver, who is thereby able to concentrate fully on the road.
PARTICULARLY SUREFOOTED ROADHOLDING
The running gear of the C3 is designed to ensure precise roadholding with firm, clear reactions.
The front suspension is of the MacPherson type with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers. The rear suspension features a totally new design with a flexibletransverse beam. This configuration offers an excellent balance between comfort, dynamic performance and safety.
For total driving tranquillity, the C3 can also be fitted with ESP and traction control, features that are rarely seen on this segment.
THE ESP SYSTEM (ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAMME)
ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) corrects the path taken by the vehicle when it detects a deviation between the course steered by the driver and thecourse taken by the vehicle.
To do this, the system usually acts as follows:

  • in the event of oversteering, the ESP brakes the front wheel that is on the outside of the bend,

  • in the event of understeering, the ESP brakes the rear wheel that is on the inside of the bend.

If necessary, however, the system can adopt other strategies.
TRACTION CONTROL (ASR)
Coupled with the ESP system, traction control (ASR) reduces the excess power of the drive wheels if the car goes into a skid. It also makes it easier to start the car smoothly on a slippery surface (water, gravel or leaves, for example). At higher speeds, ASR stops the wheels going into a skid on sudden acceleration.
A HIGH-PERFORMANCE BRAKING SYSTEM
The C3’s braking system is well equipped, from the first level of trim: discs at the front (vented on the 1.6i 16V and 1.4 HDi 16V) and discs at the rear (1.6i 16V and 1.4 HDi 16V, 4-sensor ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), emergency braking assistance and hazard warning lights that come on automatically in the event of sudden deceleration.
ELECTRONIC BRAKEFORCE DISTRIBUTION
This function makes optimum use of braking power by delivering the maximum level of power admissible for each wheel. In this way, it optimises “front-rear” and “right-left” braking.
EMERGENCY BRAKING ASSISTANCE
The C3 also features an emergency braking assistance system: when the driver stamps hard on the brake pedal (indicating an emergency situation), the main piston sets off a second piston that raises the pressure of the braking system to maximum levels. This function can considerably reduce the braking distance, since the driver is less reticent about stamping hard on the pedal at the start of the braking process.
AUTOMATIC HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS
To further improve braking safety, the hazard warning lights of the C3 come on automatically in the event of sudden deceleration. They are switched off when the vehicle accelerates once more or when the driver activates the corresponding control button.
MORE PROTECTION SYSTEMS OF ENHANCED EFFICIENCY
The C3 is a front-runner in its segment with a wide range of passive safety features including six airbags (two front, two side and two curtain at front and rear), height-adjustable front seatbelts with pyrotechnic pretensioners and force limiters, three three-point rear seatbelts, three crescent-shaped rear headrests and a body block system on the steering column.
To further enhance security and safety, the C3 is built on an entirely new platform, designed to satisfy the most stringent impact tests. It is also well protected against theft and break-ins.
HIGH STANDARDS OF IMPACT RESISTANCE AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION
High-strength steel makes up 41% of the structure of the C3. This reduces vehicle weight while maintaining a high level of stiffness.
VEHICLE PROTECTION
The barrage of protection devices installed on the C3 includes a rolling-code engine immobiliser, central locking of the doors and tailgate, an HF remote control unit and transponder, and a function that automatically relocks the vehicle if it is unlocked accidentally.
PEACE OF MIND
Boasting a wide range of comfort equipment and driving aids, the Citroën C3 makes life on board an eminently enjoyable experience.
ONBOARD WELL-BEING
The C3 meets the requirements of all the occupants in terms of on-board well being, and even anticipates their needs with its bright, welcoming passenger compartment, innovative functions (Moduboard, Child Pack) and easy-to-use control layout, as well as the thermal comfort offered by the air conditioning system and the remarkable absence of noise.
SPACE AND LIGHT
Through its original design, the C3 passenger compartment conveys an immediate impression of a spacious interior, open to the outside world.
The vast glazed surfaces and raised seating in both rows give the interior a bright, airy feeling.
This impression of light and well-being is enhanced by the panoramic glass sunroof, which extends back over the rear seats.
VOLUME AND MODULARITY — THE MODUBOARD
A host of roomy and convenient stowage compartments — including a vast glovebox, generously sized bins in the doors and drawers under the seats — contribute to the pleasure of travelling on board the C3, as does the boot whose 305 litre (VDA) capacity is put to excellent use by the Moduboard.
Created by Citroën, the Moduboard system divides the boot into compartments, making it easier to protect fragile objects and position long objects.
The Moduboard creates a flat floor, running from the boot sill to the backs of the front seats. It is able to support considerable loads.
A FRIENDLY INTERIOR THAT MAKES SAFETY A PRIORITY
The C3 is fitted with a number of features designed exclusively for children, to contribute to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere on board.
One example is the child safety lock indicator on the dashboard. On versions fitted with the Child Pack, child-safety locks can be activated or deactivated using an electrical function controlled from the dashboard. The Child Pack also comprises a mirror, making it possible to keep a watchful eye on children on the back seat and maintain visual contact, a 12 V socket at the rear, and aircraft-style trays on the backs of the front seats.
DESIGN AND ERGONOMY
The pleasingly shaped dashboard of the C3 features an original instrument cluster with a halfmoon display unit, and advanced ergonomic design.
The controls fall naturally to hand. The audio system is easy to control, with the two rocker switches on the tip of the right-hand stalk.
The child-safety controls, the excess speed alarm and the button disabling the ESP function are located on the right of the fascia. To the left of the wheel is the control for folding down the rearview mirrors, while the cruise controls are on each horizontal spoke of the wheel.
Versions equipped with the SensoDrive gearbox also feature control paddles, which are positioned behind the wheel so that the driver can use them intuitively, whatever the wheel position.
ACOUSTIC COMFORT AND INTERIOR TEMPERATURE
The excellent acoustic comfort contributes to the userfriendly atmosphere by making conversation easier, notably between occupants at the front and rear. The air-conditioning systems available with theC3 control the temperature of the passenger compartment with precision, for the continuous well-being of the occupants. Silent and highly efficient, the automatic air conditioning features an innovative day/night function that maximises thermal comfort by gently adjusting the mode of air circulation when night starts to fall.
Other items of equipment are also associated with the automatic air conditioning: an automatic windscreen wiper, a chilled lower glovebox, an activated carbon (anti-odour) pollen filter and a heatreflecting windscreen.
DRIVING PLEASURE
The C3 features continuously variable electric power steering, electronic parking assistance and a host of intelligent equipment to maximise driving pleasure for the driver — settled in a comfortable seat — in the city and on the open road.
A RELAXING DRIVING POSITION
The relaxing, reassuring impression conveyed by the driver’s position can be attributed to the wide range of functions and equipment offered by the C3, including the steering wheel adjustable for height and reach, the driver and passenger headrests adjustable for height and tilt, the individual retracting arm-rests, the raised seating position that provides a clear view of the road and the large glazed areas for good peripheral vision.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
Whatever the driving conditions, the electric power steering system of the C3 ensures easy handling in the city, as well as on longer journeys involving motorway travel, through its ability to “read” the road at sustained speed.
ELECTRONIC PARKING ASSISTANCE
Electronic parking assistance is a practical function that helps drivers manoeuvre easily. Four sensors in the rear bumper detect any obstacles and warn the driver with an audible alarm. The system is activated automatically as soon as reverse is selected. It can also be disabled.
EQUIPMENT THAT ALLOWS THE DRIVER TO GIVE THE ROAD HIS FULL ATTENTION
To promote safe driving, the C3 features a range of intelligent functions, such as a programmable excess speed warning, a black panel function to optimise visual comfort at night, and an audio system whose volume varies automatically with vehicle speed.
An optional colour telematics system is also available. Positioned on the upper part of the dashboard, this system comprises three key functions: an audio system (radio and 5-CD stacker), colour navigation and a dual-band GSM hands-free telephone.
Activated by voice recognition and synthesis, the system can also be managed using the controls provided on the fascia.
An optional navigation system with a black-and-white display unit is also available.



© Julian Marsh/Citroënët + Citroën UK Ltd. + SA Automobiles Citroën