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Vroom with a view Apart from the more conventional styling of its new C3 the biggest change that Citroen has made to this super mini is the Zenith panoramic windscreen which provides a much greater view of the world around you.
I now understand how goldfish must feel when swimming around in a bowl, admittedly the C3 isn’t filled with water (thankfully, even when it rains the car remains perfectly dry) but the greater vision isn’t something that I’m used to, and nor did I like very much. Call me a luddite but…
If the sun gets a bit too much you can pull a large ceiling shade back across the windscreen which reverses the C3 interior back into what looks like a normal sized windscreen. To be fair to the C3 for much of my time spent with the car I had the shade pulled across in the closed position because it was too hot and sunny for it to be in the fully open position.
The C3 interior which shares a similar interior architecture to the DS3 with a matte silver dashboard that contrasts nicely with the dark cloth seats. The indicator and wiper switchgear is very similar to all other Citroens, but unlike the larger C4 and C5 models, it has a conventional steering wheel, not a fixed hub that the wheel rotates around. Bluetooth and USB input are standard in the C3 Exclusive and there’s an optional high quality audio system that turns the car into a mobile concert hall such is the quality of the unit fitted to our test car.
Another positive side of the ledger is that this C3 Exclusive has the exact same engine and gearbox combination as the DS3 DStyle we drove last year which was a pleasant surprise in the performance and handling department, and this is mirrored by its less sporting sibling. There is also more interior space inside than the previous C3 making the car feel a lot bigger than it’s foot print might suggest. Boot space is an astounding 300 litres!
While the 88kW 1.6 litre engine is the most powerful beast on the market, it’s smooth and responsive enough but does require higher grade unleaded fuel and not 91 RON like many of its competitors.
The four-speed automatic gearbox quickly adapted to my style of driving and the new C3 has more than enough power to hustle through the urban jungle yet has the delightful road holding that one expects of a Citroen but this has come at a cost.
The main issue I had with the C3 was the low speed ride quality over corrugations and pot holes. Over lumps and bumps the C3’s suspension felt way too firm and it transmitted quite a bit of vibration and harshness through the cabin. As we have commented before this was a surprising let down in what is otherwise a very good well priced and well specified small European car.
Specifications:
Body type Five-door hatch
Drive Front-wheel-drive
Engine Type Inline four-cylinder
Engine Capacity 1598cc
Max power 88kW @ 6000 rpm
Max torque 160Nm @ 4250 rpm
Fuel Consumption 7.0l/100km
C02 emission 160g/km
0 to 100kph 10.9 sec
Front suspension McPherson Strut
Rear suspension Transverse beam
Roof Rack N/a
ABS Brakes Yes
Air Bags 6
ESP Yes
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Air Conditioning Climate
Lap/diagonal belts 5
Satellite Navigation N/a
Electric seats N/a
Burglar Alarm Yes
Panic Button No
Boot release Yes
Cargo Cover Yes
Boot Capacity 300 litres
Wheel type 16-inch alloy
Spare Tyre 125/80 15 space saver
Through Life Cost Report
36 Months 60000km
Price $34,990
WOF $90
Registration $732
Servicing to 60k: $1,541.32
Total Tyre cost: $1,168
Residual (33%) $13,296.20
Indicative final figure $25,225.12
The Through Life Cost Model is used for illustrative and indicative purposes only. FleetWorks and Adrenalin Publishing Limited accept no responsibility or liability should any costs indicated in the Through Life Cost Model change from those published. All residual values are based on an average of values achieved through Turners Auctions Limited sales for the previous 3 months from issue date.
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Vroom with a view
Road Report
Friday, 30 March 2012
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