New Citroen C3 Officially Unveiled

Citroen has decided to officially reveal the new Citroen C3 months before its scheduled Frankfurt Motor Show debut.  The move comes just a few days after World Car Fans published photos of the C3 leaked out from a company event last week.

As previously mentioned, it appears as though early rumors of a full panoramic glass roof were unfounded.  The "Zenith" windshield does in fact extend over the front occupants' heads, but only just to the b-pillar.  The company believes occupants will find the Zenith Windscreen very comfortable, as progressive glass helps keep harsh rays out of the cabin.  Citroen says they worked hard to guarantee that the car would not have an increase in road noise due to the glass extension.  A thin strip of chrome at the top end of the windscreen matches chrome lines seen around the honeycomb grille, and on the side mirrors, door handles, door panels, and trunk.

The car's front end is completely redesigned, with a sportier front bumper featuring integrated fog lights.  The new rear light cluster is designed rather well, and is a nice step up from the current C3 model.  We are still not certain if the entire rear bumper will be painted in the same exterior color of the car, or if the lower section will remain black for all vehicles.  Either way, the bumper's new shape is a nice touch.

At 3.94 meters long, the new C3 is about 12 cm longer than the current model.  The next C3 will also be about 5 cm wider, coming in at 1.71 meters.  Turning circle is a tight 10.2 meters, an improvement on the outgoing generation.

One of the first models available will feature the HDi 90 DPFS engine, meant to showcase the car's green cred.  The engine expels 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer, making this a more environmentally friendly option.  When new powerplants are introduced in 2011, emissions could be reduced to 90 g/km.  Start/Stop looks to be included right off the bat, with a retuned system coming with the new engines.

In these first photos of the car's interior, we see a very clean design utilizing a two-tone thermo-coated dash and center console that matches the contrasting seats and headliner.  The customer can customize the dash a bit by choosing from either a satin grey or glossy brushed aluminum strip mixed with chrome detailing.  It appears a CD-radio, climate control, and sat-nav/infotainment unit are the features built into the console.  The HiFi system gives the driver a few extra options, thanks to the USB port, iPod jack, and BlueTooth.  The covered, recessed gauges feature a pleasing mix of analogue and digital display.

The new Citroen C3 will be built in France at the company's facilities in Aulnay and Poissy.  The car will be available beginning in November.

Press Release

NEW CITROËN C3 - VISIODRIVE

Beautiful, young, intelligent. The new C3 by Citroën.

Coming out in November 2009, the new Citroën C3 has a strong ambition: to replace a bestseller that has sold more than 2 million units. "This is a major renewal for the Marque and gives us the wherewithal to achieve our target of increasing market share even more, among both individual and corporate customers," says Frédéric Banzet, Managing Director of Citroën.

The winning formula: take the best of the C3 and make it even better. The new C3 is packed with seductive features: tauter styling, high-class trim, intelligent architecture creating exceptional interior space in what is still one of the most compact vehicles on the market, and superior on-board comfort and road handling, both in the city and on the open road. With the most advanced features in the segment, the new Citroën C3 will be ideal as the main family car or core fleet vehicle.

But that's not all. The Zenith windscreen makes the new C3 unique. As well as drenching the cabin in light and expanding visibility, this windscreen introduces passengers of our Visiodrive to a new driving experience. "With the new C3, Citroën is opening up a new automobile universe. A universe where reason and responsibility leave room for new driving pleasure. And new sensations," says Vincent Besson, Products and Markets, Citroën.

These quality features are confirmed in the design and manufacturing of the new Citroën C3. Made in France, on the industrial sites of Aulnay and Poissy, the new vehicle meets high quality standards, both new and over time. To guarantee optimum reliability, and iron out the last imperfections, it will be put through more than 2 million kilometres of on-road testing before the market release.

A UNIQUE, ALLURING PERSONALITY

The new C3 is asserting its personality. The recognisable protective roundness of its predecessor is given a sportier edge with tauter, smoother lines. Exciting with a gentle touch: the essence of seduction.

The styling and refinement of the new C3 are seductive. The materials are high class, such as the thermo-coated dash, highlighted by a cross strip in satin grey or gloss brushed aluminium, and chrome detailing. The new C3 takes trim level and quality to a new dimension. This is illustrated perfectly by care with gap and flush, attention to every detail and robust design.

INTELLIGENT ARCHITECTURE

The new C3 is one of the most compact vehicles in its segment. With a length of 3.94 m, a width of 1.71 m and a 10.2 m turning circle, it is perfect for the city.

A compact exterior, without compromising on interior space. The new C3 has the roominess it needs to assert its new status as the main family car or core fleet vehicle. This can been seen in the generous 300 litres of optimised boot capacity, numerous storage spaces (console, glovebox, central armrest...), medium-height seats facilitating access and visibility, and optimised interior space offering more knee room. The new Citroën C3 is more spacious, but still compact. It's a "real" car, with upper-segment features.

A NEW DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The new experience goes further and gets better with the Zenith windscreen, a technological feat. This exceptionally long windscreen expands the front occupants' field of vision by 80° upwards. Combined with slimmer pillars, the Zenith gives all occupants a sense of unlimited, high-definition vision. Total immersion. As a world first, the progressive glass smoothes the transition from the strong sun protection above the front passengers to the standard clear glass for looking forwards. The saloon with the biggest windscreen and the smallest roof on the market delivers more new driving sensations! The new C3 offers more visibility and light, for more safety and driving pleasure.

Speaking of pleasure, our Visiodrive naturally benefits from the Marque's know-how in comfort. Everyone will be extremely comfortable on board the new Citroën C3 for all the senses: not just low noise and low vibration, but fragrant and nice to look at, with the many windows and air freshener. A relaxing atmosphere. A great car to drive and be driven in.

The new C3 is a "connected" car. In addition to the RD4 mp3 audio system, the USB Box (USB slot + jack, full iPod compatibility, Bluetooth® hands-free kit) and MyWay navigation, the new Hifi System® surrounds passengers with sound, as if they were in a concert hall. The system offers not only exceptional sound quality, but comes with a competitive price tag.

IMPRESSIVE AND REASONABLE DYNAMIC FEATURES

The new Citroën C3 will make others green with envy... with more dynamic road handling, it is as comfortable on the open road as in the city, and has managed to keep a slim figure by not putting on any weight! An exceptional achievement given the convincing increase in comfort and interior space. This weight control, combined with optimised aerodynamics (a Cx of 0.30), the new C3 manages its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions intelligently. Right from launch, it will come in a version emitting 99 g/km de CO2, with the HDi 90 DPFS engine.

That expertise in managing fuel consumption will reach a new stage with the arrival of new powerplants in 2011, incorporating second-generation Stop & Start. Coupled with five- and six-speed electronic gearboxes, they will equip diesel versions emitting only 95 and 90 g/km de CO2. In short, the new generation of three-cylinder engines will enable versions emitting less than 100 g/km de CO2.