Review: Citroën Mk.2 C3 (2010-16)

Review: Citroën Mk.2-I C3 (2010-13)

Overview

Released in November 2010, the Citroën Mk.2 Series I (Mk.2-I) C3 was a light, five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Aulnay-sous-Bois, the front-wheel drive Mk.2-I C3 range was available with a 1.4- and 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engines and 1.6-litre turbo- four-cylinder diesel engines.

The Mk.2-I C3 range initially consisted of three editions: the price-leading VT, VTR+ and range-topping Exclusive. In February 2012, however, the C3 range was revised as the VT, VTR+ and Exclusive editions were replaced by a single Seduction edition (see table below).

Compared to the Citroën Mk.1 C3 , the Mk.2 C3 was 121 mm longer (at 3941 mm), 34 mm taller (1524 mm) and had a 1 mm longer wheelbase (2451 mm); cargo space also increased to 300 litres. The Mk.2 C3 was also more refined with three times as much sound-absorbent material in the engine compartment to minimise noise. While the 1.4-litre petrol and 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engines were carried over from the Mk.1 C3 , the new 1.6-litre petrol engine was developed in partnership with BMW. The Mk.2 C3 was also fitted with variable electric power steering and a new rear axle with flexible traverse beam.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the C3’s brake lights would also flash during emergency braking situations to alert other drivers.

The VTR+, Seduction and Exclusive editions were further equipped with full-length curtain airbags.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the Mk.2 C3 – fitted with curtain airbags – received a four star safety rating with an 83 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 74 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the ‘safety assist’ category, however, electronic stability control was not expected to be fitted in sufficient volumes to achieve a five star rating. In Australia, however, electronic stability control was standard and ANCAP awarded the C3 a five star rating and an overall occupant protection rating of 33.38 out of 37.

Features: VT, VTR+ and Exclusive editions

Standard features for the C3 VT included a six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary input, air conditioning, 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power front windows and door mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet, cargo cover, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the C3 VTR+ added velour upholstery, cruise control with speed limiter, front fog lights, cooled glovebox, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and height adjustable driver’s seat.

The C3 Exclusive was distinguished by its extended ‘Zenith’ windscreen, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, climate control air conditioning, height adjustable front seats, heated mirrors, dark-tint rear windows and ambient lighting.

Features: Seduction edition

Compared to the VTR+ editions, the Seduction editions were further equipped with the extended Zenith windscreen as standard.

Related links

• Press Kit: Citroen Mk.2 C3 (November 2010)
• Brochure: Citroen Mk.2-I C3 (January 2011)
• Press Kit: Citroen Mk.2 C3 Seduction (February 2012)

Review: Citroën Mk.2-II C3 (2013-16)

Overview

Released in September 2013, the Mk.2 Series II (Mk.2-II) C3 introduced updated styling, a revised range and a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, though the turbo-diesel engines were discontinued.

Visually, the Mk.2-II C3 could be identified by its new chevron grille, daytime LED running lights, tail-lights and rear bumper reflectors. Inside, changes included white backlit instruments, a matte-black thermo-coated dashboard and new upholstery.

Safety equipment

Compared to their Mk.2-I predecessors, standard safety equipment for the Mk.2-II C3 Seduction and Exclusive editions were unchanged.

Features

Standard features for the C3 Seduction included a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3 compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB) and Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lights, daytime LED running lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls,, 2/3 to 1/3 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows, power folding and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, the Zenith panoramic windscreen, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

While the 1.2i Seduction was fitted with 15-inch steel wheels with ‘Asterodea’ covers (including a full-size spare wheel), the 1.6i Seduction had 16-inch ‘Valonga’ alloy wheels with a space-saving spare wheel.

The C3 Exclusive was further equipped with 17-inch ‘Clover’ alloy wheels, an eMyWay satellite navigation, climate control air conditioning with an aroma diffuser, ‘Dinamica’ cloth trim, rear parking sensors, a rear view camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, an electrochromatic rear view mirror and ambient lighting.

Related links

• Brochure: Citroën Mk.2-II C3 (February 2014)
• Specifications: Citroën Mk.2-II C3 (April 2014)
• Specifications: Citroën Mk.2-II C3 (December 2014)
• Citroën Automobiles Australia: Citroën C3
• Wikipedia.org: Citroën C3 (second generation)