Review: Citroën Mk.1 C3 (2002-10)

Review: Citroën Mk.1-I C3 (2002-05)

Overview

Released in December 2002, the Citroën Mk.1 Series I (Mk.1-I) C3 range was a light, five door hatchback. Manufactured in Aulnay-sous-Bois, the front-wheel drive Mk.1 C3 was available with 1.4- and 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engines. The C3 range initially consisted of entry-level SX and Exclusive variants, but was expanded in November 2003 with the introduction of the Panoramique and, in January 2005, the XTR.

Designed by Donato Coco and Jean-Pierre Ploue, the C3 was 3850 mm long, 1667 mm wide, 1599 mm tall and had a 2460 mm long wheelbase. The C3 had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Citroën C3 SX included dual front airbags, front side airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and outer rear seatbelt load limiters. The other variants – i.e. the Exclusive, Panoramique and XTR – were further equipped with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2002 Citroën C3 with dual front and front side airbags received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 27.64. In the offset crash test, protection was assessed as marginal for the upper driver’s legs and adequate for the chest and lower legs. In the side impact test, protection was adequate for the driver’s chest and abdomen.

Features

Standard features for the price-leading C3 SX included a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, a chilled glove box, a split and folding rear seat, remote central locking, power front windows and door mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the C3 Exclusive added front fog lights, front seat armrests and velour trim; the automatic Exclusive and XTR were further equipped with climate control air conditioning and rain-sensing wipers.

Compared to the other variants, the C3 XTR was differentiated by its long travel suspension, contoured sports seats, power sunroof, second 12-volt power outlet, ‘conversation’ interior mirror, folding rear tables and SUV-style exterior cladding.

2003 C3 Panoramique

In November 2003, the Panoramique variant was introduced. Based on the Exclusive, the Panoramique variants were fitted with Citroën’s’Panoramique’ sunroof which consisted of two glass panels. The front glass panel could tilt or slide back to open the roof and both glass panels featured interior sun blinds. A pop-up air deflector was also included to prevent buffeting.

Related links

• Press Kit: Citroën Mk.1 C3 XTR (January 2005)

Review: Citroën Mk.1-II C3 (2006-10)

Overview

Released in March 2006, the Mk.1 Series II (Mk.1-II) C3 range introduced a revised range, minor cosmetic updates and a softer suspension tune for a more comfortable ride. Furthermore, the XTR variant was discontinued and the semi-automatic SensoDrive transmission was replaced with a conventional automatic. In 2007, the range was expanded with the HDi variant, powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment was improved with front side airbags, ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution made standard across the range; previously, these items were omitted from the SX variant.

Features

Compared to its Mk.1-I predecessor, features for the C3 SX were substantially the same, though the Exclusive gained 15-inch alloy wheels. The C3 HDi was similarly equipped to the Exclusive, but omitted cruise control.

Related links

• Press Kit: Citroën Mk.1-II C3 (February 2006)
• Wikipedia.org: Citroën C3 (first generation)