Citroen C3

The Citroën C3 is a supermini car with a range of inline-4 engines that has been produced by the French automaker Citroën since 2002. It was launched to replace the Citroën Saxo with the Citroën C2. It was designed by Donato Coco and Jean-Pierre Ploué, previously known for designing the Renault Twingo; the former has been the head of the Citroën design team since 1999. A mini MPV version of the C3, reportedly to be marketed as the C3 StreetLounge, was scheduled to be released in 2007.
The C3 is available with 1.1 L, 1.4 L and 1.6 L petrol engines, and 1.4 L and 1.6 L HDi engines. All models come with the option of a five speed manual transmission, except for the Stop & Start, which can only be supplied with Citroën’s SensoDrive gearbox - a five speed semi-automatic transmission, which has two shifting options of either the fully automated mode, or the paddle-shifted/gear-shifted manual mode. The SX model is the only version that has the option of a four speed fully-automatic transmission.
In accordance with PSA Group policy, the C3’s chassis was used for the Peugeot 1007. Many components of the C3 are the same as those of the Peugeot 206, for example the external mirrors.
A new C3 model appeared in July 2003, the highly-adaptable C3 Pluriel, which can be configured as a full or partial convertible or a closed car, thanks to its detachable roof bars and folding fabric roof. In its adaptability, the C3 Pluriel can be seen as a descendant of the utilitarian Citroën Méhari and 2CV.
2006 C3’s redesigned front end features a more imposing bumper, wider lower air intake, single air intake slit below the restyled radiator grille and a re-positioned number plate. The rear now has newly designed lights with crystal coloured mid-sections. The passenger compartment has been enhanced with the fitting of a restyled dashboard with high-quality finish, as well as a new, modern instrument cluster making the driver information easier to read. The addition of light metallic grey embellishers around the central section of the fascia and air vents contribute to the updated interior, as do the completely re-designed front and rear door panels and trims. The steering has also been improved so that it weights up with speed.. Citroën also added a new 1.6 L 16-valve HDi diesel engine rated at 110 bhp. The Pluriel received the interior alterations but was otherwise unchanged.
Some versions of the C3 feature a “Stop & Start” system that can automatically cut the engine when not needed to save fuel, such as in traffic, and restart it briskly to move on again. Similar technology appeared in the 1980s Volkswagen Polo “Formel E” and the Volkswagen Golf Mk III “Ecomatic”.