Citroen unveils new C3 and creates new "universe"

Citroen isn't holding back on the effusive praise over its just revealed C3 update. The French firm claims this latest hatch creates "a new automobile universe" as it seeks to improve on the popular out-going model.

Taking the large windscreen theme from its C4 Picasso to the next level the Citroen designers and engineers have created what they have dubbed the Zenith windscreen that extends almost beyond the front passenger seats.

It is the showpiece of the new model and Citroen is making sure everyone knows it. The company claims the Zenith windscreen is not only a first for the small hatch segment but drenches the cabin in light, expands visibility by 80 degrees and more.

"With the new C3, Citroën is opening up a new automobile universe," says Vincent Besson, Products and Markets, Citroën. "A universe where reason and responsibility leave room for a new driving pleasure and new sensations."

But the windscreen isn't the only big change with the current round shape replaced by a shaper lines; something the company's release claims is "the essence of seduction."

Because of the different market demands from Europe (where the C3 was primarily designed for) there has been a lot of attention paid to the interior to give it a feel and space of a larger car. Boot capacity is 300-litres and there are various storage compartments scattered throughout the cabin.

More importantly though there are a new range of three-cylinder diesel engines which Citroen claims will produce as little as 90g/km of CO2. When launched in November this year the C3 will be available with a three-cylinder HDi engine emitting 99g/km. Newer engines arrive in 2011 that will have Citroen's second generation start-stop technology.

At this stage Australia's Citroen importer Ateco isn't revealing specifications or pricing for the new C3, although it's safe to expect a range of petrol engine options as well as diesels. the new C3 is due to arrive in the country halfway through 2010.

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