New Citroen C3 crosses over

Citroen's new-generation C3 compact hatchback has made its official world debut, revealing an all-new crossover-style look inspired by the C4 Cactus a day after first images and specs were leaked online.

With the current C3 – last priced from $19,990 -- being discontinued Down Under earlier this year, Citroen Australia says it's confident it can land the new model at a (more) competitive price by mid-2017.

“The new C3 brings with it a host of innovative and practical features wrapped up in an attractive and fun design," said general manager Kai Bruesewitz.

“Negotiations are well underway and we are very keen to reintroduce the C3 to Australia if we can deliver a package that meets the needs of Australian customers and complements the overall local brand direction.

“In the likely case that those negotiations are successful, we anticipate launching the vehicle in Australia mid-2017 with specifications and pricing confirmed closer to this time,” said Bruesewitz.

Based on the PSA Group A platform, the new C3 is longer and wider but some 40mm lower than the model it replaces at 3990mm, 1750mm and 1470mm respectively.

It rides on a 2540mm wheelbase, packs a 300-litre boot, the largest glovebox in its class, large front door 'cubbies' and 1379mm of shoulder room – 20mm more than before. Citroen lists a tight 10.7-metre turning circle.

Apart from air-filled Airbump bodyside rub strips from the C4 Cactus, the cheeky new exterior features a "floating" roofline, black windscreen pillars, black wheel-arch extensions, two-tier front lighting signature, round headlights, LED daytime running lights, short overhangs, 3D tail-lights, a new double-chevron emblem and a new C3 badge with the figure ‘3’ appearing in black with a chrome surround.

Designed under Citroen’s Advanced Comfort concept are wider, more comfortable seats and a spacious interior topped by a panoramic sunroof.
There are also a number of first-in-class interior features, such as the "world-first" Citroën ConnectedCam, an onboard HD camera mounted behind the rear-view mirror that lets drivers share their road-trip photos and videos directly to the cloud.

The GPS-connected, two-megapixel, wide angle (120-degrees) full-HD camera has 16GB of internal memory, allowing drivers to take photos for keeping or immediate sharing on social media or, by keeping the button pressed, shoot up to 20 seconds of film for sharing once the car is stationary.

According to Citroen: "In the event of a vehicle impact, the system automatically activates to record and save. The video can run for up to 90 seconds (30 seconds before and 60 seconds after) and can be used as evidence following an incident. With the Citroën ConnectedCam application drivers can also geolocate their vehicle and store the position for easy relocation."

Other new technologies include a 7.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, 3D-connected navigation with speech recognition, reversing camera with parking aids, lane departure alert, blind spot monitoring, hill-start assist, hands-free ignition and four interior "mood packs".

These include Standard mood, which Citroen describes as uncluttered and neutral thanks to yellow over-stitched upholstery, Metropolitan Grey (which "puts the emphasis on warmth and brightness, with soft [dashboard and seat trim] colours and textiles), Urban Red, which features a sporty red dash colour, and Hype Colorado – bringing upmarket dash materials, contrasting upholstery and a two-tone, leather-covered steering wheel.

Indeed, customisation will be a highlight, at least in Europe, where 36 two-tone exterior colour combinations will be offered, alongside various colours for the wing mirrors, fog lights, rear window surround and the Airbumps.

Nine body colours (Banquise White, Perla Nera Black, Shark Grey, Aluminium Grey, Ruby Red, Almond Green, Cobalt Blue, Power Orange and Sand) can be combined with three roof colours (Opal White, Onyx Black, Aden Red).

Citroen Australia says it is currently working through a range of powertrain options, including three PureTech triple-cylinder petrol and two BlueHDi turbo-diesel engine choices matched to the French maker's latest-generation EAT6 automatic transmission.

Citroën Brand CEO Linda Jackson said the French car-maker's most popular model, which accounts for almost 20 per cent of its sales in Europe, will major on character.

“The new C3 has all the Citroën brand markers and all the qualities to give the brand new impetus. A major challenge for our best-seller, which accounts for almost one sale in five in Europe. A comfortable car with real personality, it is set to appeal to new customers looking for a modern car of character.”

In Citroen's words: "There’s nothing like new C3 on the road today. In fact its offbeat attitude bristles with freshness and energy yet stays true to the friendly and distinctive design that made its predecessor so popular."