The Big Car Database

Citroen C3 2002–2009

Citroën C3
Citroën C3 - 2016 (14).jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Citroën
Production 2002–present
Body and chassis
Class Supermini (B)
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Chronology
Predecessor Citroën Saxo

The Citroën C3 is a supermini car produced by Citroën since April 2002.

It replaced the Citroën Saxo in the model line up, and is currently in its third generation The third generation model made its appearance in June 2016, and went on sale in January 2017

It is produced in a five door hatchback body style, with the first generation also being produced in a two door convertible version, called the C3 Pluriel. A three door hatchback, with a similar design as the second generation, marketed as a premium model, is available as the DS3.

A mini MPV version of the C3 was announced in July 2008, called the C3 Picasso, and was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. In South America, a mini SUV version, called the C3 Aircross, is produced and marketed only locally. In October 2014, the Citroën C3 was awarded most efficient small cars, with the premium car DS 3.

First generation (2002–2009)

First generation
2003 Citroën C3 Exclusive hatchback (2016-01-04) 01.jpg
Pre-facelift Citroën C3 hatchback
Overview
Production 2002–2009
Assembly Aulnay-sous-Bois, France
Porto Real, Brazil (Citroën Brazil)
Barra de Carrasco, Uruguay (Oferol)
Designer Donato Coco
Jean-Pierre Ploué
Body and chassis
Body style 5-door hatchback
2-door convertible
Related Citroën C2
Peugeot 1007
Peugeot 206
Powertrain
Engine 1.1 L TU1 I4 (petrol)
1.4 L TU3 I4 (petrol)
1.4 L ET3 I4 (petrol)
1.6 L TU5 I4 (petrol)
1.4 L DV4 I4 (diesel)
1.6 L DV6 I4 (diesel)
Transmission 5-speed manual
5-speed semi-automatic (SensoDrive)
4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,460 mm (96.9 in)
Length 3,850 mm (151.6 in) (hatchback)
3,934 mm (154.9 in) (convertible)
Width 1,670 mm (65.7 in) (hatchback)
1,700 mm (66.9 in) (convertible)
Height 1,490 mm (58.7 in)
Curb weight 953–1,050 kg (2,101–2,315 lb)
Chronology
Successor Citroën DS3 Cabrio (for C3 Pluriel)
 
Pre-facelift Citroën C3 hatchback
 
Facelift Citroën C3 hatchback
 
Facelift Citroën C3 hatchback
 
Interior

After Jean-Pierre Ploué was appointed Director of the Citroën Design Center in 2000, he designed the C3 under the leadership of Donato Coco, who was already responsible for Citroën Xsara Picasso.

The first generation of the C3 was launched at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, as well as the 2001 Bologna Motor Show, and began marketing in January 2002, as a five door hatchback. It was available with 1.1, 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol engines, and 1.4 and 1.6 litre common rail diesel engines.

All models came as standard with a five speed manual transmission, except for the Stop & Start model, which came with the SensoDrive gearbox, a five speed semi-automatic transmission with paddle shifters and manual and automatic modes. The top level was the only version that had the option of a four speed fully automatic transmission.

In accordance with the PSA Group policy, the C3's chassis was used for the Peugeot 1007 and the Peugeot 207. Many components of the C3 are the same as those of the Peugeot 206. Some versions of the C3 feature a start-stop 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.

Citroën C3 Lumiere

Citroën C3 Lumiere
Overview
Manufacturer Citroën
Production 1998 (Concept car)
Body and chassis
Class Supermini (B)
Body style 5-door hatchback
Layout FF layout
Powertrain
Engine 1.1 L TU1 I4 (petrol)
Transmission 5-speed manual

The Citroën C3 Lumiere was a concept car that previewed the production Citroën C3, it was initially released in 1998 as a five door hatchback, with four seats and rear suicide doors for easy access for passengers to the rear seats. It featured a five speed manual transmission, and a 1.1 L TU1 I4 petrol engine up front.

Facelift

The C3 was given a minor redesign in October 2005, with the front end featuring 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 of the car was also given redesigned light clusters, with crystal coloured midsections.

The passenger compartment was also enhanced, with the fitting of a restyled dashboard with high quality finish, as well as a newer, more 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 contributed to the updated interior, as did the completely re designed front and rear door panels and trims. The steering was also improved so that it weights up with speed. Citroën also added a new 1.6 L 16 valve HDi diesel engine to the range, rated at 110 bhp (82 kW; 110 PS). The Pluriel also received similar interior alterations but was otherwise unchanged.

C3 Pluriel

Citroën marketed the C3 Pluriel from 2003 to 2010 as a convertible with five open top variations, hence the name. Pluriel is a cognate with the English plural.

The Pluriel can be configured as a hatchback with a multi layer insulated top; a full length landaulet, operable partially or to the back window or any stage in between, with a buffet minimizing wind deflector over the windshield; a fixed profile convertible, with the roof open to the back window, the roof assembly folds into a well in the trunk floor; a full convertible where roof side rails are unlatched and removed. and as a roadster pick up, where the back seats fold to a pickup like bed with a drop down tailgate.

The C3 Pluriel was introduced in July 2003, and was originally offered with a choice of a 1.4 or a 1.6 L petrol engine, and a 1.4 L diesel engine. The 1.6 L petrol came fitted, as standard, with a semi-automatic gearbox. The Pluriel was withdrawn in July 2010.

In October 2013, Top Gear Magazine placed the C3 Pluriel on its list of "The 13 worst cars of the last 20 years", describing the car as "useful as a chocolate teapot."

 

Engines

  • 1.1 L (1124 cc) TU1 I4, 60 PS (59 hp/44 kW) and 69 lb·ft (94 N·m)
  • 1.4 L (1360 cc) TU3 I4, 75 PS (75 hp/55 kW) and 87 lb·ft (118 N·m)
  • 1.4 L (1398 cc) DV4 HDi diesel I4, 70 PS (69 hp/51 kW) and 118 lb·ft (160 N·m)
  • 1.4 L (1398 cc) DV4 HDi 16-valve diesel I4, 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW) and 147 lb·ft (200 N·m) (discontinued in 2005; could not meet EURO4 compliance)
  • 1.4 L (1360 cc) ET3 16 valve I4, 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW) and 98 lb·ft (133 N·m)
  • 1.6 L (1560 cc) DV6 HDi 16 valve diesel I4, 92 PS (91 hp/68 kW) and 159 lb·ft (216 N·m)
  • 1.6 L (1560 cc) DV6 HDiF 16 valve diesel I4 with Diesel particulate filter, 110 PS (108 hp/80 kW) and 177 lb·ft (240 N·m)
  • 1.6 L (1587 cc) TU5 16 valve I4, 110 PS (108 hp/81 kW) and 108 lb·ft (146 N·m)