Citroen C3 : Unique and Vital

“This New Citroen C3 differs from the European version as its design has been inspired by and for the countries in question, in order to offer a unique solution that fully conveys the Citroen identity. Purchasing a car is a major investment for customers and our ambition as a mainstream brand is to offer a modern, prestigious model offering a high-level specification for the price, at the forefront of the market. In general terms, the challenge we set ourselves was to strike a balance to provide everything that customers need, while keeping the price range competitive. To achieve this, the local teams were fully involved in the definition, development and production of the model.”

Vincent Cobée, CEO, Citroen.

The introduction of the new Citroen C3 signals the beginning of a new era for Citroen, with the development of models that are both true to the brand’s character and meticulously researched and developed with local teams to provide a realistic solution to specific market needs in India and Latin America.  

The strong design of the New C3 will appeal to buyers who see their automobile as an extension of themselves. They want an automobile that they can customise anyway they want, which is a big demand in India. Furthermore, the compactness (less than 4m to qualify for a reduced tax band), agility, versatility, on-board room, comfort, and connectivity will improve the experience of often challenging traffic situations while adjusting to each individual’s lifestyle. The new C3, which will be produced in Chennai, is aimed at recently married consumers in their thirties, from the developing middle class, with a comfortable income, who are aware of the value delivered by a product that represents a large outlay and requires sturdy and practical maintenance. It must be appealing, modern, and feature cutting-edge connectivity possibilities for connecting to the family’s smartphones, all while representing the family’s likes and personalities. 

Exterior 

The New C3’s particular style is immediately obvious from its distinctive shape, which features a high position of the bonnet and a front end built to enhance the impression of width. It also retains Citroen’s characteristic shape, as seen in its full and generous versions, which are distinguished by their different sculpted surfaces. Other Citroen characteristics can be seen on the New C3, such as the styling of the trademark Citroen bonnet and the front grille design. 

C3 shows the face of Citroen with the iconic front end now present on the C4 and C5 X in the current line. The double chevrons that become chrome bars and extend across the width of the car to the headlights, then separate to create a Y at the ends, give it a dual-stage light signature. The position lights, indicators, and daytime running lights are on the top level, while the low beam and high beam are on the bottom level, with a light guide at the top and another at the bottom. 

At first sight, the New C3 sticks out for its unique SUV characteristics, such as its elevated driving position, which is one of the highest in the market. Its front end features a high bonnet that is sturdy without being aggressive, combining strength and protection. A fairing – also found at the rear – and protective plates front and rear, depending on the location, strengthen the protective and adventurous aspect. 

The side view is also influenced by SUVs, and it promotes the New C3 by giving it a contemporary appearance. The sides of the vehicle are muscular, set off by protective bubble panels sculpted into the bodywork, along with fender flares which create divisions through an interplay of light and shadow, generating the appearance of wider fenders to give the vehicle a more imposing look. The new C3 is an invitation to take the wheel of a distinctive vehicle that is far more than a basic hatchback. 

The sculpted surfaces of the rear end, which extend beyond the lights, visually increase the silhouette, and each end of the rear lights is an attractive element that echoes C3. 

Interior 

The new C3 has been designed to be simple and enjoyable to use. To prevent interrupting their social lives, occupants must be comfortable, have enough space for their personal items, and stay connected while listening to their favorite music and using their smartphone as they would in their living room. 

The wide dashboard immediately gives the sensation of room upon entering the New C3. The comfortable seats, multiple storage compartments, and driving enjoyment add to this sensation of well-being, resulting in a pleasurable and peaceful on-board experience. 

The space on board the New C3 is vast, comfortably accommodating five passengers, which is a key feature for buyers in this segment. The lengthy 2.54m wheelbase reveals the impressive internal space in terms of architecture. The back seats are the most capacious, allowing passengers to travel in the most comfort.  Citroen comfort is also visible in the design, width, thickness, and foam of the seats, all of which add to the on-board comfort of the occupants. 

The new C3 has a 315-litre boot, which is one of the largest in the segment, a 1-litre glove box, two 2-litre door pockets in the front that can hold a 1-litre bottle and other items, two 1-litre door pockets in the back, two cup holders and a storage compartment in the central console, as well as two rear cup holders that can become smart plugs. The design includes some very ingenious storage, such as a pen tray for keeping small objects. This essential function, which is located beneath the dashboard, also matches the color scheme of the room (orange in India and blue in Latin America). 

The new Citroen C3 will be on sale in India in the first half of 2022, strengthening Citroen’s presence in South America, particularly in Brazil and Argentina, two countries with distinct features and customer expectations. 

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