Why the Citroën C3 will please the Paris Motor Show audience

Citroën has compiled all the current codes for a working car. Namely, an SUV silhouette, an accessible price and the essential electrification. Citroën retains the contained size of 4 meters but gives the C3 an SUV appearance with raised ground clearance, volume and plastic protections. The French car is displayed in a red livery on the manufacturer’s stand at the Paris Motor Show.

The design evolves radically and is characterized by the adoption of a very vertical and full grille whatever the engine, struck in its center by the new Citroën logo. The light signature is made up of three bars which mimic a hook, a shape that is also found for the rear lights. Personalization plays an important role. The new C3 will be available with two-tone paintwork (black or white roof), but the chevron brand adds a small innovation with the possibility of choosing the color of the strips affixed to the rear quarter or front bumper. Three colors appear in the catalog: Ice White, Infrared or Lemon Yellow

Citroën shakes up the interior presentation with the disappearance of the instrumentation, now replaced by a standard head-up display. It can be combined with a 10-inch multimedia system. The entry-level versions will not have this but will have a system similar to a hi-fi dock allowing you to connect your smartphone to the car and enjoy the telephone, radio, navigation or streaming thanks to a dedicated application. The dashboard is very horizontal and relatively bare. The quality of the materials is convincing, notably with a lower part of the dashboard covered in fabric. There is plenty of storage space, which is becoming usual for Citroën. In the back, two adults will be quite comfortable. The trunk volume of 310 liters is average for the category, but it is penalized by a large step between the loading sill and the floor.

The price is obviously the key element of this new C3 which comes to play, without really assuming it, on the flowerbeds of Dacia. To achieve such a low price, the manufacturer has been clever on several points. The new C3 was designed a bit like a Dacia. Where all expenditure items have been scrutinized. The choice of platform (multi-energy), LFP batteries (less expensive and requiring fewer rare metals), a reduced choice of upgrade, here are the ingredients of such low prices.

The new Citroën C3 in its thermal version is available at great prices. Prices start at €14,990 with the 100 hp PureTech gasoline engine associated with a 6-speed mechanical gearbox with the added bonus of truly complete basic equipment which includes air conditioning, cruise control, electric mirrors, reversing sensors and the smartphone station. Citroën indicates that this block has been “totally redesigned for the benefit of performance and reliability, this engine is now equipped with a distribution chain. It is here associated exclusively with a 6-speed mechanical gearbox.

The city car also offers the services of a mild hybridization engine. The latter allows you to drive fully electric in certain phases such as parking or traffic jams. Combined with an automatic transmission, it displays lower CO2 rates and consumption levels. The prices are also still low with a starting price of €20,200.

The Caradisiac moment

The Citroën stand risks being stormed during days open to the public. The Ami, C3 and C3 Aircross models are offered at very competitive prices. Nowadays, it is becoming rare to find cars sold at affordable prices.