Citroën · 2002–present

Citroën C3 (CC21)

The Citroën C3 is a supermini car (B-segment) produced by Citroën since April 2002. It replaced the Citroën Saxo in the model line up, and is currently in its fourth generation. Initial models of the Citroën C3 were built using the same platform as the Peugeot 206. The C3 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, was available as the Citroën DS3 and marketed as a premium model. A mini MPV derivative of the C3 was announced in July 2008, called the C3 Picasso. In South America, a mini SUV version called the C3 Aircross, was produced and marketed only locally. Then, a separate model also called the Citroën C3 Aircross was introduced worldwide. In September 2021, a new, low-cost model was introduced for the Indian and South American markets. During its introduction, Citroën CEO Vincent Cobée mentioned that the "C3" is the trade name for all Citroën B-segment hatchbacks around the world. The third and fourth-generation C3 are available with a battery electric variant.

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First generation (FC/FN; 2002)

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 the 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 automated manual transmission with paddle-shifters and manual and automatic modes. The top level was the only version that had the option of a four-speed hydraulic 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. An offroad-looking model called C3 X-TR was marketed from 2005 to 2009. Citroën C3 Lumiere. 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 upfront. Facelift. The C3 was given a 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

Second generation (SC; A51; 2009)

The second generation of the C3 was revealed on 29 June 2009, and made its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009. It features a new body design, with a 108 degree field of vision windscreen, similar to that of the larger C4 Picasso, which is available on all versions, except the entry model VT. The new C3 builds on the curvy profile of the previous model and has a look in keeping with other Citroën models and the older C3, although it is longer and wider than the old model. The lights at the front, bonnet, dashboard assembly, and other components are shared with the DS3. On the new C3, the instrumentation is a mix of analogue dials beneath a styled cowl and a digital display for the fuel and trip computer. There is no temperature gauge (unlike the DS3), but a red and blue warning lamp to show hot or cold engines which come on as required. The drag coefficient is 0.307 Cd. In engineering terms, the PSA TU powerplants are carried over from the old car and Citroën also announced a new range of small petrol engines that PSA Peugeot Citroën developed in partnership with BMW. These "Prince" engines have double overhead 16 valve camshafts, on-demand oil and water pumps, and BMW's patent injection and ignition technology. They are designed for low CO2 emissions and for good performance and economy. The economy was improved by the standard-fit cruise control and speed limiter available on the VTR+, Airdream+, and Exclusive models. All versions have a standard fit "Gear Efficiency Indicator" which graphically states what gear to be in and when to change up to optimise economy. They come in 1.4 L 70 kW (95 PS) and 1.6 L 88 kW (120 PS) versions with low emissions, as well as new diesel engines, all with CO2 emissions of under 120 g/km, plus an "Airdream+" mod

Third generation (SX/SY; 2016)

The official pictures of the new C3 were revealed on 29 June 2016. The C3 takes front styling cues from the facelifted Citroën C4 Picasso, as well as the Grand C4 Picasso. It receives optional side Airbump mouldings as used on the Citroën C4 Cactus. The new C3 is offered with a choice of nine exterior colours, and three contrast shades that appear on the roof, foglight trims, side mirrors, and Airbump surrounds. Citroën claims the range will offer a total of 36 different colour combinations. Facelift (2020). The restyled version was revealed in February 2020. The main evolutions are on the front and on the headlights with new LEDs. There are two new colours, "Spring Blue" and "Rouge Elixir", and two new interior atmospheres called "Techwood" and "Emeraude". Launched in 2023, C3 You is the new entry-level version. Engines and transmissions. === Safety === India and Latin America (2022). The third generation C3 for Indian and Latin American markets was released on 16 September 2021 and produced since 2022. Produced in Brazil and India, the model has been described by Citroën as a "modern hatchback", avoiding the "crossover SUV" branding. It is based on the Smart Car Platform and is completely unrelated to the European C3. The exterior has crossover SUV styling with its high ground clearance, high bonnet, roof rails and black cladding. There are split headlights connected to Citroen’s double-slat grille, the option of orange accents on the front bumper and side cladding, an upright rear hatch door and rectangular LED taillights. The interior has a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a dimpled-effect on the dashboard panel, a raised driving position and the colour of the dashboard and seat fabrics can be customised. In India, the C3 is praised for its dynamic qualities

Fourth generation (CC21; 2024)

The European market fourth-generation C3 was introduced on 17 October 2023 and started production in 2024. The model is based on the Smart Car Platform, which will underpin seven models produced by Stellantis in the future. It is described as a more efficient alternative to other STLA modular architectures with focus on battery electric models. The C3 is the first model to feature Citroën's new design language and new logo, which were both previewed by the Oli Concept in 2022. It features the C-Zen Lounge concept with Citroën's Heads Up Display (which replaces the traditional instrument cluster) and a flat bottom design steering wheel. For the first time in history, the C3 is equipped with Citroën Advanced Comfort Suspension along with new Citroën Advanced Comfort Seats. The design of the fourth-generation C3 resembles crossover SUVs, with a 163 mm (6.4 in) ground clearance, 28 mm (1.1 in) higher than its predecessor. The C3 also features a higher roof line, which creates a larger cabin with 30 mm (1.2 in) additional front headroom and 20 mm (0.8 in) of added rear knee room, despite being only 19 mm (0.7 in) longer and 6 mm (0.2 in) wider. The ë-C3 is equipped with a 44 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery capable of an electric range of up to 320 km (199 mi) measured by the WLTP cycle. The 83 kW (113 PS; 111 hp) electric motor allows the vehicle to reach 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in around 11 seconds. Citroen simplified the fourth-generation C3 and ë-C3 range with two trim levels and no optional extras; the only customisable option is the exterior colour. Engines and transmissions.

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