The new Citroen C3 for Europe is presented
The European Citroen C3 hatchback has moved into the fourth generation. In general, a hatchback with a similar design and under the same index was introduced back in 2021 for the markets of India and South America. A little later, an electrical modification was added to it. However, the company claims that the European car does not have a single common body panel with a hatchback for developing countries. Although conceptually these machines are very similar, and they have the same modular CMP platform, albeit in different variations.
There is no trace of the former image of the “kolobok”. Citroen C3 has become angular, and it is easy to mistake it for a SUV. Compared with the outgoing model of the 2016 sample, the length and width have not changed much (4.01 m and 1.76 m, respectively), but the height has become 9 cm higher at once and is now 1.57 m. The wheelbase has grown by just one centimeter — up to 2.54 m. In addition to the height, the ground clearance has also been increased: for versions with internal combustion engines, almost 200 mm has been declared! Although the electric vehicle has a much smaller clearance: about 163 mm under the traction battery. The trunk volume increased by a symbolic 10 liters, to 310 liters.
The interior of the new S3 attracts primarily with a “three-story” front panel. At the top level, under the windshield, there is a narrow instrument cluster screen: now it is located above the steering wheel rim, like in Peugeot cars. A media system with a 10.25-inch screen will be an option: in the database you will have to settle for a simple audio player with an integrated phone holder.
On the massive spokes of the steering wheel there are many physical keys for controlling auxiliary systems. The climate unit is also “analog”. The transmission mode selector is located on the central tunnel, and not on the steering column, as, for example, in the new Peugeot 3008. Can you guess why already? Yes, the Citroen C3 will have a manual transmission! In general, according to French journalists, according to the materials of the interior trim, it is noticeable that the car was conceived inexpensive.
The first electric Citroen e-C3 is presented: at the start of sales, it will have one front-wheel drive version with a 113 hp engine. Such a hatchback weighing about 1400 kg will be able to accelerate to 100 km/h in about 11 seconds, and the maximum speed will be 135 km/h. The electric motor is powered by a lithium-iron-phosphate battery with a capacity of 42 kWh, which is supplied by Svolt from China. The passport power reserve is 320 km on the WLTP cycle. 100-kilowatt “fast” direct current charging is supported. In 2025, a simpler version with a reduced battery and a range of no more than 200 km will complement the range. Two more modifications are expected with the Puretech family 1.2 gasoline turbo engine with a capacity of 100 hp. The first will have a five—stage “mechanics”, and the second will have a six-speed “robot” Punch Powertrain with a built-in traction electric motor.
Now the most interesting thing: prices. The new Citroen e-C3 was conceived as one of the most affordable electric vehicles in Europe. The simplest versions with a reduced capacity battery will be offered for less than 20 thousand euros. Although at the start of sales for the version with a range of 320 km, they will ask for 23,300 euros, and in the maximum configuration, the price tag will stay below the 30 thousand euro mark. Acceptance of orders will begin in the first quarter of 2024, and the start of sales is scheduled for the second half of the year. The new European Citroen C3 will be produced at the same factory in Slovakia, where the model of the outgoing generation is made.