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Citroën C3 adjustments radically: from an iconically rounded 5-door sedan (for 3 generations), it transforms within the fourth sequence right into a metropolis SUV with sq. traces with electrical, hybrid or thermal-only traction.
We examined the brand new Citroën in a media drive reserved for the publications which are a part of the jury of the Car Of The Year award and it should be mentioned instantly that the automotive confirms the fascinating components already recognized on the time of the static debut for a sequence of causes: it represents the brand new stylistic course of the French model e. not by likelihood. brings to its debut an unprecedented (and large) double chevron emblem, it’s primarily based on the GoodCar platform of the Stellantis group, a low-cost structure derived from the well-known CMP and used up to now in rising nations, however it’s not sufficient: the C3, or fairly the ë- model C3, the battery-powered one, has an essential activity: to democratize entry to electrical automobiles with a worth checklist of below 24 thousand euros. And that is not all, the C3 is the sister of the following Panda (whose debut is predicted on 11 July) and shares the platform and manufacturing facility in Kragujevac in Serbia with the longer term Fiat. Driving the brand new C3 is subsequently additionally a style of the following Fiat which, leaping to the next section, will, in all chance, have the identical mechanics (each thermal and electrical) and nearly actually a big a part of the sheet steel of the C3.
In a brief take a look at in Austria, not removed from the manufacturing facility, we drove each the electrical and the thermal with the guide gearbox, however let’s go so as and learn the way it is made.
First of all, the Citroën C3, as we mentioned, is an city SUV. In reality, the SUV format gives a peak of 1.57 metres, a function which provides entrance seat passengers 30 mm extra headroom. Furthermore, the driving place additionally advantages, being increased as befits a crossover. It should be mentioned that the dashboard, horizontal, linear and dominated by a 12.5-inch display screen, seems slightly excessive and with an higher basin of doubtful practicality. However, the type is nice and the meeting is cautious. Obviously the supplies are easy and low-cost: numerous laborious plastic and a pair too many uncovered screws. There is nothing to complain about in relation to consolation: the seats are actual armchairs: snug and nicely padded (the 2024 C3 confirms itself as adhering to the qualities of the mannequin and the model which has all the time made consolation one in all its robust factors for the reason that days of the legendary DS of 1955 for get to the latest SUVs).
Citroën C3, dimensions.
At simply over 4 meters lengthy, 19 mm longer and 6 mm wider than the earlier mannequin, the brand new C3 is extra spacious in nearly each dimension. Elbow room for rear passengers is nineteen mm higher, whereas entrance elbow room is 21 mm higher than the market common. Last however not least, rear passenger knee room is the very best in its class, at the least 20 mm greater than common. Ground clearance is 197 mm, greater than 30 mm than the earlier mannequin.