Test Drive Citroen C3 since 2002 Hatchback

Servant of the three gentlemen

In the summer, a very curious car will appear in Russia. This is a Citroen-plural direct relative of Citroen C3 and C2. He combined the functions of a regular passenger car, a cabriolet and pickup. As they say, he tried to please the three of the Lord.
Mr. Eastern
Looking at the plural, unwittingly begin to smile. Just so, without any reason, although you understand that you have today a lot of things and trips. When you come to the plumerel to friends, they are smiling too.
And really why? Everything from the car in their places: and the roof, and the hood, there is a trunk from behind. And suddenly it painted me just cheerful. Why can the car can not be a perky nature? Nevertheless, in the end, it is determined by kilowatts, cubic centimeters and Newton. And this is the shower in the plumel in excess.
It doesn't matter what kind of motor diesel or gasoline, the car will be even fun. Of course, with a 1.6 l gasoline engine with a capacity of 110 liters. with. The machine develops the maximum speed of 185 km / h and accelerates to hundreds of 11.6 s, and with a 1.4 engine only for 13.9 s at maximum speed 160. But this does not change anything in character.
I had a car with an engine of 1.6 liters and an inbound mechanical box with an electronically controlled, which is called Senshodrive on Citroen (see SM, 2003, No. 4). The advantage of such a transmission is that the driver has the ability to control the box and manually, and automatically. The clutch pedal is missing, and the clutch itself controls the computer, clearly controlling when it needs to quickly squeeze, so as not to stumble when hold when trokhan. A very convenient solution, and in the conditions of road traffic jams is simply invaluable. To the left of the rear view mirror is a large round switch with a multitude of positions, similar to a dish of program selection on a washing machine. It is he who controls the roof by providing the driver and passengers to enjoy the sky above his head.
But when the soft multi-layer roof is on the place put it, it can be hidden under it from direct sunlight, and including climate control, and not at all depend on nature whims. My colleagues from the French revenge store in the winter went to the plumel in the Alps skiing. It turned out, on heat in the cabin and thawing speeds, this cheerful car exceeded more expensive cabriolets. In addition, he, unlike other cars with the opening roof, provides places for the trunk arcs, on which six pairs of skis are easily accommodated.
In the closed version, the plural is a rather quiet car: even at a speed of 130 km / h, you can calmly talk. Neither aerodynamic noise, no tire sounds, nor the voice of the motor will not interfere with listening to music or reproach of his wife about the basket forgotten in the garage.
The plural is excellent equipped and leaves the driver quite a bit of worries. They relate to the choice of high-speed mode, movement directions, timely turning on the signal of rotation and control of the radio tape recorder and climate. The rest of the car bothers itself: and the wipers will include at the first drops of rain, and illumination with near light in the dark or at the entrance to the tunnel. And safely turns off all this with changes in road and meteo conditions.
Mr. free wind
To get a square meter of pure sky above your head, just rotate the switch clockwise until it stops. The roof will be smoothly and freezes over the rear glass. If you want to open the roof, you can choose any of eight intermediate positions. We want even more openness, then click on the toggle switch and do not let go. In this case, the roof crashes on the rear window, but to track the situation behind the side of the side mirrors.
But about turning the plural in an uncompromising convertible, it is better to think in advance in the garage. After all, you will have to remove the side arches, the place for which in the machine is not provided in the machine. Before getting rid of the arches, listen carefully to the forecast of weather forecasters. Otherwise, if the element finds it on the way, the only hope will be hiding the nearest refueling or repair shop.
Stages of converting to a convertible are shown in the photo. The sequence of actions is clearly defined: a step-by-step instruction is in a special compartment of the trunk shelf.
The procedure for creating a convertible, in my opinion, is complicated. True, everything is done from the third time automatically. On the other hand, it is still a process, and it is difficult to find another machine that provides such opportunities. Not to mention a full-fledged four-seater cabriolet for 15 and a half thousand euros.
The most difficult to physically remove 12-kilogram arches. But there are curious technical solutions. For example, I really liked the rear window with built-in heating, as if on the swing, it sinks down and hiding under the painter of the trunk.
Mr. Pickap
Of course, no one will come to anyone to constantly use the plural as a cargo-passenger car. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the restrictions on the lifting capacity of the platform, which is formed when the rear boost is thrown into or, if you like, the lid of the trunk. It is designed for 100 kg of cargo. However, with the folded backs of the rear seats, a very impressive cargo compartment is formed.
How it is properly ordered, depends on the fiction and fantasy owner or the owner. You can even carry palm trees in the frames, and if you wish, the refrigerator is vertically installed to, as required, not conntive. With one folded back on the platform, three bicycles are fitted, just by the number of sitting, and there is a little space for the boot.
One should be borne in mind: If you are going to go through the roads with a crowned board, you need to take care that the rear license plate is visible: after all, it will be addressed to Earth in this case, which may cause questions from the Avtoyspector.
Which of the three gentlemen would have serve my plumel, I would be his owner? What could prefer from the configurations?
Intermediate, with arches. First, with the unstable climate of our middle strip, I would not shoot them. All the charms of the cabriolet can be tasted with the arches, removing the roof and lowering the glass. By the way, with arches, which can be used to attach stretch marks, it will be easier to transport and refrigerator if such an idea comes to your mind. Secondly, the arch is an additional means of passive safety when tipping the car. Thirdly
And thirdly, why buy a cheerful multifunctional car, if you do not take advantage of its possibilities and joys of life, which he gives?
 

 

 

 

Vladimir Solovyov. Photo by the author

A source: Journal "Behind the wheel"