Citroen C3 test drive since 2002 hatchback

Kukets and cuties

Nissan Micra
The new version debuted in January
2003.
It is produced with three- and five-door bodies and a whole family of gasoline and diesel engines.
It is supplied to our market with gasoline engines - 1.2 liters, 65 liters. With. and 1.4 l, 80 l. With. and mechanical or automatic gearboxes.
Completing options - Comfort and Luxury. The latter provides for several more options in the form of climate control, rain sensor, fog headlights, etc. The price range is from 12,350 to 16,000 euros.
Seat Ibiza
It was first represented by the general public in December 2001.
Three- and five -door machines are supplied to the Russian market only with a mechanical gearbox, two gasoline engines - 1.2 liters, 64 liters. With.; 1.4 l, 75 l. With. and three diesel - 1.9 liters, 64 liters. With.; 100 l. With. and 130 l. With.
Set options - Stella, Singo and Sport. Interestingly, the functions of the sports car are given to the mercy of the most charged diesel version. The price range is from 12 119 to 20 975 euros.

Citroen C3
Appearing in the summer of 2001, he was designed to fill the niche between Saxo and Xsara.
It is produced only in a five -door version and is equipped with three gasoline and two diesel engines.
Gasoline engines are supplied to the domestic market - 1.4 liters, 75 liters. With. and 1.6 l, 109 l. p., aggregated with mechanical or automatic transmissions. For the fastest car, a semiautomatic device is provided - Senso Drive.
The options for configuration are diverse. The price range is from 12,500 to 17,000 euros.
Ford Fiesta
The model has been counting since 1976. In January 2002, the most modern fiesta appeared.
The options are three- and five -door, with four gasoline engines and a turbodiesel.
Traditionally, only gasoline versions are present in the Russian market - 1.3 liters, 70 liters. With.; 1.4 l, 80 l. With. and 1.6 l, 100 l. p., so far only with a manual gearbox.
Four basic configurations are offered - Ambiente, Comfort, Trend and Ghia. The price range is from 11,750 to 16,400 euros.

First, life divided the cars into classes, then official niches, segments, and then castes appeared. Today, as is commonly reminded, a car is not only a means of transportation, but also a symbol of well -being, confidence in tomorrow, and for someone it is simply an indicator of success. And such, at least in relation to our reality, should be powerful, dark or silver and necessarily thoroughbred. The masculine principle is laid down in all this, which gradually implies conservatism of forms, style and priorities.
At the same time, the soul of designers and stylists asks for new forms, proportions, color combinations. And they come to the rescue of a weak half of humanity. Probably, it is for them that the most unexpected solutions are called to diversify our reality, to attract the attention of others.
So we decided to assemble women's car for the test in order to relax a little from the big and powerful. It is gratifying that our developing domestic market provides a variety of opportunities here. After several days of searches and negotiations, the choice was stopped at Nissan-Mikra, Seat-Avisa, Citroen-S3 and Ford-Phieste.

The struggle for originality
The reaction of others when our quartet appeared on the streets was unequivocal: people smiled, began to discuss something lively, moving from the car to the car. The female part was attracted by Mikra and C-third as a magnet. The cars were considered in all angles. And even completely male, the black color of Citroen did not prevent them from highlighting their, exclusively female virtues of lines, forms and proportions. Someone immediately christened C3 with a pies, most likely due to the oval of forms and external similarities with his favorite dish.
Mikra was still out of competition. Her bizarre style, winning color and, especially, striking the light salon, so overshadowed everything else that even the usual question did not sound how much it costs?. This suit of the ladies were ready to try on themselves endlessly.
Seat and Ford were also not deprived of attention. And yet they approached them more practically. Here they were more striving to look inside, in order to seriously, meticulously evaluate the variety of interiors, an abundance of functions, and the testimony of the devices. A similar perception of the car, for obvious reasons, is closer to the author, therefore, the appearance of Ivis and FIEST in our tablets about the ranks was previously attributed to more male (consider, correct). Further comparison of the cars a little differently placed emphasis, which has more than once in comparative tests. Therefore, let's talk about their features.
Nissan-Mikra
The cheerful shades of the light interior of one of the most expensive Mira sets for a while make you forget about the importance of a practical approach to the car. I just want to play this toy, in turn, pressing the buttons, opening all kinds of drawers, including secretly, to ride in the adjustable rear seat, which either moves close to the front, then ensures a completely tolerable existence behind. And what is the chip key: with him, the mira independently defines the owner, cheerfully reacting to his presence with all kinds of electronic sounds or, conversely, locked the doors, it is only worth a few meters to move away from the car.
Naturally, this does not leave indifferent, but suddenly you begin to understand that all these Susi-Pushi are only a way to attract attention, and we have a completely serious and thought-out car in front of us. A grip steering wheel, excessively readable devices, a clear and very logical ventilation control system, also with climate control. It is just right to give something of the most and is not surprising if it is found.
The most noticeable drawback is the shape and frankly Japanese ranges of the movements of the front seats. From them all the time you slide somewhere and even if you have a machine gun, you cannot sit as you want. But despite this, the impressions of Nissan’s salon are quite favorable. The front here is quite convenient, surprisingly tolerant and behind, although passengers probably feel their heads with a stylish flowing roof.
You evaluate the driving qualities of myrrh as very balanced. This is by no means the most frisky car in our test, however, she left extremely pleasant sensations. Due to the fact that all her sledged capabilities are very clearly divided and I can’t, you do not expect something extraordinary from the car, but all commands are performed as soundly as possible. So, a tandem of a 1.4-liter engine with a four-stage automatic machine is quite assertive to you to the ultimate goal, if necessary, easily twisting to 6200 rpm and at the same time clearly and in time switching gear. Of course, it is worth going more actively - the box is a little fever, it strives to stick the lowered, but if you do not abuse the outline of the machine, you can easily find a common language with it.
The same pendants. Elastic and short -handed, at the same time they cope well with minor irregularities, for the time being well damped and everything else. Of course, on serious potholes their capabilities are weakening, but still holds Mikra well done. The car is good and from the standpoint of controllability. Even in comparison with classmates, Nissan surprises the minimum radius of the turn. Otherwise: accurate responses, reliable behavior in direct and in quick turns. No surprises or surprises. The clutch capabilities of the tires have run out - the car falls out, the speed fell - it returns to the trajectory again. Of course, this is not a reference standard, but a hard good. The same can be fully attributed to acoustic comfort. A quick -tempered machine, of course, makes its own noise adjustments, regularly twisting the engine. However, if you do not abuse the accelerator, the mira becomes quiet and affectionate.
Seat-Ivisa
Despite the fact that outwardly it is stylish, dynamic, its interior is very strict, in a dark gamut, which sets up on internal concentration. In general, this is the exact opposite of the air and friendly Micre, although emotions, as you know, are often deceiving. According to the size of the seam salon, let's say, much more spacious, but the color palette and organization of the workplace give rise to other sensations. Here everyone needs Volkswagen classicism. The toggle switches overloaded with the picket fence of the device scale, the climatic installation hung up from the driver's eyes - all this is seen, tested and evaluated earlier. However, there is no style.
The mighty front panel seems to cover the driver and front passenger, and its pimpled plastic conceals volumes. The steering wheel here is already moving in two directions, and the seat with three full-fledged adjustments pleasantly surprises with the ranges, especially the longitudinal ones. And the shape of the chair is not an example of Mikrovsky captivates with the individuality of the profile and a good lateral fixation. As a result, in the Seat, despite the modest (75 hp) engine, it feels much more than enthusiasm and healthy aggressiveness. The back, of course, is cramped to the knees, and the roof is close above your head, but taking into account this sports, you do not really take this into account.
It seems that the motor that does not show special agility nevertheless demonstrates a confident response. He has a completely even, without a gram of sports, although he runs briskly, quickly and completely does not complex about his seemingly modest opportunities. Only the early and somewhat rude operation of the speed limiter at 5800 rpm recalls that the creators laid the functions of an athlete on a car with a hundred horses under the hood.
The pendants, at first glance, are gestures and sports: they, perhaps, are even denser than on Micre. Seat carefully monitors every small irregularity on the road. But, struggling with them, the car shaks so actively and throws the rider that after a while there is a feeling of discomfort, forcing to reduce the pace. Mikra belonged to the driver definitely more affectionate.
Manageability is good - you can’t say anything. This is especially felt at high speed: the car confidently holds the line, perfectly prescribing gentle turns. We complicate the task a little by offering Ivis with a winding serpentine. And here it is not bad, but the sliding of the front axle occurs too sharply - the machine becomes boring in steep turns.
From the standpoint of acoustic comfort, SAAT is not ideal. Moreover, the first violin here is played by tires that react too violently to the roughness of the coating. The engine is listened to about 3000 rpm. However, his basement is non -aggressive and only helps to feel the car better.
Citroen-S3
This tidy prize of female sympathy is no less pretty inside. From the very first minutes of communication with him, the feeling of lightness, playfulness, and design liberation does not leave him. It seems to be a standard combination of gray and black, but here it is perceived not as strictly and monumentally as in the same seata. Rather, the opposite: the abundance of light and free space around tunes for some frivolity - I want to be noticeable, to catch the eyes of others, in a word, to be in sight.
Obviously wanting to attract maximum attention, C3 and in the arrangement of the workplace is original in full. Two -color front panel with two gloves, silver bluffs of bloods, a digital combination of devices - neither give nor take Hi -Tech. But if here to discard emotions here, then some solutions are not so convenient. The combination of a blind tachometer with bright rectangles of the level of fuel and temperature indicates the driver's attention, forces to concentrate on each device separately. The gearbox lever also deserves to be mentioned: too short, it requires increased attention - poor selectivity and clarity of switching.
Otherwise, not bad. The steering wheel, as on the seama, is regulated in two directions, the climatic installation is even more convenient, and the ranges of the driver's seat are good. True, the chair itself is not as ideal as the classic German does not allow you to sit down immediately, after two or three movements. Here you fidget for a long time in search of an optimum, but you can’t get a perfect job.
The rear passengers C3 do not indulge. A small pillow, knees in the back sitting in front, and the roof is close above the head. Of course, you can tolerate for some time, but do not count on a long ride.
But the dynamic abilities of the Frenchman are out of competition. Like it or not, 1.6 liters and one hundred and more horses are not only good traction, but also a very frisky temperament. The engine is moderately even, moderately evil and you can find fault with an electronic accelerator drive - in rare cases, it inadequately transmits your commands.
The next Citroen horse is a low level of noise and vibrations. From these positions, the machine is so comfortable that you forget about speed and only light aerodynamic whistles remind of the density of the dissected space.
Now the pendants. This is what is not in the best way adapted to domestic conditions. Hard and short -term, they are extremely unfriendly behavior on small irregularities, seams, and the joints of the asphalt. Constant blows cause a feeling of defenselessness, forcing to reduce the pace. Naturally, this cannot but affect controllability. And although the car rides great on a flat asphalt, even more aggressive and interesting than Ceata is more aggressive, but it is worth it to appear chips and potholes - the car immediately jumps to the side limp. A pity, for in quick C3 turns allows.
Ford phiesta
Lady and cute from the outside, inside slightly encourages simplicity and asceticism. Surely this is a feature of one of the simplest sets, but against the backdrop of the full -based collection, there’s nothing to cling to the full program. The laconic front panel, rusted devices, the absence of any bright spots. At the same time, the driver's tools are almost flawless. A gripping and convenient steering wheel in a section, in a sporting high and pleasantly surprising gear lever, a hard seat, reliably taking you into its arms. It seems that everywhere the set of adjustments is minimal, but from the standpoint of ergonomics everything is thought out and verified to the smallest detail. So, sitting down, you are already completely different about the Spartan interior. It doesn’t matter that there is an ordinary air conditioner, three twins of the ventilation system and mechanical adjustment of external mirrors. It is convenient to use all this. It is only annoying that there is no place and a site for the rest of the left leg - it is constantly in search of a support point. Pretty spacious in front, the fiesta, like her counterparts, does not indulge the rear passengers. Again, closely knees, the pillow is low - the hips hang in the air, but acceptable in height.
Driving abilities, to put it mildly, are boring. Engine 1.3 liters and 70 liters. with., and even a stretched box give the fiesta too even, often frankly lethargic. The car all the time has a little, but push the accelerator pedal, often using low transfers. And this attracts increased noise and so quite a loud engine.
Like the counterparts, the pendants carefully repeat the profile of the road, although in comparison with the same Seat or Citroen they are much more loyal to both the driver and small irregularities. From these positions, the fiesta is closer to Mikra - does not bother the riders on uneven asphalt.
Ford management is primarily reliable. Clear logical reactions, good feedback. Of course, everything here is not as exquisite as the older brother of the focus, but not as nervous as that of the same Citroen. As a result, even in quick turns, it is easy and simple to control the machine.
In search of the ideal
As always at the end of the test, the main question: what would you choose? This time, most of the discussions came down to one thing: if if that only and unique appearance (the tastes are different), the Citroen motor, the Ford box, the interior is from Mira, and the seat from Seat, then the ideal would have turned out. Perhaps this is for the better: different cars, their characters and features make it possible for everyone to dwell on something purely individual, attractive, so to speak, for themselves. The prices of our four, and the entire segment with, are by no means children. The same Nissan Mikra, for all his thoughtfulness and damn cute, stands like a golf class car - almost 16,000 euros! Partly guilty of a rich equipment and a machine gun, but even dropping the excess, this pretty toy in the most modest version will pull 12,350 euros. Our Citroen C3, crammed no less (we find fault with it much more), pulls 14 thousand euros and at the same time it is not only more frowning, but more spacious.
Seat-Ivisa is the champion of euros in our quartet. It seems that the emblem of its current Volkswagen nationality makes its price contribution, but the car in good configuration (though without ABS) in the interior of the official dealer costs 16,270 euros. With an not -so -charged engine, this, you see, is a bit too much.
The modest Ford Fiesta is also not basting. And although the price of the simplest version of the machine starts at 11,750 euros, our ward in the Ambiente configuration easily reaches 13,550.
Yes ... it seems that the ladies' cars should be chosen first of all with the eyes. In this case, they will pleasantly surprise with a variety of forms, rich equipment and attention of others.

SUMMARY
Nissan Micra
+ Original appearance and interior, balanced sledged capabilities, high maneuverability.
- Inconvenient front seats and the range of their longitudinal adjustment, the modest size of the trunk.

SUMMARY
Citroen C3
+ Original appearance and interior, excellent acoustic comfort, good driving opportunities.
- A difficult combination of devices for perception, non -optimal to Russia settings of pendants.

SUMMARY
Ford Fiesta
+ Good ergonomics of the workplace, balanced handling and smoothness.
- Inexpressive engine and interior.



A toy! Cute and cheerful. Nevertheless, all this is thoughtfulness and functionality. Cleaning devices, a glove compartment with a cell of A4 format and even formally space for three.
The trunk is modest, but excluding passengers, the seat can not only be folded, but also moved forward. True, the pillow interferes with the absolutely horizontal position.
Stylish, strictly and manly practical, but too much in Folkswagen.
The devices are well read, the control of the outer mirrors is uncomplicated.
The cargo compartment is simple and rational: nothing superfluous, everything is in its place. Almost the correct shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The rear seat folds in parts.
Inside C3 - Mr. originality. A lot of space and unusual design solutions. Not everything, however, is convenient to use, but the novelty is in each interior details.
And a small barrel next to the gear lever is nothing more than an ashtray.
Unlike the cabin, the trunk decoration is ordinary and concise. The flat floor, laying out in a ratio of 2: 1 back and small pockets-punching in the side niches.
The asceticism of the workplace is not at all to the detriment of the main driver's functions: the fiesta confidently competes with more advanced brothers, often even more convenient.
The rear seat is also laid out in parts, and the glove compartment is very modest. But there is a rib in it - so that small objects do not fail.
The configuration and the capabilities of the trunk are similar to the rest - except here are smaller pockets and substetricians.
 

 

 
 

 

 



 
 

Sergey Voskresensky. Photo: George Sadkov

Source: The magazine "Driving"