Citroen C3 test drive since 2002 hatchback

God's cavity color of the sky

Citroen C3 cheerful car for a metropolis
The French made the Russian presentation of their new Citroen C3 car far beyond the borders of Moscow in the Hunting Economy of Zavidovo on the banks of the Volga. At first glance, for the presentation of a typically urban, compact car, whose habitat is close and stuffy streets of the metropolis, the place was chosen strange. However, C3 against the backdrop of the Central Russian Spaces looked very appropriate: it looked like God's cow truth, not red, but blue
Apparently, Citroen designers are tired of living in the world of direct lines, and they came to the fullest coil on C3. The result was a very cheerful car. And although, as they say, there are no comrades to the taste and color of the comrades, it is unlikely that anyone will argue that in the segment in the now two leaders in brightness and attractiveness Peugeot 206 and Citroen C3. Apparently, the PSA concern (it includes Peugeot and Citroen) are not afraid of the internal competition of models. Or, perhaps, the PSA leadership is trying in different ways, but completely and completely on their own to satisfy the tastes of the main consumers of compact city cars with a terribly pretty appearance of women older than 18 years.
However, we will go to the car without excessive snobbery. Personally, I did not experience any complexes behind the wheel of this machine. If C3, the second car in my family, would not have avoided me with hot disputes with my wife about whose turn to go to work on him. The car does not give his owner the reasons to feel deprived. Despite the small size, it is capacious, comfortable and safe: it is immediately clear that C3 with all his might and carefully reaches for larger and prestigious models.
The courage of forms in no way went to the detriment of practicality. Rather, on the contrary: C3 is the most tall in its class (height 1.52 m). Such growth allowed the developers of the car to install the seats more vertically. At the same time, a sufficient supply of free space over the heads of the driver and passengers was preserved in any case, the ceiling did not crush the ceiling on me with my height even in the rear seats. Due to the high roof, a large glazing area and a bright interior decoration inside C3, there is a lot of air. There is no sensation of clamping, which often occurs during a trip on small cars. And if you open a large hatch in the roof, which consists of two glass panels, then the driver and passengers will be able to fully enjoy a sense of unity with the sky. The highness of the car also greatly facilitates the landing and ease.
In the design of the salon there are quite appropriate notes of playfulness. Light plastic is not smooth and not strict, like German cars, but in pimples. The material of the seats would be quite fit for the upholstery of a children's sofa. At the same time, the salon does not set up on the touching Susi-Pushi. Some frivolity of the interior compensate for a strict gearbox lever, deflectors of the ventilation system for metal and a massive steering wheel.
It is convenient to get a job at the helm of this car is not a problem for people of any growth. The driver's seat has a very large range of adjustments in height and in length. The steering wheel comfortably lies in your hands, and in addition, it can be adjusted for yourself, moving it in two planes, which in cars of this class is quite rare.
The only detail of the interior in which there is no balance between eccentricity and functionality is the electronic panel of the devices. In the center of the panel is a liquid crystal display on which the digital speedometer readings are displayed. Instead of a tachometer, a thin semicircular strip, along which, as if in an old radio, a red scale moves. Instead of turning point indicators of fuel level and coolant temperature, luminous windows. All this looks, paradoxically, quite boring, not to mention the fact that the tachometer performs more decorative than a practical role.
Well, the rest with the practicality of Citroen is in perfect order. Before the passenger sitting next to the driver, as many as two glove boxes, in each of which will fit at least two dozen audio cassettes. In all four doors of the car there are spacious pockets. Depending on the configuration, other containers are possible: you can install the boxes under the seats of the front passenger and the driver, you can order a car with folding tables in front of the rear passengers, etc. By the way, in the second row, two adults and one child will be placed without problems. True, on long trips, they will have to go outside at least once every one and a half hours to stretch their legs.
For potential consumers of these cars, a spacious and functional trunk is very important. French designers specifically invented Modulboard for C3: with the help of simple manipulations, it allows you to divide the trunk into compartments, which reliably hold, for example, bags and bags after going to the supermarket.
In the movement, Citroen C3 was very intelligent, calm, but not a lethargic car. The car has a very light but not empty steering wheel. An electric power during parking allows you to rotate the helm, as they say, with one finger. With the speed of speed, the steering becomes more elastic, which allows you to maintain control over the car and in corners, and when moving in a straight line at high speeds. The car confidently keeps the road at a speed of 160 km/h. If you compare C3 with the Peugeot 206, we can say that Citroen is not so exciting, but its suspension is more comfortable.
At the initial stage of sales, cars with 1.4 l70 hp engines will be supplied to Russia. (both mechanical and with automatic transmissions) and 1.6 liters equipped with 16 valves (110 hp). The cost of the simplest C3 starts at $ 12 thousand. A modern machine, which can be adjusted to an individual driving style, adds $ 1.7 thousand to a price. A machine with a more powerful engine will cost from $ 13.3 thousand. The air conditioner will cost $ 700. power
The main competitors of C3 are about the same, and in the simplest trim levels for $ 1 thousand $ 1.5 thousand is cheaper. So C3 will have to work pretty much with elbows to conquer a place from competitors. I think the car will acquire a rather large army of fans and fans: it is difficult not to succumb to the charm of this machine. Moreover, despite the playful appearance, Ts-three has a very serious character.
Igor Komarov
 

Source: Wheel (company)