Citroen C3 test drive since 2002 hatchback

Nespucful banality

To become fashionable, you need to combine unusual and acceptability for everyone. A brilliant illustration of such a combination is Citroen C3.
The attractiveness of C3 is easy to evaluate: it is difficult to find a living car from Moscow dealers. Those that come to us very quickly find the buyer. However, they are driving a little - in France, this model is also in high demand. The interest of Europeans in compact models is not a new phenomenon. However, will the smallest of Citroen supplied to us are in the same demand in the future? After all, there are not so many lovers of all the worst ...
The smaller, the more original. This becomes a rule for many brands. However, why does it get? After all, the famous 2CV, from which our hero’s pedigree is also leading, was also small and cheaper. The desire of the designers to achieve the maximum effect at a minimum of costs and forced them to choose such an unusual design. Although now it will not be possible to repeat such a move: the requirements of technology, safety, and efficiency are forced to make cars very similar to each other. For example, according to the general layout of C3, like most of his classmates, is the heir to the famous Mini - front -wheel drive with a transverse location of the four -cylinder engine and a McPherson type suspension. And the back, unlike other models of two chevrons, is no longer independent, but more trivial - with two levers associated with an elastic beam. Nevertheless, and within the framework of the standard scheme, you can find many opportunities to make the machine original. First of all, a high landing. It is at the expense of it that a relatively short (3.85 m) car has become much more spacious, and it looks non -trivial. The impression, of course, is amplified by an unusual shape - a rounded roof, which clearly should remind of the glorious ancestor 2CV. The huge area of \u200b\u200bglazing provides not only a modern appearance, but also excellent visibility to the driver and passengers.
Simple and stylish. The topic of simplicity of technical solutions and sophistication of style finds is beaten not only in appearance, but also in the interior. The instrument shield is very small, although it has not only a large digital speedometer and a pair of mandatory indicators, but also a tachometer. The latter is decorated in the form of a scale under the upper edge of a combination of devices. And only at first glance it seems inconspicuous - in the process of movement it is very clearly visible.
The guides of the ventilation system are even more original. These volumetric grilles inscribed in the ball rotate in any direction and allow you to set just such a distribution of air flows that it can come to mind. Perhaps they are even more convenient than traditional deflectors, and at the same time look much more impressive. The issue with an ashtray is also stylishly and pragmatic - it is a glass with a lid that can be installed in any of the three nests for real glasses. Or not put anywhere if your car is non smoking area. In general, in terms of all sorts of C3 capacities, one of the best in its class can be considered. Two glove compartment on the instrument panel, a sliding tray under the seat of the passenger (in expensive versions there are the same under the driver’s chair), two pockets in the front doors, one in the rear, free place of the DIN format on the CD-reiver, a niche In the trunk ... In general, there would be something to put, and there will be a place!
Do not forget about the basement. The trunk deserves a separate description. Citroen began to strain the imagination in this area for a long time. Then on the XSARA the shape of the upper shelf was selected so that it could be put vertically behind the back of the rear seat, then for the Xsara Picasso they came up with a folding container on wheels. For C3, a special lower shelf called Moduboard is provided. It is installed just at the level of the lower edge of the opening of the fifth door and when leaning forward the back of the rear seat forms an even platform with it. And in the basement formed under this shelf, you can fold all sorts of necessary in the car, but rarely used things. The shelf consists of two parts, so the trunk can be made one and a half -story. Or just fold it if it interferes.
The rear seat, unfortunately, does not fold completely: only his back drops. However, with such a deep luggage compartment, an even floor with a folded rear sofa could not have been provided. The rear seat itself is equipped in full: three three -point belts, head restraints, mounts for children's seats of the ISOFIX standard. Interestingly, two parts of the back can be interconnected - it can be useful. For example, when driving on uneven roads with a folded back. Although, most likely, the main goal of this latch is to ensure the reliability of the central seat belt.

The new word to the letter B. still in the range of such compact models, at least a few modifications turned out to be naked - without any air conditioners and airbags there. Naturally, there are many people who want to save $ 300-500. But Citroen marketer clearly relied on security. Even the most modest option in the standard set the front and lateral airbags in front, the pretense of the front belts with limiters, the steering column sinking during collision ... At the same time, the emergency braking system is naturally an integral part of the brake. On expensive modifications, starting with a version of 1.4 liters with a machine gun, there is also ABS. Active safety is also increased by devices that are considered to be elements of comfort - an electric steering wheel amplifier, windows and external mirrors, as well as air conditioning. As you know, at an elevated temperature, the driver's reaction rate is reduced, and the air conditioner in the heat reduces the risk of looking at something important on the road.
From more solid models - in particular C5 - functions such as a black panel are borrowed (when only a speedometer shines on the panel at night) and a sound warning about the excess of the set speed. Dear versions are equipped with climate control, rain sensor-it controls wipers, headlights and ... climate control! In the latter case, the sensor provides the choice of night or daily mode - the second takes into account the heating of the cabin with sunlight.
Power is sufficient. Rolls-Royce used this wording in his advertising avenues earlier. For modern compact models, it is also quite suitable. At least, if we talk about the 1.4-liter motor, which Peugeot and Citroen put on their models of class B and S. 75 forces and 120 Nm are enough for urban movement, and not only in a calm mode. And in general, he reacts rather loyally to the driver’s requirements. True, if you plan to travel with full load often and want to entertain yourself with a quick ride along a suburban road, it is better to choose a 1.6-liter 156-valve engine: it provides a speed of 200 km/h. By the way, judging by the characteristics of the suspension, it is clearly focused on a very dynamic driving style. Or, in other words, it seemed harsh. This is probably due to the relatively high location of the center of gravity - the designers decided to be safe and for the sake of stability to sacrifice a little comfort. On European roads, we would not have noticed this ... although in Moscow to regret a lack of comfort, we had to much less often than rejoice at how obedient the car is.
The electric amplifier was pleasantly surprised. The reinforcement ratio changes depending on speed, and this dependence is close to the ideal: in any mode, it provides exactly that he is waiting for him. That is, with slow movement, the steering wheel rotates very easily, and the optimal reaction is provided at speed.
Of the shortcomings, one could note the abundance and wide range of the driver's seat and the steering wheel. Due to the fact that the adjustment in height is combined with a change in the angle of inclination of the chair, it was not possible to choose the optimal pose immediately. And in this case, it was not possible to sit as high as I wanted. However, in this situation, visibility and comfort did not cause complaints.
 
Text Valery Chusov, photo Alexey Ilyin
 
Model/Modification Citroen C3 1.4 SX Citroen C3 1.6 SX
Manufacturer/country Automobiles Citroen/France Automobiles Citroen/France
BODY
Type hatchback hatchback
Number of doors/places 5/5 5/5
ENGINE
Gasoline type with electronic injection gasoline with electronic injection
Front location, transversely in front, transversely
Working volume (cubic cub) 1390 1587
Number/location of cylinders 4/in -line 4/in -line
Power, kW (L.S.) at about./Min. 75 (55) at 5400 110 (80) at 5750
Moment (nm at about./Min.) 120 at 3300 147 at 4000
TRANSMISSION
Front front drive
The gearbox is mechanical, 5-speed mechanical, 5-speed
SUSPENSION
The anterior independent type Mcphereson, the transverse stability stabilizer Independent type Mcpherson, the reptile stabilizer
The rear half -dependent, longitudinal levers associated with a torsion beam, spring, the transverse stability stabilizer is a half -dependent, longitudinal levers associated with a torsion beam, a spring stabilizer
STEERING
Type gear rack with an electric power steering gear rack with an electrical improver
Min. Diameter of turn (m) 10.46 10.56
Brakes
Front/rear circular ventilated/drum circuit ventilated/disk
ABS 4-channel, the system of distribution of brake forces (for 1.4 l-option) 4-channel, the system of distribution of brake forces (for 1.4 l-option)
Dimensions/volumes/weight
Length/width/height (mm) 3850/1667/1519 3850/1667/1519
Wheel base (mm) 2460 2460
Equipped mass (kg) 1005 1058
Trunk volume (L) 305-1155 305-1155
Tires 165/70 R14 185/60 R15
Discs 5j x 14 5.5j x 15
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed (km/h) 168 192
Acceleration to 100 km/h (sec.) 14.2 10.7
Economy
Average fuel consumption (l/100 km) 6.2 6.5
The price in Moscow from $ 11,990 from $ 13.3 thousand.
 
Prices for additional equipment in Moscow, $
Automatic transmission with a sectral mode+ABS+rain sensor+climate control 2700
ABS 650
Air conditioner 700
Climate control 860
Leather salon 689
Parctronics 270
Children's package (additional mirror, an electric drive of the rear door locks, tables in the backs of chairs, an additional outlet for 12 in the back) The price has not yet been determined

 

Source: "Autopilot"