TAfter several months with a very reduced range, with the successful C4 Cactus plus the C5 Aircross and its range of utility vehicles (Berlingo, Jumpy and Jumper), Citroën now faces a new stage at the regional level in which it intends to grow considerably in sales and market share. For this, its big bet is the new C3 that was unveiled a few months ago in Rio de Janeiro as an avant-premiere and that has finally just landed in Argentina.
Produced at the Brazilian plant in Porto Real, its manufacture required an investment of US$ 200 million for the establishment of the CMP platform, thousands of kilometers of tests and hours of engineering work to adapt it to the requirements of South America. It is part of the so-called C-Cubed Project that will also give rise to an SUV and a sedan that will be presented in 2023 and 2024 respectively, the new C3 leaves aside its traditional hatchback format to offer a more adventurous proposal, more of a crossover, as the Renault Kwid (discontinued in Argentina) and above all accessible.
It is the new generation of the French brand’s hatchback, developed for our region and completely different from the European model, which is also awaiting renewal. Like the latest products of the French brand, it combines features of a crossover, such as its higher clearance, adventurous aesthetics and a higher driving position.
Its appearance looks very modern, with the front sector divided by the daytime running lights and the main headlights -with an X-shaped light signature-, a large central air intake and black plastic protections on the bumper. As in all brand products, its aesthetics are very striking and are enhanced with details such as the two-tone combination on the bodywork for the top-of-the-range versions.
In profile, its cube-type design is designed to favor interior habitability, offering very good space despite its small dimensions. Returning to its design, the curved folds of the sheet metal stand out at the ends, giving greater dynamism to its figure. The adventurous touch is provided by the black plastic protections on all the underside of the bodywork and the side skirts imitating the “Airbumps” as well as the roof bars.
Finally, the rear part is a little simpler and the three-dimensional design of the headlights that complement that fold of the sheet metal in the wheel arches stands out above all. This sector is finished off with a large black plastic appliqué as a protection that underlines its crossover look.
Inside doors, we also sought to give it a modern and technological aspect. The dash design is more three-dimensional, with contrasting body-color appliqués and textured to add to the premium feel. It has digital instruments, quite simple, but the leading role is taken by the touch screen of up to 10” (depending on the version) of the multimedia system, which can offer a wireless connection.
The comfort and safety equipment is quite fair and the mechanics, like the CMP platform, are shared with the Peugeot 208.
Dimensions:
3.98 meters long, 1.73 meters wide, 1.60 meters high and 2.54 meters wheelbase. The trunk capacity is 315 litres.
Versions:
In Argentina it will be offered in three trim levels (Live, Feel and Feel Pack) with two engines and transmissions, plus the special First Edition launch series.
Comfort equipment:
The version Live 1.2 It will have air conditioning, electric steering, central locking, electric windows, dual airbags, ABS brakes, stability control, hill start assistant, Isofix anchors and tire underinflation detector.
The version LivePack 1.2 adds Citroën Connect multimedia system with 10” touch screen, multifunction steering wheel, remote opening command, rear window wiper and rear defogger.
the variant feel (available with 1.2 and 1.6 engine, only with manual gearbox) adds Led light signature, 15” alloy wheels, roof bars, height-adjustable steering wheel, electric mirrors, personalized board, alarm and USB ports (2 ) in rear seats.
The version feel-pack (only 1.6 with automatic transmission) adds 15” alloy wheels with diamond finish, two-tone customization, front fog lights, backup camera and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Serie First Edition It stands out for the airbumps with white trims, also present in the frame of the fog lights and mirror housing, it adds gray roof bars, custom fabric carpets and specific emblems.
Safety equipment:
The entire range has two airbags, brakes with ABS/EBD/BA, traction and stability control, Isofix anchorages and a tire pressure sensor.
Mechanics:
The C3 will be offered in Argentina with two engines, shared with the Peugeot 208: the new PureTech 1.2 three-cylinder 82 hp with a manual gearbox for the more accessible versions and the well-known 116 hp 1.6 VTi, which will be available with both a manual gearbox 5-speed as with Aisin 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
Prices and guarantee:
- Citroën C3 Live 1.2MT: $2,800,000
- Citroën C3 Live Pack 1.2MT: $3,050,000
- Citroën C3 Feel 1.2 MT: $3,350,000
- Citroën C3 First Edition 1.2MT: $3,500,000
- Citroën C3 Feel 1.6 MT: $3,580,000
- Citroën C3 Feel Pack 1.6 AT: $4,000,000
- Citroën C3 First Edition 1.6 AT: $4,050,000
- Warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kilometers and the first 3 subsidized services.