The Citroen C3's looks stem from a design that features two arches running the length of the body, while the rounded, flowing roofline creates a seamless continuity between front and rear which draws attention to the vehicle's height.
C3 will be the first Citroen to feature the brand new 70hp 1.4 HDi and 92hp 1.4 16V HDi direct injection diesel engines that have been developed jointly by PSA Peugeot Citroën and Ford. They will be joined by two petrol powerplants - a 75hp 1.4i unit and a 110hp, 1.6i 16V unit - while a sequential auto-adaptive automatic gearbox will also be available.
The huge boot, which offers a class-leading 305 litres of space, sees Citroen claim another first with the introduction of the 'Moduboard'. Designed to separate the boot into compartments, and offering many different layout possibilities, the 'Moduboard' can be stored against the back of the rear seats for increased convenience when it is not required.
The C3's specification will include the availability of a large, electrically-operated glass sunroof and automatic air conditioning, along with all the benefits of multiplex wiring. A rear parking sensor, automatic rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, 'black panel' night-time instrument lighting and automatic activation of the hazard warning lights under heavy braking are just some of the features made possible by multiplex wiring.
Another neat touch is the availability of a 'child pack'. This pack includes activation of the child locks from the dashboard, a 12 volt socket at the rear and 'aircraft-style' trays on the back of the front seats. It also features a 'child mirror', which is located below the rear view mirror and allows the driver to keep an eye on children in the rear seats.
Built on an entirely new platform, C3's high levels of active and passive safety include a high-yield strength steel construction, six airbags, two of which are side window airbags, three 3-point rear seatbelts, and ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Braking Assistance.
Set to go on sale in 2002, the new Citroën C3 will slot naturally into the Citroën line-up between Saxo and Xsara, allowing the Company to offer two very different small cars.
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