Citroën increases C3’s footprint with new flagship Max

By Charl Bosch

Having realigned the C3 range last year with the discontinuing of the European-made model in favour of the so-called developing market internally named CC21 made in India, Citroën has now introduced a new flagship variant above the relegated entry-level Feel.

Added extras

Simply called the Max, the new arrival remains mechanically unaltered and differentiates itself from its sibling by way of subtle changes inside and out.

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Externally, this involves 15-inch alloy wheels and a satin silver rear skidplate, while inside, the decorative orange inserts depart in favour of an anodised textured pattern trim.

Spec

New on the specification front is a reverse camera, while tech such as the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three USB ports and keyless entry are all carried over from the Feel.

*_{Note: Interior image not that of the Max, but of the entry-level Feel. Depiction: Citroën}*

Also part of the features lists are the following:

height adjustable driver’s seat;
all-around electric windows;
roof rails;
tyre pressure monitor;
seven-inch TFT instrument cluster;
steering wheel audio controls;
manual air-conditioning;
front armrest;
ABS with EBD;
dual front airbags;
rear parking sensors

Power and dimensions

Up front, the normally aspirated 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech petrol engine sends 61kW/115Nm to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox at a rate of 5.6 L/100 km.

For the time being, the turbocharged version of the same engine, developing 81kW/190Nm, remains bespoke to India, with the same applying to its gearbox, a six-speed manual.

A further no-no is the automatic ‘box available in Brazil on a market specific version powered by a normally aspirated 1.6-litre flex-fuel engine.

Dimensionally, the C3 measures 3 981 mm long, 1 733 mm wide and 1 586 mm tall while sporting a wheelbase of 2 540 mm. The claimed ground clearance is 180 mm and boot space 315-litres.

Price

Available in a choice of 10 colours, with a selection of interior and exterior accessories available as options, both the C3 Feel and Max’s price tags include a five-year/100 000 km warranty as well as a two-year/30 000 km service plan.