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New crossover flavoured Citroën C3 price and spec revealed
Previous European-market C3 departs in favour of a crossover designed for developing markets.
C3 eschews the traditional hatchback look for a crossover design. Image: Citroën
Announced earlier this month as heading for South Africa by month end, Stellantis has confirmed price and specification details of the new, refocused Citroën C3.
A model completely different in look and execution from the current sold locally over two decades, the internally designated CC21 switches from being a traditional European-flavoured B-segment hatch, to a small crossover/SUV originally developed for developing markets such as Brazil and India.
Sourced from the latter country’s Tiruvallur Plant in the state of Tamil Nadu, the C3 also moves platform from the PSA-era PF1, to Stellantis’ CMP that, in South Africa, underpins the Peugeot 208, 2008, Opel Corsa and Opel Mokka.
Dimensions and space
Described as a model “tailored” for the local market as a result of not only its crossover appearance, but also for being more affordable and with a higher ground clearance than the European model, the C3 adheres to India’s sub-four metre regulations by measuring 3 981 mm long in overall length.
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Standing 1 596 mm tall, measuring 1 733 mm wide and riding on a 2 540 mm wheelbase, the C3 offers up 180 mm of ground clearance and a claimed 315-litres of boot space with the rear seats up.
Sporting a suspension tuned for its intended target market, the more slim-line C3 also comes with an interior that has little in common with its EU’s sibling from a design and look perspective.
‘Normal’ power
It’s new sourced-from-destination allowing for a considerable price drop and inclusion of more features than the European variant that started at R305 900, the crossover C3, initially, docks as a single model powered by a mono powerunit hooked to a manual gearbox.
Despite being offered in India with the proven turbocharged 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder engine, for South Africa, and most likely as a result of costs, Citroën has opted to forgo the blower entirely for a conventional normally aspirated configuration.
The result is a power and torque drop from 81kW/190Nm to 61kW/115Nm directed to the front wheels through the mentioned five-speed manual ‘box.
Weighing in at 989 kg though, the C3 is said to be “fun drive” and despite lacking any forced assistance, will consume unleaded at a claimed 5.6 L/100 km.
Spec
As mentioned, the biggest beneficiary of the focus switch is a more expansive array of standard features that includes a seven-inch TFT digital instrument cluster, tyre pressure monitor and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with MirrorScreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Also included on the specification sheet is the following:
- 14-inch steel wheels with plastic covers
- LED daytime running lights
- height adjustable driver’s seat
- all-around electric windows
- roof rails
- front and rear skidplates
- steering wheel audio controls
- three USB ports
- manual air-conditioning
- keyless entry
- ABS with EBD
- dual front airbags
- rear parking sensors
Price
Debuting in Feel spec only, the C3 carries a sticker price of R229 900, which includes a five-year/100 000 km warranty and a two-year/30 000 km service plan.
