ROAD TEST/Citroën C3 1.4SX: 'Vive la différence!' was ever a catchcry of Citroën, with cars like the 2CV and the DS to highlight their idiosyncracies. Now, says Andrew Hamilton, the new C3 continues this happy tradition
Who wants to be different with the car or cars they drive? We can already see a vast show of hands. A lot of us do, especially in an age of conformity. Being different was almost a pioneering principle of Citroën: its cars of yesteryear were intriguingly and even infuriatingly different. Ranging from the rustic, eccentric 2CV to the futuristic DS, they refused to comply with the increasing conformity of car design.
Although it initiated all kinds of features that are now commonplace, Citroën became a marque for true believers only.The cars demanded knowledge and patience. They looked weird. They were flawed too - the ride was very comfortable but the handling was poor, and the old-fashioned engines were linked with systems that were ahead of their time.
Sadly, they were also not profitable and eventually Citroën came under the control of its more conservative compatriot, Peugeot. The new owner promised to preserve the character of Citroën, as takeover conquerors always do, but it wasn't long before small Peugeots and small Citroëns were separated by little more than their badges.
Thankfully, there has been a change of heart. The management of the two companies, known as PSA, decided that instead of hiding Citroën's past, it should celebrate it. Future Citroëns would not be rebadged Peugeots even if they shared engines and most other components. While it could not be as technically adventurous as before, Citroën would regain its one-of-a-kind style.
The new Citroën C3 is just that, a car of singular character. It's a five-door supermini but unlike anything else in that class. Some have likened its chubby style to a 21st century representation of the 2CV while others can't resist calling it Noddy's car.
It is built on the PSA group's new platform 1, which will eventually be the base for the replacement of the Peugeot 206 and various other Peugeot and Citroën models. Of course, none of us will be able to tell their shared heritage from their appearance.
We have been driving the C3 in its 1.4 litre 75 bhp SX form with an ex-works selling price of €15,820, a top speed of 104 mph and a 0 to 62 mph time of 12.4 seconds. Most sales are likely to be garnered from the entry-level 1.1 61 bhp engine with LX and SX specification levels, and ex-works prices of €14,800 and €15,520.
The C3 does battle in the B2 segment which accounts for almost one quarter of Irish new car sales: other big players there include the Toyota Yaris, Opel Corsa, Renault Clio, VW Polo and of course, the C3's "cousin", the 206.
Citroëns are renowned for their excellent ride, and for a car with so little distance between the rear and front axles, we found the C3 did an admirable job of ironing out road variations or irregularities. Because, as with most French cars, the ride errs on the side of comfort, there's a little more body roll and slightly less front-end grip than the latest Fiesta. Nevertheless the French car is still a neat and tidy handler through the bends.
We liked the precise feel to all the controls. Electrically variable power steering, which is standard on the SX, weights up as speeds increase to provide a firmer touch and greater stability. The clutch and gearchange also showed a light, positive action.
But whizzing around isn't the point of the C3. This is a practical
small family car, gentle rather than aggressive, but out of the ordinary. Thus, it's no surprise that most of the words Citroën use to describe the C3 deal with its space and practicality.
Inside, thanks to the large glass area, it belies its diminutive dimensions: a great impression of space and airiness is created. This can be enhanced further by specifying a full-length glass sunroof, an option at €750.
But impressions can, of course, be deceiving. Rear passengers get an uninterrupted view of the road ahead, thanks to elevated rear seating. However, despite hollowed out front seat backs, legroom is limited and the swoopy roofline could mean tight headroom for taller people.
Special features that got publicity when the C3 had its international launch, just weren't to be seen on the car we drove here. Missing were airline-style flip-up picnic tables mounted on the back of the front seats.
Our car, however, has a storage bin under the front passenger seat and the clever Moduboard system which separates the boot into compartments. It's ideal for keeping muddy Wellingtons separate from shopping bags, which can be stored upright.
Access to the rear load area isn't as good as in some rivals, mainly because of a high-loading sill and a deep drop to the boot floor. Load-carrying capacity can be increased by folding the rear seat backs, which split 60/40. The rear bench is fixed, so it isn't possible to create a completely level load floor.
Our fuel consumption worked out at just under 40 mpg, 39.8 mpg in fact. That was after a long drive and much open road cruising.
Even though it will probably sell in small numbers, we look forward to trying out the diesel C3. It has the new 1.4 litre common-rail HDi engine that Peugeot shares with Ford (and which is also offered in the new Fiesta). This 70 bhp diesel unit, is said to average 67 mpg and it's also good for the environment, having the lowest CO2 figure of any conventional car.
Electric front windows, remote central locking, the power steering, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height and reach adjustable front seats and four airbags are among the standard fitments. Our SX car has ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution or EBD.
James Wyse, who is about to depart as managing director of the Irish Citroën importers, Gallic Distributors after 20 years, expects 1,000 C3 sales for the remainder of this year and 3,000 next year:
"Our secret now is to offer something that is refreshingly different but not idiosyncratic."
In other words Citroëns will be like they used to be, but without the quirks!
FACTFILE: Citroë n C3 1.4SX THE COMPETITION
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION: 1,360 cc four-cylinder in-line petrol engine developing 75 bhp at 5,400 rpm. Five-speed manual transmission
PERFORMANCE: Top speed 104 mph, 0- 62 mph (100 kph) in 12.4 seconds
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 39.8 mpg as tested. Official urban, extra urban and combined figures are respectively 34.5, 56.5 and 45.6 mpg
SPECIFICATION: electric front windows, four airbags, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, ABS brake with electron
FORD FIESTA 1.4LX....................................................................€15,395
TOYOTA YARIS 1.3 five-door Luna.................................................€15,955
PEUGEOT 206 1.4LX five-door......................................................€15,175
FIAT PUNTO 1.2 five-door Dynamic............................................... €13,820
Ex-works prices except Fiat Punto which is on-the-road