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Citroën has unveiled the all-new version of its C3 supermini, ahead of an on-sale date early in 2017 at prices yet to be revealed.
A host of technology is also on offer, with the brand debuting an integral front-facing camera mounted behind the rear-view mirror to capture stills and videos from the driver’s perspective.
The ConnectedCAM Citroën HD camera is connected to GPS and has a 16GB internal memory and allows the driver to click a button to take photographs for instant sharing on social media. A longer press of the button captures video for up to 20 seconds, which can then be shared once the car is stationary.
In the event of a vehicle collision, the video system switches on automatically. The video can run for up to 90 seconds (30 seconds before and 60 after the incident). This footage can be useful as evidence following an accident.
With the ConnectedCAM Citroën™, a driver can also locate their vehicle and store its position to ensure they can find it in unfamiliar or busy places.
As the brand’s bestselling model, the all-new C3 will play an important role in growing its volumes as it competes in the B-segment against the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa.
The car is built on the PSA Group’s Platform A architecture, also used for the DS 3, the new C3 will only be available as a five-door car measuring 3.99 metres in length, 1.75 metres wide and 1.47 metres high, with a wheelbase of 2.54 metres and a 300-litre boot.
In styling terms the C3 bears an obvious family resemblance to the larger C4 Picasso but also includes many elements of the recent Cactus model, notably the distinctive front end with its two-tier headlamp design, and the signature ‘air bump’ plastic body panels on the flanks of the car.
Five engines will be available from launch, three-cylinder petrol units in 68, 82 and 110PS form and a pair of BlueHDi diesels of 75 or 100PS. While six-speed manual gearboxes will be standard the PSA EAT6 fully automatic gearbox will be an option.
Personalisation is regarded as an important element of the C3’s appeal and Citroen claims that no previous model has offered such an extensive range of options and two-tone exterior colour schemes. These include nine body colours and three roof shades, the latter replicated on the fog lights, door mirrors, rear quarter panels and on the Airbump panels.
Dominating the interior is the horizontal dash panel also taken from the Cactus, while buyers can choose from four different trim designs.
More details of the new C3’s UK specification are expected closer to tis launch date. Dealers will be hoping it can replicate the success of the first-generation model, launched in 2002 and which has since sold 3.6 million units globally.
