The local Citroen distributor is rolling out a revitalised C3 to bolster the underperforming brand in Australia.
It's a welcome arrival for the famous French brand, which has seen Australian market share and sales volumes steadily wane since the GFC.
The facelifted C3 has been repositioned slightly downmarket by adding a new entry-level model, the C3 Seduction, with a new 1.2-litre engine and manual transmission. This variant is priced at $19,990, including on-road costs until the end of the year. From January 1 the base model changes to manufacturer's list price, with on-road costs paid separately. According to Citroen, the 1.2-litre variant is rated at 4.5L/100km in combined-cycle fuel consumption testing, and discharges 107g/km of CO2 in the same test. A three-cylinder engine, the 1.2 produces 60kW in base-grade manual form. A carry-over 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine coupled to a four-speed auto produces 88kW/160Nm and returns a claimed 7.0 L/100km while emitting 160 g/km of CO2.
The C3 Seduction is fitted as standard with front fog lights, 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, a full-size spare, leather-bound steering wheel with satin chrome trim, cruise control/speed limiter, CD/MP3-compatible audio system, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and electric windows/mirrors (heated). When optioned with the automatic transmission, the C3 Seduction comes with 16-inch alloys and a space-saver spare.
At the top of the scale, there's a new Exclusive grade, available in just the one drivetrain variant, the 88kW engine with standard automatic transmission. Over the Seduction level of time, the C3 Exclusive gains as standard 17-inch alloy wheels, folding centre armrest in front with integrated storage, climate control, reversing camera, reversing sensors, satellite navigation, rain-sensitive wipers, auto headlights and an electrochromatic mirror. Interior materials for the higher-grade variant comprise Andorre Gloss decorative trim and Dinamica fabric.
Trainspotters can pick the new car by its mock grille, incorporating the Citroen 'chevrons' and fixed to the wrap-over bonnet. The previous model featured the famous Citroen badgework mounted on the painted sheetmetal without any semblance of a grille. Tail lights have been revised also and the C3 is now available in a new colour, Blue Encre – raising the number of exterior colours to seven.
Inside the C3's dash gains new 'cross strips' in matte black, warm brown or Moondust Grey. New fabrics coordinate with the dash colours and the instrument cluster now features white back lighting.
Prices are $19,990 for the manual C3 Seduction (including on-road costs until December 31), $22,990 for the auto C3 Seduction and $$25,990 for the C3 Exclusive. As extra-cost options, Citroen offers metallic paint, 16-inch alloys (for the C3 Seduction manual) and Cuir Claudia Mistral Perfore black leather for the C3 Exclusive.
"Citroen C3 is a value proposition in the European light car segment offering some unique features at a competitive price," said Citroen Marketing Manager, Manuel Tyras. "Features like the Zenith Windscreen, economical engines and the build quality from France is something we know our customers will appreciate."
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