Test: Citroën C3 BlueHDi 100 Shine
Content
Remember the first reaction to the Citroen C4 Cactus? A little surprise, a lot of hidden sympathy, some logical approval, here and there we caught some "tasty", but one thing is for sure: Citroen has gone a unique way of finding the perfect city car. All positive incentives have now been carried over to the new C3, while retaining the traits that Citroen was already leading in its class. If the competition is geared towards toddlers with a touch of sporty flair, the new C3, while Citroen chose to compete in the World Rally Championship with the same model, has taken a different direction: comfort is at the forefront and some crossover features have been added to overcome urban conundrums.
The Cactus imitation is already visible in the nose of the car, as C3 also decided to create a "three-story" front end. So the daytime running lights sit high on the hood, the headlights actually act as a kind of air intake, only the fog lights keep that classic layout. The line of the SUV is best seen from the side: the car is planted a little higher, and the wheels are surrounded by protective plastic and pressed into the extreme edges of the body. Even the most controversial opinions in Cactus concerned the plastic side guards, which were sympathetically called Airbumps in English. Whether they spoil or contribute to a more beautiful appearance is the business of each person. But one thing's for sure: it's an extremely useful item that absorbs all the battle wounds a car gets from slamming doors in tight parking spaces. At Citroen, they still provide a choice, so the plastic "pockets" are available as accessories at a lower trim level, or simply as an item that can be omitted at a higher trim level. The new C3 also allows for some pretty individual hardware choices, especially when it comes to choosing different color shades and body accessories. In this way, we can adjust the color of the roof, rear-view mirrors, fog lamp covers and the edges of the protective plastic on the doors.
There is less color combination in the interior. Here we have a choice of three color versions, but it will still be enough to brighten up the rather discreet contents of the passenger compartment. As with the Cactus, the C3 uses a lot of plastic, which somehow gives the impression that, judging by the design note, it was somehow less well crafted and that it wants to run cheap. But the point is not in saving, but in some places it reminds us of a detail, for example, a leather door handle. Otherwise, the C3 has also succumbed to the trend of storing task buttons in multi-tasking multimedia systems. Thus, there are only four buttons left on the center console and a rotary knob for adjusting the volume of the speakers, which, fortunately, has not been removed, as, for example, counted with one of the competitors. Some things should be kept simple. It's also pretty easy to operate the XNUMX-inch touchscreen, which takes over most of the tasks. Thus, in addition to tasks that are somewhat obvious for multimedia devices, the center display also acts as a remote control for setting heating and cooling in the passenger compartment. Just touch the shortcut on the side and we are already in the menu for the specified task. The less technically advanced will quickly master the system, while the more demanding will find their satisfaction in connecting to smartphones, whether classic via Bluetooth or more advanced via MirrorLink and Apple CarPlay. It can be said that the latter works great, especially when it comes to displaying the navigation app on the screen.
Otherwise, the C3 offers plenty of room inside. The driver and front passenger will get a lot of space as well as great comfort due to the two seats, which, in the style of Citroen from some other periods, act as a "chair". Otherwise, the muliaria on the back of the bench with their feet will reach the back of the seats, but there should be no complaints about the lack of space. The trunk boasts a volume of 300 liters, which is commendable for cars of this class.
When it comes to security and other electronic trends, the C3 keeps pace with the times. Systems like Lane Departure Warning and Blind Spot Alert will keep an eye on you, while an automatic hill brake and a rear-view camera will ease the driver's hassle. The latter is otherwise poorly protected and therefore prone to constant lens cracking, especially in winter.
A special "sweet" is a camera for recording driving called Connected Cam, which is built into the front mirror and captures everything that happens in front of the car at an angle of 120 degrees. The control itself is very simple or fully automated. The system will save all entries made in the last two hours of driving and delete them in reverse order at two minute intervals. To save something, a short press on the button under the mirror is enough. Transferring files and possible further sharing on social networks requires an app on the phone, but it is easy to operate. It is also worth mentioning that in the event of a collision, the system automatically saves a record of what happened before and after the accident. For higher equipment levels, Citroen will charge an additional € 300 for the Connected Cam.
The test C3 was powered by a 1,6 "horsepower" 100-liter turbodiesel that represents the top of the engine lineup. Of course, it's hard to blame him as such. It works quietly even on a cold morning, does not lack in jumps, and on a regular circle, despite winter temperatures, reached a consumption of 4,3 liters per 100 kilometers. Although he can be quite fast with a hundred "horses", a quiet ride suits him better. The chassis is tuned for a comfortable ride, and when swallowing short bumps, it is quite common for the wheelbase to be increased by 7,5 centimeters.
The test model is the most equipped and motorized version on offer and is priced at 16.400 € 18. If you add some equipment on top, the price will jump to 3 thousand. Buyers are expected to look for a more reasonable version as well as a price later. Otherwise, we believe Citroën has undoubtedly taken a step in the right direction with the new CXNUMX, as they ideally “embodied” the combination of a comfortable car (which, according to the saying, is good for Citroen) with the attributes of urban durability, interesting appearance and technical progress.
text: Sasha Kapetanovich · photo: Sasha Kapetanovich
C3 BlueHDi 100 Shine (2017)
Basic data
| Base model price: | 16.400 € |
|---|---|
| Test model cost: | 18.000 € |
| Power: | 73kW (99 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 11,9 with |
| Maximum speed: | 185 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 4,3l / 100km |
| Guarantee: | 2-year general warranty, 3-year varnish warranty, 12-year anti-rust warranty, mobile warranty. |
| Systematic review | 25.000 km or once a year. km |
Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)
| Regular services, works, materials: | 1.022 € |
|---|---|
| Fuel: | 5.065 € |
| Tires (1) | 1.231 € |
| Loss of value (within 5 years): | 7.470 € |
| Compulsory insurance: | 2.110 € |
| CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO + | 4.550 ( |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Buy up | € 21.439 0,21 (km cost: XNUMX €) |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - front transverse - cylinder and stroke 75,0 × 88,3 mm - displacement 1.560 cm3 - compression 18:1 - maximum power 73 kW (99 hp) at 3.750 rpm – average piston speed at maximum power 11,0 m/s – power density 46,8 kW/l (63,6 hp/l) – maximum torque 233 Nm at 1.750 rpm - 2 camshafts in the head (belt) - 2 valves per cylinder - direct fuel injection. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | the engine drives the front wheels - 5-speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 3,455 hours; II. 1,866 hours; III. 1,114 hours; IV. 0,761; H. 0,574 - differential 3,47 - wheels 7,5 J × 17 - tires 205/50 R 17 V, rolling circumference 1,92 m. |
| Capacity: | top speed 185 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h 11,9 s - average fuel consumption (ECE) 3,7 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions 95 g / km. |
| Transportation and suspension: | limousine - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front individual suspension, coil springs, three-spoke cross rails, stabilizer - rear axle shaft, coil springs, stabilizer - brake re front disc (forced cooling), rear disc, ABS, mechanical parking brake on the rear wheels seat) - rack and pinion steering, electric power steering, 2,9 turns between extreme points. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.090 kg - permissible total weight 1.670 kg - permissible trailer weight with brakes: 600 kg without brake: 450 kg - permissible roof load: 32 kg |
| External dimensions: | length 3.996 mm - width 1.749 mm, with mirrors 1.990 mm - height 1.474 mm - wheelbase distance 2.540 mm - track front 1.474 mm - rear 1.468 mm - driving radius 10,7 m. |
| Inner dimensions: | longitudinal front 840-1.050 mm, rear 580-810 mm - width front 1.380 mm, rear 1.400 mm - front head height 920-1.010 mm, rear 910 mm - front seat length 490 mm, rear seat 460 mm - handlebar diameter 365 mm - fuel tank 42 l. |
| Box: | 300-922 l |
Our measurements
| T = 2 ° C / p = 1.028 mbar / rel. vl. = 57% / Tires: Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 300 205/50 R 17 V / Odometer status: 1298 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 11,6s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 18,1 years ( 124 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 10,8s (IV.) |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 14,0s (V.) |
| test consumption: | 5,7 l / 100km |
| Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme: | 4,3 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 130 km / h: | 73,8m |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 44,5m |
| AM table: | 40m |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear | 61dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear | 68dB |
Overall rating (322/420)
In terms of mechanics, while we did not test the latest liter engine, there were no major issues, but we missed out on a bit more equipment. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to what you get in the basic packages.
Exterior (14/15)
While the exterior is based on the somewhat quirky Cactus, the C3 is much better.
Interior (95/140)
It loses a few points in materials, but contributes a lot with comfort, spaciousness and a large trunk.
Engine, transmission (51
/ 40)The engine is sharp enough, quiet and economical, and works well with a five-speed gearbox.
Driving performance (52
/ 95)The position on the road is predictable, although the chassis is not tuned for a more agile ride.
Performance (27/35)
The performance is satisfactory, which is to be expected from a top-class engine.
Security (37/45)
A lot of equipment is included as standard, but a lot is also included in the list of surcharges. We do not have data on the Euro NCAP test yet.
Economy (46/50)
A lot of equipment is included as standard, but a lot is also included in the list of surcharges. We do not have data on the Euro NCAP test yet.
We praise and reproach
appearance
comfort
durability and use in the city
Recording and Management Connected Camw
engine
isofix in the front passenger seat
easy operation with multifunctional display
Apple CarPlay connection
rather tough and inexpensive plastic inside
rear view camera gets dirty quickly
