Page 24 - Dainfern Precinct Living 5 2021
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MOTORING




























      CITROËN C3






                                                      he sales record of the     conjunction with the cruise control,
         BY ALAN ROSENMEYER
                                                      Citroën C3 model in        infotainment system including
                                                      Europe has proven the      reverse camera plus much more.
        Popular in                          Twith over 4.5 million units         Emphasis is placed on comfort in the
                                                      success of this range
                                                                                 C3 and this is noticeable with much
        Europe, the new                      sold, of which over 1 million are the   thicker padding on the seats for the
                                                                                 typical French levels of comfort in the
                                             current generation. It is obvious
        C3 is a promising                    that this is a car that is unfairly   car. Automatic air-conditioning, auto
                                                                                 LED headlights and daytime running
                                             overlooked by South African
        alternative in a                     buyers.                             lights are all part of the standard
                                                                                 spec level.
        highly competitive                   Under the new Stellantis banner,    One item I noticed when travelling
                                             the team are hoping to change the
        market segment.                      situation with the launch of this latest   as a passenger was the absence of
                                                                                 a ‘grab handle’ above the passenger
                                             facelift (although I think there are
                                             enough changes to call this an all
                                                                                 seat, something I always like to use
                                             new version). Packed with spec and   especially when the car is being
                                             luxury, it's a compelling offer in a highly  driven enthusiastically.
                                             competitive B-Hatch market segment.
                                                                                 During the drive, I felt that the car
                                             There are numerous typical Citroën   was a bit slower than I expected
                                             styling cues on the car, starting with   on pull-off, especially as there is
                                             the very square front end with the flat  81kW available. Chatting to the
                                             bonnet line to aid forward visibility,   Citroën team, they explained to me
                                             moving to the white trim surrounds   that this is deliberate and part of
                                             around the fog lights and, of course,
                                                                                 the comfort effect that they have
    CLICK       https://www.youtube.com/     the air bumps on the sides with white   created for the car. Thinking about
                                                                                 it, it actually makes sense to me.
                                             accents. Overall, you cannot fail to
    FOR VIDEO   watch?v=Cxdo3ldRpQs          recognise this as a Citroën.        Smooth and relaxed driving will
                                                                                 definitely create a more comfortable
                                             There are only two models in the    and serene experience. This is aided
                                             range. The Feel is powered by a 1.2l   by extremely good sound insulation
                                             3-cylinder providing 60kW to the front  in the car and progress at all times is
                                             wheels through a 5-speed manual     very easy-going.
                                             gearbox. The launch drive was in
                                             the top Shine derivative, this adds  With pricing of R269 900 for the
                                             a turbo to the engine to up power to  Feel and R324 900 for the Shine
                                             81kW and changes the gearbox to a   version, the new C3 is extremely
                                             6-speed automatic.                  competitive and deserves a closer
                                                                                 look if you are shopping for a car in
                                             Shine spec provides many features   this category, especially if you take
                                             including lane departure warning,   the safety and luxury specifications
                                             road sign recognition which works in   into consideration.
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