Page 26 - The Villager June 2021

Motoring

citroën c3 sA lAunch BY ALAN ROSENMEYER

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

Click here to watch our full video review: https://bit.ly/3bX23kb

24 • Issue 6 2021 • The Villager