Page 36 - Waterfall Issue 6 2021
P. 36

Waterfall Motoring


        CITRoën C3


        sA LAUnCh





                 By Alan Rosenmeyer

        T      he sales record of the Citroën C3

               model in Europe has proven the
               success of this range with over
               4.5 million units sold of which
        1 million are the current generation. It is
        obvious that this is a car that is unfairly
        overlooked by South African buyers.


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


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



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