Citroën has opened orders for its new B-segment hatchback, starting from €23,400* for both entry petrol and electric models. Pre-orders are now open for 251 registration at dealerships nationwide. With each new generation of the C3, Citroën has shaken up the market by offering an innovative concept while retaining its qualities, unique and strong design, distinctive onboard comfort, useful equipment for everyday life, and an attractive price positioning.
The new C3 is no exception to this rule and brings a true difference to the market of petrol and electric B segment hatchbacks. Innovative, modern and clever, new C3 is an improvement on the previous generation in every respect. Popular above all, it appeals to a wide audience by being affordable and offering different powertrain solutions adapted to customer’s needs.
Externally, the new design signature and identity of the French marque proudly contrasts vertical and horizontal elements in a brave, technical fashion. At the front, the taller, more vertical face incorporates a large new oval ‘chevron’ logo proudly sitting centrally and reinforced on each side by gloss black horizontal grilles featuring an eye-catching and technical interpretation of the chevrons inspired by architectural parametric designs.
A major element is the distinctive new design of front and rear lights which was first seen on the Citroën Oli concept vehicle, and which features a unique three-level lighting signature with one vertical and two horizontal lenses that resemble blades. New signature taillight clusters push into the vehicle corners and comprise two horizontal and one vertical lens echoing the front clusters.
Still agile and manoeuvrable at 4.01m in length, the new C3 remains compact for greater agility and has a reduced footprint on the ground for stress-free manoeuvring and parking. With a height of 1.57m, the new C3 is almost 100mm higher compared to the previous generation and up to 137mm higher than competitor models in its segment.
The ground clearance increases from 135mm on the previous C3 to 197mm for the new C3. This raised position, in addition to giving a slight SUV-like appearance, facilitates getting in and out of the vehicle, and provides a more assured drive over speed bumps and potholes often encountered in urban and suburban driving.
Inside, a more spacious interior with more legroom, headroom, and elbow room for added comfort. Seating is raised by 76mm compared to the current version. This allows occupants to have a higher and more commanding driving position, with an increased sense of control and safety.
Additionally, having more height provides more headroom, an additional 31mm vs market average, and allows for adjustments in seating position to free up more legroom for passengers. Efforts have also been made to achieve increased elbow room for rear passengers by 19mm and for front passengers by 21mm compared to the market average.
The larger interior features useful and clever storage spaces on the door panels, center console, and under the central armrest, while boot space is generous and increases by 10 litres to reach 310 litres. Its capacity can be increased thanks to the modularity of the 60-40 rear seat.
Comfort is paramount for Citroën and the all-new C3 does not compromise, for the first time, the new C3 adopts progressive hydraulic cushion suspension. Exclusive to Citroën, the suspension will arrive as standard on all C3 versions and provide occupants with a unique sensation of comfort onboard.
As the perfect complement to the comfort-oriented suspension, the Citroën Advanced Comfort® seats of the new C3 also provide gains in terms of ergonomics and postural comfort. Their design has been upgraded for the new C3 to be even more enveloping and provide better lateral support. They use an additional 10mm of foam to offer a feeling of softness and comfort from the first contact, ensuring good support regardless of the distance travelled. The front of the cabin has been designed to be simple, warm, and ergonomic to reduce mental load and provide a feeling of serenity. This is achieved first through a very minimalist horizontal dashboard to enhance the impression of width. Light and airy, it frees up space for the driver and passenger.
The absence of a traditional instrument cluster is a real novelty for the upper level of the dashboard. The new C3 uses, for the first time, a new Citroën Head-Up Display, reflecting vehicle information on a glossy black surface located between the top of the dashboard and the bottom of the windshield.
This clever solution ensures no duplication of information, as traditionally seen between a head-up display and an instrument cluster, allowing the driver to easily access all key information needed without taking their eyes off the road.
The new C3 and all-new ë-C3 will be available for in Ireland with a streamlined line-up of just two well-equipped versions – ‘Plus’ and ‘Max’. The entry ‘Plus’ series comes with a high level of standard equipment, including front LED headlamps, Citroën Advanced Comfort® Suspension, Citroën Advanced Comfort® Seats, 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, new Citroën Head Up display system, 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, decorative roof rails, front and rear skidplates, automatic wipers, power folding and heated door mirrors, leather-effect steering wheel, 60/40 folding second row seat and driver seat adjustment, electric door mirrors, automatic lights, rear parking sensors, rear spoiler, cruise control, manual air conditioning and 6 airbags.
Meanwhile the top-of-the-range ‘Max’ series adds rear privacy glass, grey fabric/leather effect combination upholstery, automatic air conditioning, 3D navigation, wireless smartphone charging, reversing camera, electrochrome rear-view mirror, heated driver and passenger seats and heated steering wheel.
The all–new ë-C3 will be offered in a choice of 6 distinctive and high-quality colours – Polar White, Monte Carlo Blue, Elixir Red, Bright Blue, Mercury Grey and Perla Nera Black. Citroën’s signature two-tone contrasting roof will be available to customers as standard equipment in black or white on entry ‘Plus’ version depending on body colour chosen. Customers can also choose to have a body-coloured roof as a no cost option.
New C3’s versatility stands out with its multiple powertrains of electric, petrol and hybrid. The cost-efficient, BEV-native platform, starting from €23,400*, uses a 44kWh battery pack to deliver up to 320km WLTP driving range. New C3 also offers a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with a power of 100hp from €23,400*, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox which has been completely redesigned for performance and reliability.
The new C3 also makes electrification more accessible by offering Hybrid 48V technology. Compact, lightweight and affordable, this solution is particularly appropriate for this versatile urban car, enabling up to 50% of city journeys to be made in electric mode starting from €26,800*.
Speaking on the announcement, Citroën Ireland Managing Director, Colin Sheridan, commented: “We are thrilled to announce pricing for the all-new Citroën C3 and ë-C3 starting from just €23,400*. This model disrupts the segment by introducing an affordable, highly equipped offering with a choice of petrol and electric at the same price point. The pricing and specification cements Citroën’s commitment to making electric mobility accessible to all, we look forward to seeing all-new C3 on Irish roads for the 251-registration period.”
*Entry level Plus model. Pricing excludes dealer delivery and related charges. Electric pricing includes VRT relief and SEAI grant.
