Standing out from the crowd

Styling is contemporary and dynamic, a sleek profile, with a huge panoramic Zenith windscreen.

This newcomer sets a new benchmark in the B-segment and is a reinvention of its popular predecessor, which sold more than 2million examples on a global basis.

In bringing the new C3 to the market and into customer’s driving hands, Citroen set four targets, style, quality, space and efficient performance.

The latter is now probably the most important to car owners as the cost of fuel continues to rise.

Just one of the design features of the new C3, is the large and flowing glass area, a quintessential application of Citroen’s Creative Technologie, a feat of vehicle engineering and an unparalleled offering in the small car market.

Despite being one the most compact models in the B-segment, the new C3 also offers one of the most spacious cabin environments and a class- leading 300-litres of boot space.

Behind the wheel, the new C3 combines refined performance with a smooth ride and nimble handling.

The designers’ focus on the control of weight and optimising aerodynamics means the new C3 is one of Citron’s most CO2-efficient models.

For example a Special Edition Airdream+ with just 99g/km of CO2 is a real tax beater.

In order to further promote money-saving greener driving, most versions feature a Gear Efficiency Indicator, which alerts the driver at the optimum moment to change gear - helping to minimise fuel consumption.

The good news on features continues with Citroen’s integrated MyWay widescreen colour satellite navigation system, as well as Bluetooth and USB connectivity for portable media players.

The new C3 benefits from a six-speaker audio system, with the availability of a new eight-speaker Hi-Fi system for concert theatre-like sound quality.

There is a wide choice of engines to meet every requirement; four petrol power, two of which were co-developed with BMW, plus three of Citron’s critically acclaimed HDi diesels.

With combined cycle fuel economy of up to 48.7mpg for petrol models, and up to 74.3mpg on diesel versions, the new C3 offers a combination of stylish and economical motoring.

There is an array of active and passive safety equipment, which includes a reinforced body structure and ABS with EBD and EBA as standard, as well as the availability of cruise control with speed limiter and up to six airbags. ESP is also available on certain models.

Three trim levels to select from, VT, VTR+ and Exclusive, plus the already noted Airdream +.

My test car was a 1.4 HDi VTR+, its eight valve diesel engine provides 70bhp, enough to get it up to a top speed of 101mph and rest to 62mph is achieved in 13.7 seconds.

Okay performance is far from earth shattering, but when it comes to economy, it puts a smile on your face. On the combined fuel cycle the figure is 65.7mpg and with a low Co2 figure of 113g’/km, it slots into Band B with an annual road tax of 35.

The standard specification of the VTR+ is comprehensive; however my test car had a few options fitted, Bluetooth with USB box and the very user friendly MyWay sat nav and HiFi system.

The insurance grouping is 8E and with a price of just under 14,000, this member of the Citroen family competes very well with the opposition.