Car Test
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R0263 | |
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September 2002 |
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| Citroen C3 | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 1.4HDi 16v SX | |
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Having recently sampled the 1.6 petrol version of this new supermini from Citroen (see R0253), we were able to revisit it in its higher-powered diesel guise.
This engine was jointly developed for the new Ford Fiesta and various Peugeot 206/307 models but, as yet, only Citroen is offering this 92bhp deeper-breathing, 16-valve version. In the C3, its list price is a mere £300 extra, but its rewards are considerable. We ran this test alongside a Fiesta with the 8v/68bhp version, in fact. Carefully metered mpg figures resulted in an overall improvement of 13 per cent in favour of this 92bhp sixteen-valver. But remember, you won’t enjoy these benefits if its considerable extra verve is constantly indulged – as our 47mpg in boy-racer mode confirmed. High, long-legged gearing blunts, its accelerative urge in the top two ratios, and even the (heavier) Fiesta could almost keep up at such times – as our rivals table demonstrates. The other snag with this higher-powered version is that it’s uncouth. The 1.4 8v is really sweet-natured, waffling along contentedly in both slow traffic or on a dual carriageway. There’s a more raucous edge to this 16v version, and it can lurch and surge a bit, on and off the (electronic) throttle, as well. The 8v purrs, this 16v throbs. The C3 gives the driver a really commanding outlook. The front seats are much improved therapeutically and there’s wheel reach and rake plus seat height adjusters. Practical accommodation in this taller than average hatchback includes lots of sensible oddments spots, a ‘Moduboard’ arrangement – of dubious value – in the rear load area and rear head restraints that recede out of the driver’s rear view when nobody’s sitting there. The Exclusive’s self-folding door mirrors are a nice touch but even the SX shares its velour upholstery. Curiously, however, the C3’s rear cushions are fixed, so folding the backrests results in a stepped load platform – albeit a well trimmed one. The rear load sill is very prominent too but load depth is good – even though a full sized spare is beneath. For the rear passengers kneeroom is the limiting dimension but if you’re not too lanky, it’s a really comfortable seat. The C3 road manners pass muster because the steering, cornering attitude and bump-suppression are all adequate but overall, the C3 lacks the fluency and poise of a Polo or Skoda Fabia. We were also disappointed with the brakes. The SX and Exclusive add brake-assist, which boosts servo-assistance in an abrupt arrest. However, it goes ‘over-the-top’ and a clutch like 10kg pedal load, even applied unhurriedly, got the ABS working. The C3 lacks progression, for controlled braking. |
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