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2017 Citroen C3 Officially Revealed, Becomes Segment's Coolest Car

Citroen has launched the third generation of the C3, and we have to admit that we are impressed.
2017 Citroen C3 65 photos
Photo: Citroen
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The French automaker has succeeded in creating a car that looks amazing, and committed to matching the interior with fantastic design.

As we previously noticed by observing the 2017 Citroen C3 WRC model, the front grille has a new shape, and has become a slim element that has been braided with the headlamps. The latter is also thin, leaving the rounded-off shape of the previous generation well behind.

The front bumper reminds us of the C4 Cactus, the C3’s big brother, while the Airbumps on the side of the car show us that the French automaker is serious about this technology.

Moving on to the side, the photo set provided by the brand shows a beautiful set of alloy rims, matched with black body cladding for the wheel arches and the inferior parts of the bumpers.

Meanwhile, the roof of the new C3 comes in a contrasting color, matched by the side mirror caps and foglight ornaments. The front A-pillars are blacked out, just like the B-pillars, while the C-pillars are split into two colors and a touch of black. The refined look is completed at the back, with an all-new design for the rear end.

On the inside, Citroen went full throttle, and created a stylish look for their best-selling model. The steering wheel has a new shape, while the dash is tastefully designed. The multimedia touchscreen has a diagonal fo seven inches, and is used to eliminate as many physical buttons as possible.

Naturally, like in the case of its brother from Peugeot, the 208, Citroen has kept a few controls with analog switches, just so users do not look for the volume knob, hazard function, door locking switch, or windscreen defroster.

We admit we are not exactly pleased with the positioning of this screen, as it sits lower than in other cars and requires the driver to look down to use it, but we believe this concession was made out of technical reasons.

The interior looks like it is available with a multitude of ornament options, so customers will be able to customize the 2017 C3 to their preference. Several upholstery patterns have been created, and they can be matched with steering wheel trim, as well as ornaments fitted to the dash and door cards.

Concerning technology, Citroen has integrated a camera into the central mirror, while the infotainment unit now supports Apple CarPlay, Mirror Link, and Android Auto (available starting early 2017). The 2017 C3 features a multitude of driver assistance systems, which are employed to make driving easier and to help prevent accidents.

The French brand has also introduced an industry-first connected camera, which records the road ahead when the car is in motion. Thanks to this, the driver can record the driving experience, take photos while driving, and even shoot short films and share them online. In the case of a vehicle impact, the Citroen ConnectedCam is set to memorize the footage as evidence, with the ability to save 30 seconds before the impact and 60 seconds after it occurred.

Citroen offers the new C3 with a contemporary range of PureTech gasoline engines and BlueHDi diesels. Three petrol units are available, and they provide 68, 82, or 110 Hp. In the diesel range, two engines are offered, and they deliver 75 or 100 HP.

At first, manual transmissions will be the only ones offered, but automatic transmissions are in store for Citroen C3 customers. Market launch is set for spring 2017, while the production car will be presented at this year’s Paris Motor Show.

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About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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