Standard ESC on C3 Following 4-Star Euro NCAP Rating

Disappointed by the four-star rating scored by its popular C3 model, Citroen might introduce ESC stability control as standard across the whole range. The company has already confirmed that it will review the safety result and decide whether it should revise the safety features offered on the new C3. Citroen's model was the only vehicle in the latest Euro NCAP tests that didn't score a maximum five-star result.

It was rated with 4 stars due to the fact that Euro NCAP requires the tested models to come with stability control as standard and, in C3's case, it is only available on a limited number of models across the range.

"As you'd expect, we will be reviewing the results," said Citroen spokesman John Handcock according to autocar.co.uk. "Clearly a five star rating would be preferable. However, there are no plans in place to change our policy at this point, and ESC is available on some cars in the range, just not all of them."

Citroen C3, which will be released in European markets later this year in November, will rely on a new range of engines, most of them specifically tweaked for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. It will feature a start stop system, officials of the company hinted earlier this year, which would drop emission ratings under 100 g/km.

"This is a major renewal for the Marque and gives us the wherewithal to achieve our target of increasing market share even more, among both individual and corporate customers,” Frederic Banzet, Citroen managing director said in late June when revealing the new C3.