Simply for having invested in the latest Citroën C3 hatchback and the C5 family car, respectively. Mzansi love their hatchbacks…
Upon the launch of a C3 Hatchback earlier this year, we enjoyed the style and the’ brigade of its respective segments’.
The facelifted C3 features a revised front-end with new LED headlights and reworked chrome detailing which now extends to the LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). The fog light bezels, Airbumps and rear bumper have been reworked with a more youthful flair.
The automatic version I tested this past week spoke volume from the design to its throttle.
For a buyer it comes with a choice of new body colour options, 2-tone combos, varying colour inserts and graphic options. The updated Citroën C3 is offered in either Feel trim or in top-spec Shine guise.
Extras features stop-and-start, 17” alloys with 205/50R17 rubberware, automatic headlamps with welcome and follow-me, fog lights in front, rear parking sensors, powered widows at the rear, and Airbump door protectors, that caused a stir amongst motoring reporters at the initial launch.
The interior has advanced comfort seats from the C5 Aircross- it makes sense, so is the fascia that can be had in a very stylish ‘Techwood’ finish while soft-touch materials add to a pleasantly styled cabin.
A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is fitted and comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Mirror Screen and voice recognition are also fitted.
Other nice-to-have features include a flat-bottom steering wheel, automatic windscreen wipers, rear parking sensors and automatic dimming rear-view mirror.
As I revved off to East Rand, one could feel the engine power- that is fitted with the 60 kW/118 Nm 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine and 6-speed automatic transmission that comes with an option for Sport drive.
It develops 95 percent of maximum torque between 1300 and 3100 rev.
More than once I had to go the S-way especially on open roads, because after-all its’ quiet and easily manoeuvre bumps and potholes.
The only snag though: not enough leg room, so is the boot. But with tough economic conditions hitting us hard, Citroën C3 comes in handy, from fuel point of view. It gallops fuel consumption- 8.2 l/100 km, thanks to its 45 litre tank.
The Citroën C3 is sold with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 3-year/60 000 km service plan.
It’s available from R 264 900 to R 321 900.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (6)
Fuel 1-10 (5)
Image SLM (The Citroën C3 hatchback speaks volume).
