A Crowded Market for the C3

The C3 is the most compact model in Citroën's Japanese lineup. It arrived in Japan on May 6, 2010, reborn as a new generation. It's a four-door hatchback under four meters long, powered by a 1.6-liter engine.

In Europe, the market segment the C3 belongs to is the largest and most competitive. Consequently, manufacturers put immense effort into enhancing their products. The C3 is a model aimed at families who don't need a large vehicle, featuring four doors and a wide-opening hatch. To distinguish itself, it boasts a large windshield called "Zénith." While an option in its home market, it's standard in Japan.

Turning to the Japanese market, it is indeed fiercely competitive. While 97 percent are domestic brands, the remaining 3 percent are occupied by models like the Peugeot 207, VW Polo, MINI, Fiat 500, and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Peugeot Citroën Japon stated, "This market can be broadly divided into two: those who prioritize practicality and ease of handling, and those who place strong importance on exterior design and the pride of ownership. Therefore, we judged that introducing the C3 (and the concurrently launched two-door DS3) would be viable" (Public Relations Department).

An Aggressive Front-End Impression

The Citroën C3 is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing a maximum output of 120 ps. Developed jointly with BMW, it is now the main gasoline engine used in products from Citroën and its parent company, Peugeot. This is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Stylistically, in addition to the aforementioned "Zénith" windshield, the redesigned front fascia significantly alters the car's image. The newly styled Citroën emblem, the Le Double Chevron, shines on the grille, which has a strong, aggressive, wide-mouthed impression. The headlights are also of the 'swept-back' design, further enhancing the aggressive feel.

Surprisingly Nimble and Agile Performance

On the road, it feels much more lively than the previous 1.4-liter engine model. While the maximum torque of 160 Nm is achieved at 4,250 rpm, acceleration is good from low revs, with a noticeable surge of power from just before 3,000 rpm. This results in strong cruising performance on the highway and surprisingly nimble handling. While the DS3, launched concurrently with its 1.6-liter turbo engine, offers sportier performance, the C3's driving experience is characterized by a light, connected-to-the-car agility, partly due to its curb weight of around 1.2 tons.

The C3's appeal also lies in its comfort. One aspect is the suspension tuning. It offers a smooth ride without harshness, minimal rocking during cruising, and a so-called flat ride. Even when encountering bumps, unpleasant shocks are not transmitted to the occupants. While there's a bit of body roll in corners, this soft tuning is popular among long-time fans of French cars, I'm told.

The "Zénith" Windshield Offers an Expansive View

Another notable aspect of the C3's comfort is its exceptional cabin quietness. Previously, mechanical and exhaust noises from the engine bay were quite prominent, but in the new generation C3, these have been significantly suppressed. Furthermore, wind noise intrusion around the windows is minimal, contributing to a greatly enhanced sense of cabin comfort.

The "Zénith" windshield extends to an angle of 108 degrees. Unlike the glass roof found in Peugeots, the key difference with the Citroën is that the top of the windshield is not visible to the driver. In a way, this creates a stronger sense of openness than a fully convertible car. Rear-seat passengers, in particular, can enjoy a unique vista they've likely never experienced before.

Perhaps like water. It's an ordinary car, yet it shines precisely because of its ordinariness. The unpretentious approach to car manufacturing, without striving for exceptional performance or eccentric design, is also commendable. Yet, it has resulted in a car unlike any other. This, I felt, is the true strength of Citroën.

CITROEN C3 | The Citroën C3
Body | Length 3,955 x Width 1,730 x Height 1,530mm
Engine | 1.6L Inline 4-cylinder DOHC
Max Output | 88kW [120ps] / 6,000rpm
Max Torque | 160Nm [16.3kgm] / 4,250rpm
Drivetrain | FF
Transmission | 4-speed AT
Price | From ¥2,090,000

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