Especificaciones y análisis del Citroën C3
Power
88HP
Torque
133Nm
Consumption
5.7l/100
Emissions
135g/km
0-100 km/h
13s
Top Speed
177km/h
Weight
1132kg
Price
12,632€
Technical summary
Gasolina
Automático 5v
FWD
5 / 5 doors
305 L
47 L
65 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Citroën C3 1.4i 16v Sensodrive Stop&Start · 88 CV (2008-2009)
General description
This generation's Citroën C3 is the embodiment of optimism on wheels. It's not just a city car; it's a travel companion that greets you with a promise of comfort and simplicity, wrapped in a design that leaves no one indifferent. This version, with its innovative Stop&Start system and Sensodrive gearbox, was a bold attempt by Citroën to democratize efficiency and comfort in the heart of the city.
Driving experience
Driving this C3 is like floating in a bubble of tranquility on the urban asphalt. Its 88 horsepower is enough to move with agility between traffic lights, and the suspension absorbs imperfections with a captivating smoothness. The Sensodrive gearbox, however, is a separate chapter; it requires patience and anticipation, with marked pauses between gears that remind you of its robotic nature. It doesn't seek sportiness but rather offers a rest for the left foot in dense traffic, and the Stop&Start system, a pioneer at the time, shuts off the engine at stops with a diligence that felt futuristic.
Design and aesthetics
Its rounded, almost egg-like silhouette is a statement of intent. It prioritizes space and light, creating a surprisingly spacious and airy cabin for its size. The large glass surfaces flood the interior, generating a sense of freedom unique in its segment. Inside, the digital speedometer transports you to an era of experimentation, although the hard plastics bring you back to the reality of a practical and unpretentious car. It's an honest, functional design with an undeniable French charm.
Technology and features
At its technological heart beat a bold combination: the first-generation Stop&Start system and the Sensodrive automated manual gearbox. It was one of the first city cars to offer such an active solution for reducing urban consumption, turning off the engine at every stop. Although the Sensodrive didn't achieve the refinement of a modern automatic gearbox, its concept of automating a manual transmission was ingenious and sought efficiency above all else. Beyond this, it featured electric power steering and comfort elements that made it a very complete car for its time.
Competition
In the competitive arena of city cars, the C3 faced giants like the Renault Clio, the Peugeot 207, and the Ford Fiesta. While its rivals opted for a more dynamic feel or more sober finishes, the Citroën played a different card: that of supreme comfort and a distinctive design. It was the alternative for those who valued a relaxed journey over pushing the limits in corners, a small rolling lounge compared to more conventional and sporty options.
Conclusion
This Citroën C3 is a car with a soul, a vehicle that wins you over with its friendly character and its focus on on-board well-being. It's the perfect choice for those seeking a refuge in the urban jungle, forgiving the quirks of its gearbox in exchange for a serene and economical drive. It's not the fastest or the most luxurious, but it possesses an overwhelming personality and an honesty that is hard to find today. A modern classic that proved innovation and comfort could go hand in hand.