Citroën's latest C3 has just landed in South Africa, sporting a mid-life perk-up that includes an exterior makeover, an efficient new base engine and a realigned range that appears to offer better value in most cases.
THREE-POT POWER
Like its Peugeot 208 cousin, the C3 is now available with the PSA group's new 1.2-litre three-cylinder normally aspirated petrol engine. While it's hardly a fire-cracker, the little three-pot is gutsier than you'd think - with 60kW on tap at 5750rpm. In fact it has 6kW more power than the eight-valve 1.4-litre engine it replaces, and matches its torque output of 118Nm.
According to Citroën, the 1.2-litre C3 sips a mere 4.7 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.
Meanwhile, the previous mid-range 1.4 16-valve engine has fallen away, and Citroen has compensated with a lower-spec version of the familiar 1.6-litre petrol engine, which soldiers on with 88kW and 160Nm. Also retained is the 68kW/230Nm 1.6-litre e-HDi turbodiesel model.
NIP & TUCK
While not turning it into a radically bold French hatch in the same vein as the new Renault Clio, the C3 facelift does lend it a fresher and more modern appearance.
As with most facelifts, the big changes are to the front end, where the hatch gets a new bumper and grille combo; Seduction and Exclusive models also receive bumper-mounted LED lights. New taillights adorn the C3 at the back end and they now have a chrome 'eyebrow'.
Inside the C3 has been treated to some chrome touches, fresh upholstery and a new dashboard cross strip is finished in Tungsten or Moondust, depending on the model.
As before you can choose between Attraction, Seduction and Exclusive trim lines.
The baseline Attraction skimps on air conditioning, but does come with dual airbags, ABS, multi-function driver information system and a four-speaker MP3/CD audio system. A four-year/60 000km service plan is also part of the deal.
Upgrade to Seduction and the tally includes curtain airbags, cruise control, that all-important aircon and 15-inch alloys. The Exclusive model adds a panoramic 'Zenith' windscreen and 16-inch alloys among other novelties. Fork out a little more and the range-topper can be had with satnav and a reverse camera.
PRICES
1.2 VTi 82 Attraction - R149 900 (launch price)
1.2 VTi 82 Attraction - R166 900 (regular price)
1.2 VTi 82 Seduction - R177 900
1.6 e-HDi 90 Seduction - R213 900
1.6 VTi 120 Seduction - R196 900
1.6 VTi 120 Seduction AT - R211 900
1.6 VTi 120 Exclusive - R222 900