Citroen C3

My first impressions of the new Citroën C3 at its international launch were predominantly good. It has the looks and appeal of a volume seller, but it has been moved upmarket and whether or not it can achieve the company's goal of out-selling its more wallet-friendly predecessor remains to be seen.

The first thing to grab attention is the new Zenith windscreen. This new feature affords the front passengers an 80 per cent increase in forward visibility, and it is admittedly quite an experience. It gives the feel of being in a bubble rather than a car. Much to my relief, the windscreen is progressively tinted at the top for protection from the sun, and it also features a rigged screen fitted with two sun visors that can be positioned to provide full or partial protection.

The interior certainly emphasises the C3's movement up a class or two. The piano black central facia and leather seats contribute to the classy feel, as does the satin grey or glossy brushed aluminium inlay strip on the facia.

Locally, we are set to initially receive four C3 models powered by a choice of three petrol engine - two 1,4s and a 1,6-litre unit. The base 1,4-litre engine has an output of 54 kW at 5 400 r/min whereas the 1,4 VTi pushes out 70 kW at 6 000 r/min. Both variants are mated with a five-speed manual transmission. The flagship 1,6 VTi delivers 88 kW at 6 000 r/min and peak torque of 160 N.m at 4 250 r/min. A five-speed manual transmission will be offered at launch, with an automatic under consideration for a later stage.

Diesel engines for international vehicles include a 50 kW 1,4-litre with 160 N.m of torque available from 1 750 r/min, as well as two 1,6 HDi units. Local pickings for diesel power have not yet been confirmed.

I was able to sample two engines at the C3's international launch. The 66 kW diesel and the 88 kW petrol unit both proved to be refined in the Italian traffic. I must admit, however, that I favour the diesel over the petrol as the oil-burner's additional low-end torque made traversing the chaos that is an Italian rush-hour a bit more relaxing. Both units were equipped with a five-speed manual transmission but, again, the diesel felt more attuned to this gearbox than its petrol counterpart.

The test route between Rome and Tuscany provided a variety of conditions to assess the C3's capabilities. The small towns along the way, with their narrow roads, tight corners and heavy traffic, helped emphasize the compact nature of this vehicle and allowed me to fully appreciate the electrically-assisted power steering, while the MacPherson-type front suspension and new rear-axle set-up was appreciated along the straight but uneven tar surfaces of the Italian countryside. Humps and bumps were easily absorbed and Citroën is keen to highlight that a lot of effort has been placed on providing optimal driving comfort.

There is no finalisation on specifications and pricing for local models yet, but Citroën SA is keen to make this vehicle a volume seller. On paper, it looks like a good package.

However, judging from comments on various news stories, blogs and reader mail, Citroën SA's reputation come service and resale time hasn't won it many fans. This is something that the manufacturer is looking to change though, with a re-launch of the brand. Hopefully, this teamed with a solid product lineup will help to move these funky C3s off the showroom floor.