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2009 Citroen C3 Picasso news, pictures, and information | ||
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THE CITROËN C3 PICASSO: WHEN OPPOSITES ATTRACT
Citroën's new baby-MPV, the C3 Picasso, will be making its first public debut at next month's Paris Motor Show, before a ÚK launch in 2009. The C3 Picasso will be the third Citroën to join the Company's award-winning Picasso family.Far from the average MPV, the C3 Picasso's 'magic box' charm lies in the way it is both compact and spacious and also brings together many other opposing qualities - strength and comfort, quality and affordability, performance and economy, contemporary and retro design, square shapes and flowing curves and, significantly, style and practicality.
The new C3 Picasso offers class-leading space, intelligent and quirky design, modular seat layout, intuitive storage solutions, dynamic engines co-developed wîth BMW, and all the comfort, technology and safety you'd expect of a Citroën MPV. It will also fit comfortably alongside the Xsara and C4 Picassos within Citroën's - 2008's best selling MPV brand in Europe – portfolio.
Bursting forth from the ordinary wîth its unique, cheeky, character, bubbly personality and charming good looks, the C3 Picasso benefits from a new direction in body design, blending the roomy, versatile shapes of an MPV wîth the quality, agility and comfort of an SÚV and at the same time, challenging the preconceived notions of the compact MPV §egmènt. Small outside, big inside
Citroën's celebrated range of family cars is renowned for providing occupants wîth generous levels of space and the C3 Picasso is no exception. Measuring 4.08m long, 1.73m wide and 1.62m tall, the car's striking cube-like body shape, wîth short front end and vertical rear, creates an expansive space in the cabin whilst smooth, rounded curves soften the contours and give the car a happy appearance – an expression further exemplified by the impish grin of its 'smiling headlamps'.
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Únrivalled in its roominess, the cabin length measures 1.66m – one of the longest in its class and a rival for a number of MPVs in the §egmènt above. Knee room is plentiful even wîth the rear bench moved forward and by using slim seat backs and bases on the front seats, rear passengers are afforded even more space. Elbow room in the front and rear is 1.43m and 1.40m respectively, another best for the §egmènt.Innovative storage
There is plenty of rear storage space on offer wîth 500-litres under the parcel shelf, the C3 Picasso's boot is one of the biggest in the §egmènt, and wîth the rear bench down this aperture increases to an expansive 1,506-litres.
The C3 Picasso also features a removable boot floor, an intelligent addition to the vehicle's overall versatility, which can be positioned at two different levels. In its high position the floor sits level wîth the boot sill for making loading easier and in the low position, more storage height is available in the rear.
When the rear seats are folded down, a flat loading surface is created right up to the back of the front seats and magnetic flaps fitted to the backs of the rear seats extend the flat surface between the bench and the boot floor. Whatever the positions of the seats, a three-part luggage cover, which can be stored under the boot floor, completely conceals the boot contents. The C3 Picasso's cabin also features a number of ingenious and practical storage solutions like nifty cubby holes, pen holders, non-slip surfaces and even a map holder – a place for each object and passenger. The glove box is ventilated on air-conditioned models and aircraft-style trays can also be installed in the rear wîth reading lights and cup holders.
Light bubble
With one of the largest glazed areas in the §egmènt – up to 4.52m2 – the C3 Picasso is a bright and spacious place to be. Drivers are afforded a commanding and unobstructed view of the road thanks to the high-set seating position and the car's three-part panoramic windscreen wîth its slim pillars creating a side vision angle of 29.5° - another best in the §egmènt. A panoramic glass roof is also available which allows even more light to soak into the cabin enhancing the feeling of well being.
Interior innovationThe C3 Picasso's cabin places special attention on perceived quality, setting the MPV apart from its rivals, wîth ultra-soft dashboard surface materials, carefully considered decors and the layout of the premium graining.
Providing a portable light-source in case of emergency there is a neat dual-function portable flash light available. Built into the boot where it functions as a boot light, the smart gadget can be removed and used as a hand-held torch which is recharged when placed back in its mounting.
A 'wink' shaped cluster is positioned, in classic MPV style, on the central axis of the vehicle so that all passengers have access to cabin information, angled slightly toward the driver, who also benefits from a translucent eye-shaped area wîth driver information.
As wîth the instrument cluster, the ergonomic and practical design of the controls enhances the driving experience wîth an easy-to-reach dash-mounted gear stick and adjustable seat and §teering wheel.Driving Pleasure
Robust and agile wîth a remarkably compact design, Citroën's latest MPV is perfect for city driving wîth its vertical rear end making parking easy. Manoeuvrability and a tight turning circle make the nimble C3 Picasso an asset in congested areas and saloon car like road holding wîth an uncompromised driving position, thanks to the 3-part panoramic windscreen, leaves the driver feeling confident.
The designers of the C3 Picasso also paid special attention to the acoustics resulting in excellent sound insulation for occupants. Soundproofing was focussed at the source of the noise wîth emphasis on reducing the higher pitched sounds. Citroën also took great care in sealing the vehicle wîth high performance inflated inserts and double sealing around the body apertures, bringing an immediate perceptible cut in outside noise.
With easier and safer driving in mind a range of aids are available, such as rear parking assist, speed limiter/cruise control and integrated navigation system.
Citroën's new NaviDrive system features a 7-inch colour widescreen, the latest Europe wide satellite navigation software wîth live traffic updates, MP3/WMA-compatible audio CD player and a Bluetooth® hands-free kit. iPod players can also be connected via an auxiliary jack.
Safety
Citroën's award-winning range of family vehicles has consistently held a strong reputation for being safe and secure and the C3 Picasso is no exception. With ESP available and all-round protection from up to six airbags (front, side and curtain), active restraint systems, a seatbelt warning system, ABS wîth EBD and EBA, automatic hazard warning lights, Isofix anchor points, automatic locking on the rear doors and windows and a special child rear-view mirror, the C3 Picasso is a safe, family friendly environment.
Engines
Meeting the needs of MPV customers lòòking for agile city performance coupled wîth long-distance fuel economy, the C3 Picasso will be available wîth a choice of two new petrol engines and two HDi diesel units.
The two petrol units – VTi 95 and VTi 120 – are from the new-generation of engines developed in partnership wîth BMW and combine efficient economy wîth responsive performance and lowered CO2 emissions – the VTi 120 already complies wîth future Euro 5 pollution standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com) Both diesel units – the HDi 90 and HDi 110 DPFS – are from Citroën's impressive HDi line up and boast low combined-cycle CO2 emissions of 125g/km and 130g/km respectively.Source - CITROËN
Since 2003 the Citroen C3 is a supermini automobile that has been produced by the French manufacturer Citroën. Introduced as the replacement for both the Citroën Saxo and the smaller 3-door Citroën C2, the C3 is considered to be the evolutionary turning point for the company. Restoring the public's desire for fun, quirky designs, the C3 was designed by Donato Coco and Jean Pierre Ploué. Ploué, the head of the Citroën design team since 1999 is best known for the design of the Renault Twingo.
Similar to the Saxo, the C3 featured an engine lineup that included a 1.1L, 1.4L and 1.6L petrol engines, along with a 1.4L diesel. The C3's chassis will also be used for the upcoming Peugeot 1007, in accordance with PSA Group policy. Many components of the C3 are identical to those of the Peugeot 206.
All C3 models came with the option of a five speed manual transmission except for Stop & Start. This system can automatically cut the engine when not needed to save fuel, such as in traffic, and restart quickly and efficiently to start again. This could only be supplied with Citroën's SensoDrive gearbox, a five speed semi-automatic transmission which has two shifting options of either the fully automated mode, or the paddle-shifted/gear-shifted manual mode. The only versions that has the option of a four speed fully-automatic transmission is the SX model
Featuring the most spacious interior in its class, the C3 sought to correct the previous Saxo's lack of spaciousness and its title of ‘least spacious in the supermini sector'.
In July of 2003 the C3 Pluriel was introduced, which can be configured as a convertible, a pick-up or a closed car due to its folding metal roof. The C3 Pluriel can be seen as a descendent of the utilitarian Citroën Méhari and 2CV due to its adaptability.
In 2005 the C3 underwent a minor redesign that featured a slightly refined exterior styling. In 2006 the front end of the C3 was redesigned to include a more imposing bumper, wider lower air intake, a re-positioned number plate and single air intake slit below the restyled radiator grille. The rear of the C3 now featured newly designed lights with crystal colored mid-sections. A restyled dashboard with high-quality finish was also featured in the passenger compartment along with a new, modern instrument cluster that made the driver information much easier to read. The interior of the C3 was also enhanced with the addition of light metallic grey embellishers around the central section of the fascia and air vents. The front and rear door panels and trims were also re-designed. Citroën also now featured the addition of a new 1.6HDi 16v 110bhp diesel engine. The Pluriel remained virtually unchanged.
In 2007 a mini MPV version of the C3 was reported to have been marketed as the C3 StreetLounge.
The C3 Pluriel has been rated as one of the safest cars in its category, which confirmed the high evaluation test EuroNCAP. Guaranteed comfort for travel, the Citroen C3 Pluriel is fitted with a most reliable engine and equipment. The Pluriel featured a 1.4i engine with a capacity of 54 kW SEE and at 5400 rpm has a maximum torque of 118 Nm at 3300 rpm.
The gearbox of the C3 Pluriel operates as manually or in an automated, adaptive mode. Located on the central console, the shift lever (steptronik) includes a neutral transfer or reverse the transfer the can be only shift lever. Located on the central console shift lever is the Key Management which permits a shit to automatic mode of operation.
Box SensoDrive transmission aids in reducing fuel consumption doe to a more rational choice of automatic transmissions work when compared with the manual. Keeping both hands on the wheel, high speed transmission is achieved with having to use pedal adhesion. She FinBin helps to reduce tiredness, and if possible, avoid the stress of urban driving, while saving fuel and providing maximum pleasure achieved from comfortable driving.
The C3 Pluriel also features central locking, high-frequency remote control, electronic immobilizer system along with automatic locking that protects the owner against unauthorized use.By Jessica Donaldson
Similar to the Saxo, the C3 featured an engine lineup that included a 1.1L, 1.4L and 1.6L petrol engines, along with a 1.4L diesel. The C3's chassis will also be used for the upcoming Peugeot 1007, in accordance with PSA Group policy. Many components of the C3 are identical to those of the Peugeot 206.
All C3 models came with the option of a five speed manual transmission except for Stop & Start. This system can automatically cut the engine when not needed to save fuel, such as in traffic, and restart quickly and efficiently to start again. This could only be supplied with Citroën's SensoDrive gearbox, a five speed semi-automatic transmission which has two shifting options of either the fully automated mode, or the paddle-shifted/gear-shifted manual mode. The only versions that has the option of a four speed fully-automatic transmission is the SX model
Featuring the most spacious interior in its class, the C3 sought to correct the previous Saxo's lack of spaciousness and its title of ‘least spacious in the supermini sector'.
In July of 2003 the C3 Pluriel was introduced, which can be configured as a convertible, a pick-up or a closed car due to its folding metal roof. The C3 Pluriel can be seen as a descendent of the utilitarian Citroën Méhari and 2CV due to its adaptability.
In 2005 the C3 underwent a minor redesign that featured a slightly refined exterior styling. In 2006 the front end of the C3 was redesigned to include a more imposing bumper, wider lower air intake, a re-positioned number plate and single air intake slit below the restyled radiator grille. The rear of the C3 now featured newly designed lights with crystal colored mid-sections. A restyled dashboard with high-quality finish was also featured in the passenger compartment along with a new, modern instrument cluster that made the driver information much easier to read. The interior of the C3 was also enhanced with the addition of light metallic grey embellishers around the central section of the fascia and air vents. The front and rear door panels and trims were also re-designed. Citroën also now featured the addition of a new 1.6HDi 16v 110bhp diesel engine. The Pluriel remained virtually unchanged.
In 2007 a mini MPV version of the C3 was reported to have been marketed as the C3 StreetLounge.
The C3 Pluriel has been rated as one of the safest cars in its category, which confirmed the high evaluation test EuroNCAP. Guaranteed comfort for travel, the Citroen C3 Pluriel is fitted with a most reliable engine and equipment. The Pluriel featured a 1.4i engine with a capacity of 54 kW SEE and at 5400 rpm has a maximum torque of 118 Nm at 3300 rpm.
The gearbox of the C3 Pluriel operates as manually or in an automated, adaptive mode. Located on the central console, the shift lever (steptronik) includes a neutral transfer or reverse the transfer the can be only shift lever. Located on the central console shift lever is the Key Management which permits a shit to automatic mode of operation.
Box SensoDrive transmission aids in reducing fuel consumption doe to a more rational choice of automatic transmissions work when compared with the manual. Keeping both hands on the wheel, high speed transmission is achieved with having to use pedal adhesion. She FinBin helps to reduce tiredness, and if possible, avoid the stress of urban driving, while saving fuel and providing maximum pleasure achieved from comfortable driving.
The C3 Pluriel also features central locking, high-frequency remote control, electronic immobilizer system along with automatic locking that protects the owner against unauthorized use.By Jessica Donaldson
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