Car performance

Citroen UK has revealed prices on the all-new C3 supermini. Bigger, quirkier and more refined than before, the new C3 supermini will start from £10,790 for the entry-level VT model.

All model have a 5 speed manual except the 1.6 HDi 110bhp. The 1.6 VTi 120bhp can be specified with a 4 speed automatic. With co-efficient drag of Cd 0.30, fuel economy of 74mpg can be achieved. At 3.94m long, the new C3 is 5cm shorter than the Clio.

Your £10,790 will buy you a 1.1i 61bhp in VT trim. VT trim adds ABS with EBD and EBA, MP3 compatible radio/CD player w/ audio controls and 6 speakers, 60:40 split folding rear seats, twin front airbags, electrically adjustable door mirrors, front electric windows and multi-function trip computer. This engine pumps out 134g/km of CO2 with combined fuel economy of 48.7mpg. From 2011, even more efficient powertrains - as well as Citroën's second generation Stop & Start system will be presented. Two diesel engines will emit CO2 at just 90g/km and 95g/km, whilst models fitted with Citroën's new generation 3 pot petrol engines will emit less than 100g/km – replacing the 61bhp 1.1i.

Set to be the most popular trim level, VTR+ starts at £12,690. This gets you a 1.4 VTi petrol engine that produces 95bhp. Standard equipment includes VT plus a 1.35m panoramic Zenith windscreen w/ sunblind and sun visors, air conditioning, 15" alloy wheels, Gear Efficiency Indicator (GEI), front fog lights, ambient interior lighting, x6 airbags, ISOFIX mountings, heated door mirrors, leather steering wheel and cruise control w/ speed limiter. The 1.4 HDi 70bhp starts at £13,790.

Flagship Exclusive is priced at £15,670. The 1.6 HDi 110bhp 6 speed manual starts at £16,140. All diesels (Euro V – 1.4 HDi 70bhp, 1.6 HDi 90bhp and 110bhp) have emissions of 115g/km or less. The 1.6 litre VTi 120bhp petrol engine pollutes 158g/km with combined fuel economy of mpg. Exclusive trim adds VTR+ plus digital air-conditioning, front and rear 'one-touch' electric windows, electrically folding door mirrors, part-Alcantara upholstery, 16" alloy wheels and dark tinted rear windows.

Special edition Airdream+ adds VTR+ specification and rear parking sensors and Bluetooth® w/ USB box. Powering this eco-model is a specially tuned 1.6 HDi 90bhp diesel engine with DPFS (Diesel Particulate Filter System), that returns 74.3mpg combined with CO2 emissions of 99g/km, thus making it tax-free.

Options include ESP, 10 exterior colours, 16” & 17” black diamond dripped alloy wheels – the latter offering a so-so ride on UK roads, MyWay colour satellite navigation system w/Bluetooth® and USB connectivity, 8 speaker Hi-Fi system, Visibility Pack (automatic headlights and wipers and auto-dimming rear-view mirror) and leather interior.

The large 300 litre boot outperforms the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai i20 & Accent, Kia Rio, Chevrolet Aveo, Vauxhall/Opel Corsa, Skoda Fabia, Seat Ibiza, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris, Peugeot 207, Fiat Grande Punto/Punto Evo, Renault Clio, Mazda2, Nissan Micra, Daihatsu Sirion/Subaru Justy/Perodua Myvi and Dacia Sandero. The Honda Jazz still outshines rivals with its 399 litre boot.

Gary Savage, Citroën UK's Managing Director, said, "The stylish, grown-up, yet fun Citroën C3 is impossible to confuse with any other car. Retaining the exuberant charm and friendly personality of its predecessor, the new C3 represents a bold, contemporary, dynamically rewarding and fresh approach to the compact family vehicle, and provides a unique offering with that sensational panoramic Zenith windscreen.

In these exciting times for Citroën, new models such as C3 clearly show the confidence of the brand. This new car illustrates our determination to exceed expectations, to do away with convention and to provide practical benefits through the use of Créative Technologie."

Orders are being taken now with first deliveries on the 15th January 2010.