MOTORING
Citroen C3: it’ s different! by
C
itroen have always looked at the design of their products, with flair, creativity, originality and something in some ways unique. The new Citroen C3 fills all of those and more. At first glance the C3 is very similar to its larger sibling the Citroen C4. It is quite tall for what really is a supermini, is it a crossover? No it’ s not that tall and the C3 is smaller than the C4.
One thing they do have is Citroens very successful“ Airbump” system which protects the sides of the car from dents and scratches –
SIMPLY SWIFT
ow, here is a conundrum for the most successful car designers and
Nmanufactures. It goes something along these lines. yyou have a very successful model in your range which is successful globally and is loved by its customers. It does not really need anything to make it any better and you do not want to jeopardise the sales momentum and customer loyalty. The car is in its second generation and the manufacturer decides it is time for a third generation. Do you start from scratch or do you evolve what is already successful?
Suzuki, with their new third generation Swift have achieved more or less both and the result – it’ s good, very good. The exterior has evolved without taking away from the sporty, cheeky and classy look of the previous car. The all new Swift sits lower and wider it is up to 10 per cent lighter, 19 per cent more powerful and 8 per cent more fuel efficient than outgoing model. The new Swift is a four door hatch, although from the side view it is hard to sport as the rear door handles have been recessed into the rear doors. I t really does look good with a strong road presence.
In addition to its stylish exterior design in
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which are all too common now when parking in shopping centre car parks. These are made from tough polyurethane filled with air, for a small town car these are brilliant and they can be ordered to suit the colour combination of your choice. The Citroen C3 certainly has an urban warrior look.
The interior of new Citroën C3 takes inspiration from the worlds of travel and interior design. The sense of wellbeing starts with the comfortable seats and extends to the panoramic glass sunroof that fills the car with
a compact size of just 3,840mm long, the new Swift features excellent visibility, a spacious cabin and ample luggage space. The development goal was to create an all new hatchback styling that is undoubtedly Suzuki.
On the road the new Swift is a treat to drive, being slightly lower, lighter and powered by the ever willing 1.0 Boosterjet engine mated with a fivespeed gearbox the Swift feels solid and accurate, the variable steering rack means the Swift has a crisp
Ian Beasant, BUSINESSFIRSTMAGAZINE motoring correspondent
natural light.
New C3 has one of the most spacious cabins in the supermini sector and provides 22mm more rear legroom than the previous model, and a 300litre boot. There are plenty of generous storage compartments too. The door pockets are even finished with a light colour. The dashboard is very simple as all the heating controls, audio controls by a screen in the centre of the dashboard it is easy to use once you get into the way of it. The driving position is quite high and visibility is good.
The top of the dashboard is a bit flat for my liking and with a brightly coloured surround it does draw your attention to it. The interior in the front is spacious; rear seat passenger leg room seemed a little cramped for a six footer, but this car is aimed at the Super – Mini Market.
The C3 is comfortable on a smooth road, as soon as you hit a bump – it’ s a different story, the car thumps in despair and becomes unsettled. To be fair keep the C3 in the Urban Jungle and you would never experience any of that. The C3 is easy to maneuver, easy to park and handy. It is good fun to drive and the design will certainly be noticed. Citroen have made a brave decision to go with this design and it will be like all cars marked on its sales.
It will be worth watching this quirky little stunner in the sales charts. The C3 is Different, in a good way.
turn in and it is very comfortable never feeling to taught or hard. Suzuki seems to have mastered the suspension set up perfectly. The gearbox offers quite long ratios and 2nd and 3rd are all you need for tootling around the city. The interior is of high quality materials, the leather covered steering wheel gives the Swift a nice up market feel.
The First of the new Swifts go on sale on the 1st of June this year.