Citroën is introducing a new design language with its latest generation C3. Mark Smyth takes a look at the new model with the designers behind it.
Citroën has always been about innovation in design, technology and engineering. Mention the French brand and many will think of the beautiful DS, the hydro suspension of the GS or the boisterous reputation of the Saxo. The latter was replaced in 2002 by the C3, a popular small hatchback that also gave us quirky models like the C3 Pluriel and in the outgoing generation, the C3 Aircross.
One thing all of these models had in common was curves, but all that changes with the introduction of the new C3 and the battery-electric e-C3. Citroën’s new design language features more geometric shapes and angles, and to get some insight into how this radical change still reflects the brand, CDN spoke to the team at the Stellantis design centre in Paris.
The new fourth generation shares the same wheelbase as the old model but is 19mm longer and 6mm wider. The main change is a move into crossover design, something heralded by the former C3 Aircross, with the new C3 28mm higher and boasting 163mm of ground clearance.
It is the first…
Access to motor show and concours coverage, trend and technology reports, design reviews of new and classic concept and production cars, exclusive interviews, regional reports, who’s where, design essays, career resources, design competitions, regular newsletter updates PLUS comprehensive degree show reports from the world’s leading design schools, the CDN archive of sketches, images and articles spanning 20 years of coverage.
An online subscription also gains you access to exclusive designer interviews from our annual Car Design Review yearbook, and access to exclusive interior design reviews from Interior Motives magazine. You can also receive Interior Motives in print through our online + print subscription, or buy individual copies of Interior Motives and Car Design Review.
Fees start from £55/€60/$70. Packages available for students, individuals, schools and corporates.
Gain full access to cardesignnews.com subscribe today
ALREADY SUBSCRIBED - Individual, Studio, Student or School
You now need to register your details and sign-in for full access to cardesignnews.com
By adding EVs to rental fleets without perfecting the end-to-end experience, brands which claim to be customer-focused have squandered an opportunity to build customer acceptance, writes Ed Niedermeyer
Aerodynamics and approachability were key areas for the design team when creating the new Ineos Automotive Fusilier
This week’s round-up includes news from Audi, Dacia, DS, HiPhi, Lotus, Opel, Renault, VW and Zagato
