PEUGEOT Citroen Australia (PCA) has revealed its new facelifted C3 hatchback which not only scores some updated styling but a generous spec increase too with the previous $28,990 plus on-roads asking price being carried over unchanged.
In terms of the new styling, PCA says it has dialled up the “charisma and charm” of the C3 with new 16-inch ‘Helix’ alloy wheels, redesigned Airbump external door inserts, altered LED headlights, an expanded colour palette and some fresh C-pillar graphics.
The makeover has been continued within the cabin too with new ‘advanced comfort’ seats and an additional Emerald trim colour.
Safety tech has also had a mild boost with the inclusion of front parking sensors as standard, joining the existing safety suite consisting of active safety braking, driver attention alert, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, blind spot monitoring and speed sign recognition.
No changes have been made to the C3’s engine, running gear or underpinnings with power still rated at 81kW/205Nm courtesy of the familiar turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.
As before, drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
According to PCA general manager Kate Gillis, the C3 has always “been the perfect choice for those who want their vehicle to reflect their personality and style”.
“With this facelift, the C3’s distinctive style reaches new heights and continues to deliver on key driver expectations in relation to technology and comfort,” she said.
Standard equipment on the C3 still includes a leather steering wheel, climate control, two rear Isofix points, front and rear power windows, dark-tinted rear windows, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and voice control.
PCA sold just eight C3s last month, accounting for only 3.6 per cent of the $25,000-plus light car market currently being dominated by the Mini Hatch which took a 62.7 per cent slice of the segment’s total sales last month (138 units).