Intelligent driving
C3 offers a programmable 'over-speed' warning to let you know if you're going too fast, along with powerful 'guide-me-home' headlights that remain on for eight seconds as you alight from your car. To reduce driver fatigue, the instrument cluster has a 'black panel' function that dims the light from the dash to minimise driver distraction. In the event of rapid deceleration, C3's hazard warning lights are activated automatically. Automatic rain-sensitive windscreen wipers and auto lights-on are optional equipment.
Suspension
A car's ability to hold the road under difficult driving conditions plays a major role in accident prevention. While the C3 features a traditional suspension set-up at the front, with Macpherson struts, the rear suspension is a fresh design with a flexible transverse beam linked to an anti-roll bar. The new configuration is a superb combination of comfort and dynamic performance.
Four airbags
Enviably secure. In the event that an accident occurs, the deployment of an airbag (there are four in total) automatically cuts off the fuel supply. All models have two adaptive front airbags (driver and passenger) and two front lateral airbags.
ABS
All models have front disc and rear drum brakes, in addition to ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Braking Assistance (EBA). EBD controls brake pressure individually for each wheel, while EBA reduces stopping distances under emergency braking.
Impact protection
Incorporated in the body is ring of steel and energy-absorbing side-impact protection, with a shock-absorbing front bumper and protective side mouldings. In fact, up to 41 per cent of the C3 is made from high-strength steel. This makes the C3 light without compromising safety.
For added driver protection, a steering column 'body block' system is fitted on the steering column. In an accident, the column retracts by 50mm to reduce the risk of chest injury.
Seatbelts
C3 has five 3-point seatbelts. Each, except for the middle rear, is also fitted with force limiters. The two front seatbelts are height-adjustable and equipped with pyrotechnic pretensioners. In the back, you'll find three child restraint points. Further child safety measures include child locks, with their control and status clearly indicated on the dashboard.
Remote control plip & child locks
Security features of the high frequency remote control include a locating function and transponder immobiliser. One button is for locking and locating the car at a distance, the other for unlocking.
The Citroen C3 is well protected against theft and break-ins. The range features a new generation transponder immobiliser, deadlocks, central locking and 2 remote control plip keys as standard. For extra security, if the high frequency control system is accidentally operated and unlocks the car but the doors or boot are not opened within 30 seconds, the C3 automatically relocks itself. As added protection for occupants and their luggage, the C3 locks automatically when the vehicle reaches 10 kilometres per hour and remains locked until a door is opened or the ignition is switched off.
The dashboard displays the status of child locks and allows their activation or deactivation at the simple touch of a button.