CITROËN C3 II

The second generation of the Citroën C3 marked an important step in the evolution of the brand's popular supermini when it was officially introduced in 2009. Although it continued to use the proven PF1 platform that had served the group for years, the new C3 arrived with a bold redesign and a much more contemporary character, giving the impression of an entirely new vehicle.

Exterior Design

Visually, the car adopted a softer and more expressive silhouette, clearly aimed at urban drivers looking for style as well as practicality. The front end stood out with distinctive boomerang-shaped headlights and a grille seamlessly integrated into the bumper, while the rear echoed this theme with inverted, high-mounted taillights designed to better resist minor parking impacts. One of the most striking features was the optional panoramic "Zenith" windscreen, which extended upwards into the roof and dramatically increased the sense of space and visibility for occupants.

Interior

Inside, the cabin mirrored the flowing exterior design. The dashboard featured smooth lines and modern finishes, with a choice of black or chrome accents and several upholstery options, including leather. The instrument panel combined traditional analogue dials with a central digital display, while the conventional engine temperature gauge was replaced by a simple color-coded warning light system to indicate cold or overheating conditions.

Engines and Drivetrain

Under the bonnet, the second-generation C3 retained familiar powertrains but refined them for improved efficiency and lower emissions. Petrol engines developed in cooperation with BMW, known as the "Prince" family, offered advanced technology such as dual overhead camshafts and intelligent fluid management systems. These were complemented by economical diesel options, all designed to keep CO₂ emissions low without sacrificing everyday performance. Both manual and automatic transmissions were available, catering to a wide range of driving preferences.

Launched to the European market in late 2009 as a 2010 model, the new C3 was promoted around the concept of enhanced visibility and driving comfort. Its combination of expressive design, smart interior solutions, and efficient engines made it a strong contender in the small car segment, appealing to drivers who valued individuality as much as practicality.