Citroën C3 2 / A51

The second-generation Citroen C3 debuted in 2009. Stylish city French car is focused primarily on the fair sex. Today, many copies on the secondary market have a mileage of less than 100-150 thousand km, and the car itself is relatively cheap. In addition, most C3s were in the hands of calm drivers (including ladies) and received proper maintenance. The Frenchman was offered only in the back of a 5-door hatchback and did not have sport modifications. The latter in the 3-door body with the designation DS3 were sent to a more prestigious segment. C3 of the second generation, in comparison with its predecessor, slightly increased in size. The compact is less than 4 meters long, which, combined with a large glazing area and a small turning radius (10.2 m), makes it an almost ideal city car. Positive assessments deserve not only the style and everyday practicality of the body, but also protection from corrosion. Red plaque can be found only on the elements of the exhaust system. Good and interior, which is well resists the effects of time. Some cars have a two-tone front panel or even a panoramic windshield, named by the manufacturer "Zenit". Its upper part, if necessary, can be covered with a plastic curtain. The front seats are quite spacious, but the cushion of the seats is a little short. Behind tall people lack space in the legs and above the head. It is unlikely that adult passengers will travel there often. Another advantage of the Citroen C3 is good sound insulation. Compared to the first generation, the area of noise-cancelling mats between the cabin and the engine compartment was increased from 48 to 155 cm2. You will not have to complain about the size of the cofra – 300-1000 liters. At the time of its debut, it was one of the largest trunks in segment B. The advantage of Citroen C3 is that many cars were sold in Russia by official dealers. Unfortunately, the basic versions were not equipped with air conditioning. But you can count on 4 airbags, power steering, on-board computer, central lock and electric front windows.

Engines

Basic versions were offered with a 1.1-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a capacity of 60 hp. This engine is only suitable for very calm drivers. Its advantages are high reliability and low repair costs. In 2013, a 3-cylinder unit 1.0 VTi appeared, developing 68 hp. It is also not capable of turning the C3 into a rocket, but it consumes a little fuel – an average of 6.5 l / 100 km. Toyota’s engine was borrowed from the small C1. There are no questions about its reliability, but the culture of work leaves much to be desired. Not bad has proven itself and 8-valve 1.4-liter engine with a capacity of 73 hp. However, the engine is not much stronger than a small Japanese “three-cylinder”, and the average consumption is higher by almost 1 liter. Of the drawbacks of 1.4 8V (TU3), ignition skips can be mentioned. Surprisingly, the fault is not the electronics or ignition coils, and the cable of the negative pole of the battery. The manufacturer made it too short. Another weakness is the block head pad. With age, it gives up, which leads to loss of coolant. An interesting gadget is a flavoring agent integrated into the airflow system. In the asset of the model there are stronger aggregates. In particular, 16-valve 1. 4 VTi recoil 95 hp and 1. 6 VTi - 120 hp. These are modern and economical engines of the EP series with a chain drive of the HRM, developed by PSA in cooperation with BMW. Unfortunately, they often make you struggle with two problems: excessive oil consumption and failures in the system of changing the timing phase (due to premature wear of the elements of the drive).

Walking

The front and rear suspension are similar to the predecessor. There's a torsion beam in the back. The manufacturer has managed to reduce its weight by 13 kg.

Only cars with 1.6 VTi and 1.6 HDi engines for Euro 5 and Euro 6 were equipped with disc brakes on the rear axle. The rest of the variations were satisfied with drums.

Simple and inexpensive to repair suspension demonstrates good survivability. The consumable element is the sleeves and racks of the stabilizer. From time to time you have to deal with such an ailment as the leak of rear shock absorbers. Sometimes the front bearings are also brought down.

Sometimes the steering wheel forces start to change. The wheel becomes heavy, then too light. The reason is trivial - the failure of the amplifier. Here an electromechanical amplifier is used with an electric motor mounted on the steering rack. The manufacturer provides for the replacement of the rack assembly, since the servo motor is not supplied as a separate part.

In some cases, changes in the effort are caused by failures in the operation of the control unit of the amplifier. If the software update doesn’t help, then replacing it will be very expensive.

A lighting of the ESP indicator, accompanied by an ESP/ASR error, may indicate a failure of the pressure sensor in the ASR/ESP hydraulic unit. When the diagnosis is confirmed, the block changes completely.

Typical problems and malfunctions

The first-generation C3 regularly suffered from electrical problems. The manufacturer has eliminated the shortcomings in the second generation model. Although small Citroen and has a multiplex control system with a BSI unit at the head, but serious problems with electricity almost nothing is heard.

In the cars of the first batches there were difficulties with starting the engine. Fortunately, after updating the software, the disease receded. And in the case of a causeless occurrence of a large number of errors, you need to pay attention to the state of the battery. After its replacement, all the problems go away.

It is worthwhile to beware of cars with an automated transmission - it is not durable. In addition, the “robots” prematurely wear out drive shafts made in Holland (too soft material). And in cars with manual transmission sometimes requires a replacement of the gearshift mechanism.

Technical characteristics of Citroen C3 II

* In some markets, there is also a variant with a 16-valve head of 90 hp.

Engines

• Its advantages are high reliability and low repair costs.
• With age, it gives up, which leads to loss of coolant.
• Unfortunately, they often make you struggle with two problems: excessive oil consumption and failures in the system of changing the timing phase (due to premature wear of the elements of the drive).
• Another problem of the EP family of motors is the ignition coil.
• 6 VTi, faced with anomalies in the operation of the engine, accompanied by a drop in power, an increase in fuel consumption and a tanning indicator of engine malfunction.
• The PSA solved the problem by replacing the cylinder head with a modified one.
• Experience shows that the described fault affects younger specimens.
• Including, and leakage of fuel through sealing washers of nozzles, and failure of the valve of recirculation of EGR exhaust gases.

Walking

• Simple and inexpensive to repair suspension demonstrates good survivability.
• From time to time you have to deal with such an ailment as the leak of rear shock absorbers.
• If the software update doesn’t help, then replacing it will be very expensive.
• A lighting of the ESP indicator, accompanied by an ESP/ASR error, may indicate a failure of the pressure sensor in the ASR/ESP hydraulic unit.

Typical problems and malfunctions

• The first-generation C3 regularly suffered from electrical problems.
• Although small Citroen and has a multiplex control system with a BSI unit at the head, but serious problems with electricity almost nothing is heard.
• And in the case of a causeless occurrence of a large number of errors, you need to pay attention to the state of the battery. After its replacement, all the problems go away.

The Citroen C3 does not require any serious maintenance costs. The car is still young, so it doesn’t cause much trouble. And in case of malfunction, thanks to a relatively simple design, the cost of repairs will not seem prohibitive.

• Engines: Its advantages are high reliability and low repair costs.
• Chasing: Simple and inexpensive to repair suspension demonstrates good survivability.
• Typical problems and malfunctions: The first-generation C3 regularly suffered from electrical problems.
• Specifications Citroen C3 II: * In some markets also found variant with 16-valve head 90 hp.

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