Watch: Citroen C3 Gets Zero Star Safety Rating in Latin NCAP Crash Test

The C3 hatchback from the French manufacturer Citroen received a surprising 0-star rating in the Latin NCAP crash tests, carried out for the Latin American auto markets. For the uninitiated, the Citroen C3 is also available on sale in India. Dual front airbags and electronic stability control are standard on the C3 model that Latin NCAP tested, which was made in Brazil. In addition, a seatbelt load limiter, ESC, and a seatbelt reminder were also included in the test mule's safety features. Like all other models assessed by Latin NCAP, the C3 was evaluated on four criteria: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, safety assists, and pedestrian protection. Now coming to the ratings obtained by the model, the hatchback secured a score of 30.52 per cent for adult occupant protection in all crash tests performed by the testing body, and 12.10 per cent for child occupant protection. The C3 also obtained scores of 34.88 per cent for safety assistance and 49.72 per cent for pedestrian protection and vulnerable road users. 

Also Read: 2022 Citroen C3 Review: First Drive

Latin NCAP Scores

In terms of adult occupant safety, the C3 received 12.21 points. Meanwhile, with regard to child occupant protection, the hatchback got 5.93 points. The driver's and passenger's heads were well protected in the frontal impact. The right knee of the passenger and the driver both exhibited mediocre protection. While the front passenger's protection was sufficient, the chest region had inadequate protection. The bodyshell was determined to be unstable and unable to support further loads. 

India-Spec Citroen C3: Variants, Prices and Powertrain

In India, the C3 hatchback is the second model that the French automaker added to its lineup last year. This feature-rich vehicle comes in three broad trims, Live, Feel, as well as Shine, with pricing beginning at Rs 6.16 lakh for the base variant and going up all the way to Rs 8.92 lakh for the top-spec version. All prices are ex-showroom. Furthermore, the hatchback is seen as a capable alternative to models like the Nissan Maganite, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, the Tata Tiago, and the Renault Kiger. 

For the India-spec C3, customers can choose from two different powerplant choices. The first is a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that churns out 115Nm of peak torque and 80.8bhp of maximum power using a 5-speed manual gearbox. The other engine is a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, turbocharged petrol unit with a six-speed manual gearbox that generates 108bhp of maximum power and 190Nm of peak torque. 

Also Read: Citroen eC3 Electric Car Review: The Sensible EV?

India-Spec Citroen C3: Design and Features

The new C3 follows the exterior style of its older sibling, the C5 Aircross, in terms of design. Some distinguishing features are the colour-coded bumper inserts, the merged split headlamps and grille, the hexagonal air dam, the X-shaped faux scuff plate, the all-black body (reserved for the Feel trim), and the wraparound taillights at the rear. The car comes standard with 15-inch plastic-covered wheels, however, 15-inch alloy wheels are also an option. On the interior, the same design philosophy is used. For the dashboard, the buyer has a choice between Orange or Anodised Grey colour. 

The Citroen C3 sold in our country boasts an extensive list of safety and other features. These include - Hill-hold assist, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, front seat belt reminders, a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The hatchback includes a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected-car technology, a height-adjustable driver's seat, day/night IRVM, a digitised instrument cluster, fog lamps, electrically adjustable wing mirrors, steering-mounted audio controls, and a four-speaker sound system.