Citroen reveals funky C3 range topper

CITROEN used last week’s performance-oriented Bologna motor show to unveil the range-topping version of its funky C3 small car, the VTR.

Featuring exclusive body and trim treatments including colour-keyed wraparound lower body trim, sports bumpers, extended wheel arches and side sill extensions, C3 VTR is further differentiated by 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, black door handles, unique badging and a chromed exhaust outlet.

Equally exclusive inside, C3 VTR’s interior offers dark-grey trim for the door panels, two-tone upholstery for the standard sports seats and leather steering wheel and gearshift trim.

Citroen says the MacPherson front and flexible transverse beam rear suspension systems have also been sharpened to match C3 VTR’s sportier intent.

While the hottest C3’s 83kW 1.6-litre engine is the same as that found in the three-door C2 VTR and five-door C3 Sensodrive flagship, it represents a 26kW peak power increase over lesser 1.5-litre C3 variants and, unlike the quirky C2 VTR and C3 Sensodrive, is mated to a traditional five-speed manual transmission.

The C3 VTR is under consideration for Australia, with a late 2005 local launch pencilled in. Pricing would start above the $24,990 1.6-litre C3 Sensodrive Exclusive.