It’s not very often that MG Rover can be credited with being first into a new niche but, lo and behold, just months after the Rover Streetwise was born, not one but two of Europe’s big players are jumping into the ‘urban on-roader’ market.
The VW Polo Trek is just weeks away, and Citroën’s effort at an ‘active lifestyle’ supermini has already landed, in the shape of the C3 XTR.
It might just be a butch, black-bumpered version of the C3, but the French company has high hopes for its new model, despite the XTR not even benefiting from a raised ride height like its Rover rival. On the Continent, a version will be available with raised suspension, a limited-slip diff and sump guards, but in the UK the modifications are purely cosmetic.
The ride is composed over rougher roads, and the variable-assistance power steering is pleasantly light around town, but doesn’t weight up enough at higher speeds. The 92bhp 1.4-litre HDi suits the XTR well (a 1.4 petrol is also available) and returns combined fuel economy of almost 66mpg.
The standard panoramic sunroof, a £500 option on the rest of the C3 range, floods the cabin with light. The roof bars can be switched from lengthways to widthways for carrying surfboards, snowboards and mountain bikes – an obvious essential as these cars are bought to compliment an active lifestyle, according to the marketing campaign. The interior gets XTR-specific two-tone trim and rubber floormats – also vital for those muddy mountain bikers and wet surfers.
Citroën is pitching its XTR, including standard £500 sunroof, at just £700 above the similarly equipped C3 HDi. So it’s moneywise, if not necessarily streetwise.
Paul Barker
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Re: Xtra butch for Citroën
I must admit I was rather disappointed when I sat in a DS3 recently, and the dials section of the dashboard came away when I adjusted the steering column. The glovebox lid was rather flimsy too. Reviews suggested that there was a step up in quality from the regular C3, but they seem very similar to me, despite the price difference. Theyr'e all a massive step up from the vintage of C3 mentioned here, though.
Re: Xtra butch for Citroën
Yes I wondered why this has popped up again, but it did so I commented lol. Citroen has indeed come along way, they make good looking, well built cars, would love a DS3.
Re: Xtra butch for Citroën
Fair enough. I didn't read the story because I'm not really interested in the car and presumed it was the new C3. Why has a test come up from 2004?
You are right about the old C3. I quite liked it but had a look at a new one and the boot was already full of bits that had falled off. The Rover was indeed a better car.
It reminds me of just how far Citroen has come on in the last 3 or 4 years.