Citroën's small car range has benefited from a German makeover, with the 2006 Citroën C2, C3 and C3 Pluriel models uncovered, last week, at the 2005 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA).

The new Citroën C3's redesigned front end features a more imposing bumper, a wider lower air intake, single air intake slit below the restyled radiator grille and a re-positioned number plate. The rear is brightened up by the newly designed lights with crystal coloured section, while new alloys wheels and wheel covers complete the finishing touches, depending on the version.

The passenger compartment of the new C3 has been significantly enhanced with the fitment of a restyled dashboard with a new high-quality finish, as well as a new, modern instrument cluster making the driver information easier to read. Smart, light metallic grey embellishers around the central section of the fascia and air vents contribute to the updated interior, as do the completely re-designed front and rear door panels and trims.

2006 Citroen C3 Pluriel

New for the Citroën C3 in Europe is the new high performance 1.6HDi 83 kW engine combines excellent useable low-rev pulling power (240 Nm at just 1,750 rpm) with superb fuel economy of 4.4 litres per 100 km on the European combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 120 g/km. A built-in overboost function delivers an additional 20 Nm of torque when short bursts of acceleration are needed.

The C2 and C3 Pluriel ranges also benefit from the C3's upgraded dashboard. In addition, a new environmentally-friendly C2 Stop & Start model has also been unveiled at Frankfurt, which will benefit from the same innovative technology currently available on the European C3.

The C2 Stop & Start will be equipped with a 1.4i 16V 68 kW petrol engine, matched to a SensoDrive gearbox, and will offer customers reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, whilst also eliminating all noise when the vehicle is stationary. An electronically controlled reversible alternator stops the engine as the vehicle comes to a standstill and automatically starts the engine again once the brake pedal is released.

Specifications for the Australian 2006 Citroën C2, C3 and C3 Pluriel will be announced when they go on sale in Australia in the second quarter of 2006.

2006 Citroen C3