Citroën C3 Pluriel test

Intro: THE FERRY CITROEN

We first saw it as a concept car at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show and in its definitive version at the last Paris Motor Show. Based on the C3 platform, it uses 65% of its parts. And although there is a distinct family resemblance, the C3 Pluriel has very much its own personality. (by Jessica Paupinat)

Esthetique: VERY CUTE

It has to be said, the C3 Plural is full of charm, its rounded shape making it rather irresistible. The rear lights that are almost Lexus in style integrate well into the style of the car. The basic model has wheel rims and the alloy 15-inch wheel rims are an option. The windscreen support stands fairly high and as a result it doesn’t bother taller users and provides good protection from the wind. The interior is harmonious. The dashboard is the same as that in the C3. So the finishing leaves a bit to be desired, especially when it comes to the different plastics.
On the security front though the C3 Pluriel has been spoilt and is equipped with front and lateral airbags and ABS as standard. We tried it first in the convertible position. As soon as we started to drive on the very bad quality roads in Malaga, a cruel lack of rigidity became apparent. What’s more, as is the case on the C3, the springs and the shock absorbers don’t work in harmony.

Motorization: 100 BHP, NO MORE !

Only two engines are available. A 1.6 litre coupled with the now famous robotised Sensodrive gearbox and the 1.4 that we tried. It develops 75 horsepower at 5,400 revs. Enthusiastic, it suits the C3 Pluriel, first and foremost a leisure car, very well.

On the road: GOOD FOR A SPIN

Next we tried it in the Spider position. You have to remove the roll bars that weigh no less than 12 kilos apiece. They come off easily but are too heavy. What’s more, you need to be pretty sure of the weather forecast when you decided to drive it like this because in case of a shower, there’s no avoiding it, the roll bars are not designed to come along too, but have to stay at home. In this version, there are still no draughts. So you can really enjoy the panoramic view. Even with 4 in the car, but there’s only room for small passengers in the back.
As far as it’s behaviour is concerned, the lack of rigidity is no worse. Fortunately !
Note too that the electric steering with its variable assistance depending on the speed is surprising to begin with but you soon forget about it. All that’s all very well, but having taken it all apart, you have to put it all back together again, and that’s no mean affair. (Which is probably why Citroen provide you with a reminder of what goes where !) Although all that requires a bit of practise, the concept of this pretty little mutant had us under its spell. On the price front, with 4 cars in one, you have to pay the price: the C3 Pluriel sells from 15,200 Euros or about 2,000 Euros less than a Peugeot 206 CC, which is more powerful, more rigid, better equipped and better finished but which definitely has less charm...