Stability of the Bodyshell and Resistance to Loadings Rated as Inadequate
The Citroen C3, which is available in both India and Latin American markets including Brazil, has recently undergone crash tests conducted by the Latin NCAP. Unfortunately, the crossover-hatch failed to obtain a single-star rating in the assessments.
Safety Features on Board
The tested C3 model was equipped with standard dual front airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), seatbelt reminder, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. While it lacked seatbelt pretensioners, it did feature seatbelt load limiters.
In India, the C3 comes with standard features such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, and front seatbelt reminders. Additionally, the turbo-petrol variants are equipped with electronic stability program (ESP), hill-hold assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Adult Occupant Protection
The Citroen C3 scored 31 percent (12.21 points) in adult occupant protection, combining scores from frontal and side-impact crash tests.
Frontal Impact
The C3 provided ‘good’ protection for the driver and passenger’s head and neck, while showing ‘weak’ protection for the driver’s chest and ‘marginal’ protection for the passenger’s chest. The overall knee protection was ‘marginal’, except for the passenger’s left knee which showed ‘good’ protection. The tibias of both driver and passenger received ‘adequate’ protection. However, the C3’s footwell area and bodyshell were rated as ‘unstable’ and unable to withstand further loadings. The seat design also offered poor protection against whiplash.
Side Impact
In the side-impact test, the C3 provided ‘adequate’ protection for the head and chest, and ‘good’ protection for the abdomen and pelvis.
However, the C3 did not undergo the side-pole impact test due to the absence of side head protection, even as an optional feature.
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Child Occupant Protection
The Citroen C3 received a 12 percent rating in child occupant protection. Here’s a breakdown of the results:
Frontal Impact
Both the 3-year-old and 1.5-year-old child seats were installed rearward-facing using ISOFIX anchorages. The C3 provided ‘good’ protection for the 3-year-old’s head, while preventing head contact with the interior for the younger child.
Side Impact
The child restraint systems (CRS) offered full protection during the side impact.
The Citroen C3 received deductions for poor markings of the ISOFIX anchorages, and the absence of an airbag warning when a child restraint system is installed in the front passenger seat. All seating positions are equipped with 3-point seatbelts.
Pedestrian Protection
The C3 achieved a relatively higher score of 50 percent (23.88 points) in pedestrian protection. It offered ‘good’, ‘marginal’, and ‘adequate’ protection in most areas. However, it scored poorly in head protection around the windscreen and A-pillars. The upper leg protection was rated ‘adequate to good’, while the lower leg protection was rated ‘marginal to good’.
Safety Assist
The C3 received 35 percent (15 points) for safety assist. It was penalized for lacking important safety features according to the Latin NCAP. While the Brazil-spec C3 had a seatbelt reminder for the driver, it did not meet the Latin NCAP requirements. Additionally, the C3 lacked advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and speed limitation devices.
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Citroen C3 in India
The Citroen C3 was launched in India in mid-2022 as the second model from Citroen. It has not yet been tested by any NCAP agency, but it may receive a rating once the Bharat NCAP is implemented by the end of 2023. The C3 is available in three variants – Live, Feel, and Shine – with prices ranging from Rs 6.16 lakh to Rs 8.92 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
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