|
Front and side impact rating |
 |
|
|
|
 |
Pedestrian test rating |
 |
|
|
|
Test Scores: Front 13(81%) Side 14(78%) Overall 28
Pedestrian 11(31%)
|
|
|
|
The C3 turned in a
sound all-round performance in Euro NCAP tests. Its body structure
survived well and the cabin suffered only minor deformation after the
frontal crash. What’s more, the seat belts and airbags worked
particularly well together to safeguard front occupants from chest
injuries. The C3 also protected them acceptably in the side impact,
but the optional head-protecting airbag would have further reduced the
risks of injury. However, the child restraints protected only
patchily. Protection for pedestrians was better than that given by
most other cars in this group. |
Impact
Protection
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Driver Front
Impact |
Passenger
Front Impact |
Driver Side
Impact |
|
Frontal
Impact
|
|
|
|
The body and airbag
restraint systems combined well to provide good levels of protection.
The low impact forces recorded for the driver and front passenger’s
chests were particularly welcome. But, as with any small car, it has
been difficult in the C3 to provide sufficient knee room to safeguard
the driver. In the C3, the steering column remains a hazard, but the
knee area has otherwise been cleared of danger. The rear centre safety
belt was three-point, which gives far better protection than that of a
lap-only belt. |
Side Impact
|
|
|
|
The C3 gave
acceptable protection. However, the back of the driver’s head hit the
door pillar. His chest came into contact with the wing of the seat and
the airbag, while his abdomen struck the door panel below the armrest. |
Child
Restraint
|
|
|
|
The C3 has an
on/off switch for the passenger frontal airbag for when a rear-facing
restraint is placed opposite it. A pictogram and text label on the
passenger’s end of the fascia explained how to use it, but did too
little to warn parents against placing a child rear-facing opposite an
active airbag. For the tests, The 3-year-old was placed in a
forward-facing restraint while the 18-month-old was in the same type
of restraint, rear-facing. Unfortunately, the 3-year-old’s head was
not well protected in any of the tests, but the 18-month-old was
protected in both. |
Pedestrian
Protection
|
|
|
|
Citroën has made
attempts with the C3 to protect pedestrians. The cushioning given by
its windscreen helped towards its two stars. |
Model
history and safety equipment
|
|
|
|
The C3 was
introduced during 2002. The ’03 model year includes driver and
passenger frontal and side airbags, front belt pre-tensioners and load
limiters. ISOFIX mountings are provided on the rear outer seats.
|
|
Make, model and
hand of drive |
Citroën C3 SX
1.4 Essence LHD |
|
Body type |
5-door
hatchback |
|
Model year |
2003 |
|
Kerb weight |
1020 kg |
|
VIN and date
when rating applies |
VF7FCHFXB26527647 |
|
Cars built on
the same platform |
none |
|
