The Citroen C3 Pluriel
Published: 30th May 2003
The use of digital multiplex technology allows many clever and intelligent features, some of which are specific to C3 Pluriel. For example, the air conditioning system is smart enough to recognise when the roof has been retracted and will automatically alter the flow of air to the passengers’ feet, while the rear screen demister cannot be activated when the roof and rear screen are stowed away.
Other useful multiplex-linked touches include the multi-function trip computer, automatic locking when the vehicle is moving, speed sensitive stereo volume, a plip location function and ‘black panel’ night time instrument lighting.
To help cope with the vagaries of the British weather, an ‘Automatic pack’ is available on 1.6i 16V models, offering automatic digital air conditioning, an air conditioned glovebox, heated door mirrors and automatic operation of the wipers and driving lights. Air conditioning is also available on 1.4i models, while an optional ‘Spider pack’ consists of storage covers and a stand for the roof arches as well as an all-weather cover for the car.
Safety And Security
In offering the highest standards of safety and security that you’d expect from one of the newest superminis, the unique design of the C3 Pluriel has incorporated special features that ensure that, with the arches in place, its behaviour in the event of an impact is similar to that of a traditional, closed car.
This has helped the C3 Pluriel to obtain ultra low ABI insurance group ratings: 4 for the 1.4i version and 6 for the 1.6i 16V. Here, the new Citroen model not only outshines convertible rivals like the 1.6 Ford StreetKa (7) or 1.6i Beetle Cabrio (11) but also normal superminis such as the 1.6 Ford Fiesta (7) and 1.6 Mini Cooper (8)
The roof arches of the C3 Pluriel are reinforced with built-in aluminium tubes, 4 mm thick and 55 mm in diameter, which provide a vital protective barrier for all passengers. Add in the C3 Pluriel’s high waistline and stiffened body shell, the windscreen pillars which have been reinforced with thick steel tubes, the integrated rollover bars in the rear seats and head restraints (40 mm in diameter), and there’s an extraordinarily high level of impact and rollover protection.
