CARS
The French have always made stylish, good-looking cars, but you can trust Citroen to give its creations a zesty twist.
Unlike the company's previous efforts, the new small hatch is a lot sturdier.
Just as cousin Peugeot has done much to set the 207 apart from the 206, the new C3 represents a major upgrade in perceived quality for Citroen. This is especially so for the car's interior, which has an almost premium feel about it.
The C3 has a gigantic windscreen that sweeps back into the roof, just like the one on the C4 Picasso MPV. For front occupants, the car appears to have a glass ceiling.
There is an extendable louvre inside to shield you from the sun. Otherwise, the windscreen offers an incredible view ahead, while the curvature of the ceiling offers extraordinary headroom. At times, the cabin feels like the inside of a bubble lift.
The boxier Honda Jazz may have a bit more space all round, but the C3 is not really lacking in this department, either.
The test car has a 1.6-litre 120bhp engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, which is fun and easy to use.
Singapore will likely be getting only the four-speed automatic version - not much of an improvement over the antiquated job found in the previous C3.
Chances are, the automatic car is not quite as sprightly as the manual version, given how this transmission has a way of dulling performance.
As a city car, the C3 is as you would expect it to be: extremely nimble, capable of squeezing into and out of the tightest spaces.
Surprisingly, it is pleasantly composed on the highways as well, riding with a distinctly big-car feel.
Despite its pint size, the car holds its own against the legion of Fiats and angry Alfa Romeos storming the autostrade.
When they flash their lights, rev the Citroen's spunky engine to stay ahead - which it will, right up to about 160kmh or so. (After that point, you will have to sheepishly raise an apologetic hand to let yet another expressive driver of an Italian car zoom by frantically.)
Slowing down to about 120kmh or so, the C3's cabin is hushed and comfortable.
Looking at the pretty picture, it is easy to mistake the C3 as another Mini contender.
But this little French number is not aimed at rivalling BMW's British marque. Citroen's upcoming uber-chic DS3 is designated for that job.
In Europe, the C3 goes up against the likes of the Renault Clio, Opel Corsa and Volkswagen Polo - cars which are not particularly popular in Singapore.
With clever styling and sensible packaging, this French number may just make a difference in its class.
That is, if Citroen gets the pricing right when the model debuts here in the second half of next year.
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