Our long term C3 HDi was finally returned to its home recently, much to my dismay. This practical, extremely fuel-efficient and drivable C3 was overall my favourite car.

In closing, I will delve a little further into the technicalities that make this diesel such a brilliant choice when looking for a vehicle in this segment of the market.

This C3 combines the unique style, innovative engineering and advanced technology of the famous HDi diesel engine. The 1.4-litre 8-valve power plant boasts the latest generation common-rail direct injection diesel system and turbo expertise with significantly reduced noise, vibration, and superb pulling power at low engine speeds. At R129 995 the C3 HDi is the most affordable diesel car available locally - offering a rare combination of lively performance and exemplary fuel consumption with the advantage of diesel durability and low maintenance costs.

The C3 HDi delivers 50kW of power at 4 000rpm with 150Nm of torque available at only 1 750rpm. Diesel consumption is extremely frugal; with our test car returning a mere 4.3 l/100 km on the Total Economy run 2004. The Citroen sprints to 100km/h in 13.23 seconds and onto a top speed of 165km/h. With a standing quarter mile time of 19.33 seconds and exit speed of 118.29, the C3 HDi is certainly impressive in this segment of the market.

The C3 offers an individualistic shape, bright and roomy interior, as well as an extraordinary list of standard comfort and safety features which include electric power steering, two airbags, air conditioning, a front-loading CD player, height-adjustable driver and passenger seats, digital instrumentation, a steering wheel adjustable for rake and reach, side impact protection, pre-tensioners for the safety belts, central locking and immobiliser with key transponder. Further standard features include a dash mounted child lock, dash mounted speed warning button, dash mounted central locking, which automatically locks on first pull off and the CD/tuner has steering switch controls.

The boot space is ample, and a family of five will comfortably travel on urban and extra urban trips. The C3 insists on the driver wearing a seatbelt, with an incessant beeping until the driver buckles up. I have noticed that not many vehicles in any segment have this feature, which could save your life. The C3 was the first Citroën to be fitted with the new-generation HDi engines developed through an agreement between PSA Peugeot Citroën and Ford. The combination of low fuel consumption, silent operation, superb driving pleasure and excellent environmental performance with compact dimensions is not usually associated with engines of this capacity.

The technological advances in the C3 HDi motor encompass the design of the cylinder head, the common-rail high-pressure direct injection system, and turbo-charging. A single rail supplies all four injectors with diesel fuel at very high pressure, varying between 250 and 1 400 bar. Timing and quantity of fuel supplied is calculated by the electronically controlled injectors and the piston tops are specially designed for valve clearance, the central dome and cavity creating the swirl. The injectors ensure uniform fuel spray.

Fuel consumption is further enhanced by the lightweight 98kg HDi mill, which is manufactured with extensive use of aluminium alloys and composite materials. The pressure-cast aluminium cylinder block has cast-iron bearings and sleeves inserted during the casting process.

The cylinder head comprises two sections: A lower gravity-cast section and an upper section bearing the pressure-cast camshaft. Sintered cams are fitted onto the steel shaft, reducing the total engine assembly weight by 30 percent.

The intake manifold, cylinder head cover, water inlet and outlet housings are manufactured from composite materials. The crankshaft, rods and pistons have been designed to reduce size and weight, a method used more commonly in small, high-performance petrol engines.

Finger followers, and a fine, high-precision fuel spray from the high-pressure CRD injection system contributes greatly to the effective management of fuel consumption control valves.

The HDi is extremely quiet due to the elaborate shape of the cylinder block, combined with the use of precise ribbing to stiffen the lower part, which endows the power plant with remarkable noise and vibration control.

The exhaust, air-intake and other accessories take up less space creating a compact engine design, which increases passenger protection. The C3 HDi motor already exceeds stringent European exhaust emissions standards set for 2008.

With oil changes every 10 000km, air filter changes every 60 000km and major service required at 20 000km intervals, maintenance costs are low. The timing belt only needs replacement at 230 000km.

All new Citroëns are now covered by a three-year or 100 000km factory warranty, which includes paintwork, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. A 2-year / 60 000 km service plan is available as an option. Page: 1 of 2 - next