New Citroen C3 Hatchback: Fiesta Rival Officially Revealed, Sales Start in November

The first official photographs and details of the all-new C3 were published today ahead of the French supermini's public debut at the Frankfurt motorshow in September. Aimed squarely against the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio, Citroen's C3 will go on sale in most parts of Europe in early November with the UK following in the beginning of next year.

Like its predecessor, the new C3 will be offered exclusively as a five door hatch with Citroen planning to introduce a more premium three-door version of the car called DS3 in 2010 that will compete against the MINI.

On the outside, the new C3's styling is an evolution of the previous design, albeit more dynamic with a tauter profile and many new details including the front fascia that is inspired by the DS3 concept.

A unique feature of the 2010MY C3 is the oversized glass windscreen that extends well past the A-pillars offering plenty of light inside the cabin. According to Citroen, the progressively tinted windshield smoothes the transition from the strong sun protection above the front passengers to the standard clear glass for looking forwards.

If you've seen the interior shots of the DS3 pre-production concept, then you will be familiar with the C3's dashboard which is identical sans the trendy trim decor and leather surfacing. Overall, the C3's cabin looks funkier and much more upscale than the current model

At just 3.94m long and 1.71m wide, the new C3 is slightly larger than its predecessor and about the same size as the latest Ford Fiesta (3.95m and 1.72m), offering 300 litters of boot space along with numerous storage areas throughout the cabin.

From launch, the new supermini will be offered with a 90HP HDi diesel engine emitting just 99g/km C02 making it the first full production Citroen to emit less than 100g/km.

Citroen did not disclose details on the rest of the range but the French automaker said that it plans to introduce a new generation of engines incorporating a second-generation Stop & Start system in 2011 that will include diesel versions emitting as little as 90g/km C02 and three-cylinder petrol engines with less than 100g/km C02.