Citroën sold the C3 Pluriel from 2003 to 2010 as a convertible with five open-top variations, which is where the name comes from — Pluriel is French for plural. It was developed as a turnkey project by Italdesign and assembled only in Spain.
Citroën C3 Pluriel at a glance
| Maker | Citroën, assembled in Spain |
|---|---|
| Production | July 2003–July 2010 |
| Based on | Citroën C3 |
| Developed by | Italdesign |
| Roof configurations | five |
| Engines | 1.4 and 1.6 petrol; 1.4 diesel |
| Gearbox | 1.6 petrol with automated manual as standard |
| Boot trick | roof assembly folds into a well in the boot floor |
| Known problem | the roof tended to let in water |
Based on one source: the Pluriel is described in a section of the English Wikipedia article on the C3, and no free photograph of the Pluriel was among the candidates, so the record keeps its existing cover image.
History of the Citroën C3 Pluriel
A convertible that is also a pickup
The C3 Pluriel can be configured as a hatchback with a multi-layer insulated top; as a full-length landaulet, opened partially or back to the rear window at any stage, with a wind deflector over the windscreen; as a fixed-profile convertible with the roof open to the back window, the roof assembly folding into a well in the boot floor; as a full convertible with the roof side rails unlatched and removed; and as a roadster pickup, with the rear seats folded into a pickup-style bed and a drop-down tailgate.
Engines and the roof problem
The car was introduced in July 2003 with a choice of 1.4 or 1.6 petrol and a 1.4 diesel engine; the 1.6 petrol came as standard with an automated manual gearbox. The roof, however, tended to let in water, and using the car as a full convertible meant leaving the roof rails behind with no protection if the weather turned. Its roof design was criticised on the Top Gear special The Worst Car in the History of the World. The Pluriel was withdrawn in July 2010.
Design and features
- Five configurations: hatchback, landaulet, fixed-profile convertible, full convertible and roadster pickup.
- Roof into the boot: the assembly folds into a well in the boot floor.
- Italdesign project: developed turnkey by Giorgetto Giugiaro’s company.
- Pickup mode: rear seats fold to make a bed with a drop-down tailgate.
Citroën C3 Pluriel versions
- C3 Pluriel 1.4 petrol: the smaller engine.
- C3 Pluriel 1.6 petrol: automated manual gearbox as standard.
- C3 Pluriel 1.4 diesel: the economy choice.
The Pluriel was the open version of the C3, and its closest rival in size is the C2. More cars are in the Citroën collection.
Video: Mini Cooper Cabrio vs. Citroen C3 Pluriel 1.6: Kleine Cabrios im Vergleich
Video by Motorvision Deutschland on YouTube.
Sources
- Citroën C3, English Wikipedia: Pluriel section: dates, configurations, engines, roof criticism
