What if Citroën offered the C3 in an XTR version?

Adventure is inextricably linked to Citroën's DNA. From the motorised epics of the Yellow and Black Cruises to escapades in a 2CV Sahara or Méhari, the chevron brand has always known how to infuse its models with a sense of freedom and escape. While this spirit is now readily embodied in the SUV range such as the C3 Aircross or the C5 Aircross, it has also explored other avenues in the past. In 2002, Citroën unveiled a concept that hinted at a more adventurous version of its versatile city car: the C3 XTR. Launched a little later, it offered a distinctive look and some practical tips for leisure activities. While the new generation C3 has more assertive lines and a stance more reminiscent of the SUV world, the idea of a modern reinterpretation of this C3 XTR seemed natural to us. With passion, Citroën today offers you its vision of what this new C3 XTR could be, an invitation to imagine adventure every day.

The heritage of adventurers: the first Citroën C3 XTR

The first Citroën C3 XTR, launched in 2004 after a concept presentation in 2002, wasn't an off-roader, but rather a leisure and escape vehicle, capitalising on the friendly looks of the first-generation C3. It was distinguished by a specific aesthetic treatment that gave it a more robust look, ready to venture off the beaten track (or at least to appear so).

Visually, the C3 XTR has several distinctive features:

• Body protection: Wide, raw plastic strips surrounded the front and rear bumpers, wheel arches and side skirts. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, they effectively protected the paintwork from the minor dents and scratches that are common in city and country driving.

• Longitudinal roof rails: An essential element of the "outdoor" look, they allowed easy installation of roof racks, roof boxes or bike racks, increasing the vehicle's versatility for outdoor activities.

• Slight increase in ground clearance: Although modest, this increase made it easier to negotiate sunken roads or prominent speed bumps.

• Special wheels and fog lamps: These details complete the range and confirm the unique character of the XTR version.

Under the bonnet, the C3 XTR took over the petrol and diesel engines of the classic C3 without offering four-wheel drive. Its aim was not to be a pure 4x4, but to offer added style and versatility for active families or drivers who appreciated a different, more "leisurely" look. It was an interesting attempt to bring the adventurous spirit to a versatile city car, long before the current wave of urban crossovers.

New C3 XTR: our vision inspired by modern adventure

Looking at the new Citroën C3, it's hard not to notice its taller stance, sharper lines and horizontal bonnet, which already give it the look of a small SUV. This natural stylistic evolution led us to imagine what a contemporary XTR version might look like, based on the illustration we present to you.

Our proposal for the new C3 XTR incorporates the stylistic codes introduced by its predecessor, but adapts them to Citroën's current standards and design:

• Strong body protection: As with the original, the wheel arches, side skirts and front/rear bumpers would be generously protected by matt black (or possibly textured) plastic elements. In our illustration, these protections are particularly pronounced, emphasising the car's robustness and visually widening it. The design incorporates subtle graphic motifs into these bumpers, adding a touch of modernity.

• Specific bumpers: The front bumper has a redesigned lower section, reminiscent of a skid plate, in a contrasting colour (here Aluminium Grey) to reinforce the SUV look. The fog light housings could also be given a special treatment, perhaps with a coloured rim to liven things up, as seen in our preview with orange touches. The rear bumper would follow a similar logic.

• Possibly more ground clearance: While the new C3 already has a higher ride height than its predecessor, an XTR version could benefit from a few extra millimetres to enhance its looks and slightly improve its off-road capabilities. However, this would remain within reasonable limits to maintain handling and accessibility.

• Functional Roof Bars: Essential to the XTR spirit, the roof would be topped by longitudinal roof bars, shown here in black. Not only would they be aesthetically pleasing, they would also be designed to accommodate genuine roof rack accessories. A two-tone roof, as shown (black roof), would reinforce the customisable and adventurous character.

• Exclusive wheels and badges: Custom-designed alloy wheels, possibly two-tone diamond-cut as shown in our image, would add the finishing touch to the exterior. Discreetly placed "XTR" badges (e.g. on the front wings or tailgate) would emphasise the identity of this version.

• Additional styling elements: Our illustration shows a large "CITROËN" graphic on the side sills, a bold nod that could be appealing. Contrasting colours (acid yellow, orange, etc.) and other details could be used to liven up the design.

Inside, we could imagine a specific ambience with upholstery in more durable and easy-care materials, colourful stitching to match the exterior accents and perhaps sturdy rubber mats. The practical aspects, so dear to Citroën, could be enhanced with additional storage space.

With the automotive market more than ever favouring vehicles with an adventurous look, and the new C3 laying solid stylistic foundations in this direction, the idea of a modern C3 XTR seems particularly relevant to us. It wouldn't compete directly with the C3 Aircross, which is positioned as a true small family SUV, but would offer a strong stylistic alternative within the C3 range.

This revisited C3 XTR would embody an accessible form of adventure, a versatile vehicle for everyday use but one that wouldn't shy away from a weekend getaway, all with a bold style that is true to Citroën's beloved spirit of innovation and escape. Although our suggestion is purely an enthusiast's creation, it illustrates the potential of the new C3 and brings back fond memories of the first XTR. It remains to be seen whether Citroën will dare to offer such a variant again to enrich its range and appeal to drivers looking for a city car that stands out from the crowd. At Passionnément Citroën, we want to believe it!