What engine is equipped in the Citroen C3-XR?

[DeThomas]

Citroen C3-XR is equipped with a 1.2T turbocharged engine and a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, with maximum power outputs of 100kW and 86kW respectively, and peak torques of 230Nm and 150Nm respectively. The 1.2T turbocharged engine is paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Citroen C3-XR is a car produced by Dongfeng Citroen, based on the concept car CXR and adopting Citroen's ARTECH design language. The double horizontal chrome-plated grille makes the front look wider and thicker, and it is just connected with the internal decorative strips of the headlights, enhancing the sense of integration. The rear of the Citroen C3-XR features relatively rounded line designs, creating a visual contrast with the front. Additionally, both the front and rear are equipped with bottom edge protective panels to enhance the SUV style.

[GiaLee]

I remember when I worked at a 4S dealership a couple of years ago, the Citroën C3-XR mainly came with two engine options. The primary one was the 1.2T three-cylinder turbocharged engine, codenamed EB2. This small-displacement engine was quite interesting—136 horsepower was more than enough for the compact car, with city fuel consumption just over 6L/100km. The older model also had a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, but it felt noticeably sluggish, and when you stepped hard on the gas, the engine noise from the bay was as loud as a tractor. Last year, while helping a friend look for a used C3-XR, I noticed that the post-2018 1.6L versions even had downgraded specs, with 4 fewer horsepower than the earlier models—likely adjusted to meet China's National VI emission standards. If buying used, pay special attention to oil consumption issues, especially in older 1.6L engines with over 100,000 km, as aging valve stem seals are a common problem.

[VanPresley]

My 2015 C3-XR with the 1.6L naturally aspirated engine has given me eight years of firsthand experience. This engine, codenamed EC5, shares its roots with the one in the Citroën C4. It's adequate for city commuting but don't expect any thrilling acceleration. When climbing hills with the AC on during summer, the RPM easily shoots up to 4000, producing a heartbreaking roar. The belt has been improved, but cold starts still produce a metallic squeaking sound - replacing it with an OEM belt typically lasts about two years. During last year's maintenance, the mechanic mentioned the turbo version is actually more worry-free. The 1.2T engine uses a timing chain that never needs replacement, though changing spark plugs requires removing the intake pipe which is quite a hassle.

[OBlakely]

Friends who are into modifications have studied the C3-XR's engine bay and found that the 1.2T turbocharged version has considerable potential. Upon removing the intake manifold, you can see the innovative dual-channel fuel injection system, which operates with a single injector at low loads for super fuel efficiency. A simple ECU remap can easily push it to 150 horsepower, but be mindful of the abrupt turbo engagement, as the factory tuning deliberately suppresses low-end torque. Interestingly, the oil drain plug on this engine is particularly delicate—last time during DIY maintenance, it nearly got stripped. It's recommended to have this done at a specialized repair shop.