It's smooth, funky and one of the most eagerly-awaited cars of the year. Citroen's C3 hatchback, which arrives this spring, slots naturally into the Citroen line-up between Saxo and Xsara, with looks that hark back to the 2CV and technology that places it at the cutting edge.

The C3 achieves its individual style from an innovative design that features two arches running the length of the body with a rounded, flowing roofline.

The Citroen C3 offers impressive interior space, reflected in its width (1.67m) and height (1.52m), which are exceptional for a vehicle of this length (3.85m). Its unique design will ensure that occupants benefit from more head, leg and elbow room than in most other rivals.

The C3 will be the first Citroen to feature the new 70 horsepower 1.4 HDi and 92 horsepower 1.4 16V HDi direct injection diesel engines that have been developed jointly by PSA Peugeot Citroen and Ford. They will be joined by two petrol powerplants -- a 75 horsepower 1.4i unit and a 110 horsepower 1.6i 16V unit -- while a sequential automatic gearbox will also be available Making life on board more comfortable, more relaxed and safer, the Citroen C3's specification will include the availability of a large, electrically-operated glass sunroof and automatic air conditioning.

A rear parking sensor, automatic rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, 'black panel' night-time instrument lighting and automatic activation of the hazard warning lights under heavy braking are just some of the features made possible by multiplex wiring.

In the huge load area, Citroen has scored another first with the introduction of the 'Moduboard' boot, designed to separate the boot into compartments and offering many different layout possibilities.

When it is not required, the 'Moduboard' can be stored against the back of the rear seats for increased convenience.