All posts by Macfivenews

Motoring and travel journalist, opinionated gob on a stick
Citroen, Manufacturer, Supermini

Fun, funky and a real supermini alternative

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Citroen C3 Flair

By Bill McCarthy

Standing out in the ferociously competitive supermini sector takes some doing, inhabited as it is by some fine cars. But Citroen has never had much trouble in that area and the latest C3 continues that in spades with a funky new makeover.

Quirky, could often be code for different but rubbish, but not in the case of the French firm, which always prided itself on offering an attractive alternative to the mainstream.

This latest model retains that funky individuality for those looking for an alternative with a raft of styling changes, 97 colour customisation combinations available and 11 driver assistance systems.

There are seven body colours available which can be mated with a choice of four bi-tone roof colours and a choice of colour for the  three roof decals.

While still a small hatchback, it has the look of a mini SUV, with redesigned LED light clusters and the rubber airbumps, first seen on its sibling the Cactus, large alloys and repurposed signature Citroen chevrons. It has a real road presence for such a small car.

As well as a styling accessory, the airbumps have a functional purpose, protecting bodywork from the likes of runaway supermarket trolleys.

The styling continues inside with colourful touches such as door pulls, contrasting door bins, and a generally funky layout. It features newly-designed and comfortable ‘Advance Comfort’  padded seats which give the impression of sitting in an armchair.

A central seven-inch touchscreen controls navigation, infotainment and smartphone connectivity, whether Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, while USB and Aux connectivity is also provided. General switchgear is logical and less fiddly than on previous models, while binnacle features an instrument cluster with white LCD and analogue gauges and satin chrome surround. Many functions are also housed within the multi adjustable, multi-function steering wheel.

The dash is finished in a faux wood veneer and fittings are of a solid plastic rather than soft touch materials, but gives a neat individual touch.

 On the road, the three cylinder 1.2 litre engine has plenty of character and grunt. The raspy three pot responds well to the touch of the accelerator, whether dashing around city streets for longer runs on the motorway. Mated to a slick six speed gearbox, the 1199cc power unit propels it 60 mph in 10.5 seconds with impressive economy approaching 50mpg, when driven most economically.

Despite the throaty rasp of the three cylinders, it feels pretty refined with suspension on the soft side for passenger comfort and noise generally suppressed, although there is some intrusion from the large 17-inch wheels. So the handling is not quite as sharp as some competitors, although barely noticeable to your average driver. Light steering however does mean the car is very manoeuvrable, particularly when parking.

In practical terms, space for front occupants is good with decent head and legroom, but it is tight in the back for adults for any lengthy journey. Boot space is also generous with 300 litres available, expanding to 992 litres with the rear seats folded.

This range-topping model, at more than £20k, offers plenty for your money with 17-inch alloy wheels, dark tinted rear windows, Citroën Connect Navigation system, power folding door mirrors, auto air conditioning, automatic rain-sensing front windscreen wipers, automatic lights, and Welcome and ‘Follow-me-home’ headlights and reversing camera and sensors, auto wipers, automatic lights, and Welcome and ‘Follow-me-home’ headlights

It has comprehensive safety features including, assisted braking, driver attention alert, collision alert, auto headlights, six airbags, lane departure warning, speed sign recognition and coffee break alert.

It’s quite a package for the money and for those looking for something a bit different . . . 

Factfile

Citroën C3 Flair Plus PureTech 110 

Price: £20,010 

Mechanical: 110hp, 1199cc, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol-driven engine with six-speed manual transmission

Max speed: 121mph

0-62mph: 10.5 seconds

Combined MPG: 42.4-50.1mpg 36.7

Insurance group: 16

C02 emissions: 123g/km

Bik rating: 29%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Travel, Travel news

Brewing up a Nile cruise special

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 Ancient Abydos site a must see for tourists

A 5,000-year-old brewery is maybe not what you would expect to find on a luxurious Nile cruise, but it is ancient and exciting stop off for holidaymakers heading to Egypt with tour operator Discover Egypt.

The country is a nation that excels in outdoor museums and has long been a firm favourite for British holidaymakers looking to combine what the ancients left behind and winter sunshine. 

To plan a trip for September this year or next, Discover Egypt is offering cruises which stop off at Abydos, where an ancient brewery has just been discovered.  

The five-star luxury Steigenberger Senator provides a high standard of comfort and service, featuring 17 suites, all with large panoramic sliding windows that open onto an outdoor terrace. Specialist Discover Egypt offer a selection of 11-night and 14-night Nile cruises to choose from starting in Cairo and ending in Luxor or vice versa. All cruises include return flights from Heathrow, transfers in resort and the full board cruises with guided excursions as per the programme.

An Egyptian-American team of archaeologists have unearthed what could be the world’s oldest known beer factory, dating back about 5,000 years. The brewery in Abydos, an ancient burial ground in the desert, is likely to date back to the era of King Narmer who founded the First Dynasty and is considered to have unified Egypt, over 5,000 years ago. 

The Steigenberger Senator offers outside luxury and a chance to see ancient Egyptian wonders

The brewery consisted of eight large areas, each 20m (65ft) long and each containing about 40 earthenware pots arranged in two rows where a mixture of grains and water were heated to produce about 22,400 litres (5,000 gallons) of beer at a time.

The brewery may have been built to supply the royal rituals that were taking place inside the funeral facilities of the kings of Egypt.

Abydos is one of the oldest cities of ancient Egypt and houses vast cemeteries and temples.

The area is in the southern province of Sohag, in Upper Egypt, also home to the city of Luxor, one of the country’s most popular tourist sites.

Highlights when cruising from Cairo on the 14-night long Nile cruises include the the Pyramids and Sphinx as well as Beni Suef, Minya, Beni Hassan, Tel El, Amarna, Assuit, Sohag, Abydos, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan and Abu Simbel. This cruise provides the best way to visit Lower, Middle and Upper Egypt’s outstanding pyramids, temples, tombs, museums and monuments.

Abydos’ proximity to Luxor means that visitors choosing the classic 7-night Nile cruises or Luxor hotel stays can also opt for an additional excursion to Abydos from £95 per person. Seven nights staying at the Sonesta St George hotel in Luxor in September costs from £899 per person in a twin room with breakfast, return scheduled flights and transfers.

Prices for the 11-night Ultimate Long Cruise start from £3, 185 per person and £3,845 for the longer 14-nights itinerary, based on two adults sharing a cabin on full board, plus the excursions escorted by an Egyptologist. A drinks package can also be booked in advance for £33 per person per night to include locally produced mineral water, soft drinks, tea and coffee as well as wines, beer and spirits. All drinks are served between 11 am to 11 pm. 

To plan a trip, call Discover Egypt on 0207 407 2111, visit www.discoveregypt.co.uk have published an itinerary, dates and prices for their Ultimate Long Cruise , which stop off at Abydos.