IN the world of entertainment, award ceremonies are big business with television and silver screen aficianados seemingly never tiring of watching their favourites holding trophies.
These days, car connoisseurs, too, are well catered for when it comes to basking in the reflected glory of award-winners and, recently, a pair of Citroens have triumphed in the 2006 British Insurance Car Security Awards.
Picking up more points in the "theft of" and "theft from" tests than any of their rivals, Citroen's C4 Exclusive achieved a maximum double five-star rating in the Small Family Car category while the C3 Exclusive model triumphed in the City Car/Supermini sector.
These awards recognise the advances made by car makers in improving theft resistance and are organised by Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre which tests and rates all new cars in conjunction with the British Motor Insurers and Department of Transport.
Although laminated glass, one of the Thatcham key areas for maximum points in the car security stakes, was not fitted as standard in this C3 VTR, standard-fit deadlocks, superior high frequency alarm systems, central locking with anti-theft alarm and carefully designed door locks all contributed to ensuring that this particular Citroen was a high security zone..
The Citroen C3 comes with seven Euro IV compliant engines - four petrol in 1.1-litre 61bhp, 1.4-litre 75bhp, 1.4-litre 90bhp and 1.6-litre 110bhp form, with diesel urge coming via 1.4-litre 170bhp HDi, 1.6-litre 92bhp HDi and the car driven here, the 1.6-litre 110bhp HDi 16-valver.
There are six trim level options on offer, L, Desire, SX, Exclusive, XTR and the sporty VTR, each providing a progressively more generous level of standard kit, although the entry level L model was perhaps a little disappointing only including electric front windows, "guide-me-home" headlamps, twin rear fogs, trip computer, power assisted steering and his and hers front airbags, while driver safety aids include the latest braking systems.
However, resplendent in Citroen's Sport exterior styling body kit, the VTR model driven here adds air con, electric door mirrors, leather-trimmed steering wheel and chrome effect gearknob, RDS stereo sound system with CD while driver safety aids include steering wheel-mounted radio controls and electronic stability program (ESP).
The Mini MPV-like driving position combines well with the driver's seat height adjust and two-way movement of the tiller to provide an agreeable driving environment in a cabin that has an airy feel to it courtesy of the dome-like roof.
The VTR sports seats are supportive and comfortable in a clean cut cabin - although some drivers may perhaps find the digital instruments take a little getting used to.
However, while there are a number of places in which to store items, such as useful drawers under the front seats, a lockable glovebox and large capacity door storage bins front and rear, boot sapce is not over generous at 282 litres with all seats taken, although the 60/40 split rear seat does extend a little the luggage bay's practicality.
This C3 is mounted on 16-inch Cheetah alloys and is a competent performer.The 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine fits well with the five-speed manual transmission to get the best out of its 110bhp, 0-62mph coming in well under ten seconds and top speed is claimed 118mph.
There is some meaty mid-range torque handy from 1,750rpm to assist in overtaking and the economy is outstanding at an average of 62.8mpg which gives plenty of ragne from a single, ten gallon tank.
FAST FACTS
Citroen C3 1.6 HDi VTR 5dr
Price: £13,260
Mechanical: 110bhp, 1,560cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 118mph
0-62mph: 9.5 secs
Combined mpg: 62.8
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 120g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust