Panoramic windscreen in Citroen an extra

C3's Zenith windscreen stretches over the driver's head. Photo / Supplied

French carmaker Citroen calls the panoramic windscreen in its new C3 hatchback the "Zenith", as in the sky directly overhead.

But drivers of the standard model C3 will be looking at regular roof lining when the car arrives in New Zealand next year - because the Zenith is an optional extra only.

The windscreen takes pride of place on the new model and stretches dramatically over the driver's head, offering a panoramic field of vision and creating an airy and light ambience in the cabin.

A progressive tint on the huge slab of glass provides occupants with optimum UV protection, too, says the carmaker.

Style is again at the top of the agenda with Citroen. The mini hatchback C3 gets new soft-touch materials and a dashboard shared with the more upmarket DS3 concept to take the interior to a new level in terms of perceived quality.

The C3 gets improved sound insulation and an integrated air-freshener to compliment its greener credentials.

An entry-level turbo-diesel engine will emit just 99g/km of CO2 exhaust emissions, Citroen's first sub-100g/km production car.

Stop/Start technology is also expected to be available on the diesel to pull CO2 down to around 90g/km. A next-generation three-cylinder petrol unit will be offered with less than 100g/km.

The C3 will be launched in Europe in November. New Zealand and Australia will get it around June next year, when specifications and prices will be announced.